Chippewa of the Thames First Nation is accepting applications for the position of:

Water/Wastewater Operator

Posting Date: October 26, 2023

Closing Date: November 16, 2023, 4:00pm EST (Late submissions will not be accepted)

SUMMARY:

The Water/Wastewater Operator will be responsible for assisting in the operation and maintenance of the communal water and sewage systems. He/She will work closely with the existing staff to ensure that portable water is available for community residents and that the effluent from the sewage treatment facility meets the accepted standards.

SCOPE:

Under the supervision of the Water Superintendent, the Water/Wastewater Operator performs a variety of operations, controls and maintains functions at Chippewas of the Thames water and wastewater treatment plant facilities. The Water/Wastewater Operator demonstrates a full understanding of all applicable policies and work methods associated with assigned duties and assists with basic laboratory testing and sample collections.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
Overall: The Water and Sewage Treatment Operator shall be responsible for assisting with the operation and maintenance of the following:
• Water treatment plant and associated equipment
• Well supply system
• Elevated water storage tank
• Watermain, values, service connections, hydrants and any other infrastructure associated with the water distribution system
• Sewage treatment plant and associated equipment
• Pumping station and equipment
• Sewage mains, force mains, manholes, private drain connections and any other infrastructure associated with the sewage collection system

Communal Water System
1. Complete inspections of wells, pumping units, chlorine pumps, piping, vales and metering equipment;
2. Check reservoir storage levels, chlorine residuals and pressures throughout communal water system;
3. Check chlorine quantities and replenish when required;
4. Perform simple calculations to determine the amount of chlorine required to meet dosage requirement;
5. Record all data on log sheets in water treatment plant as well as entering data into Water Tracks system
6. Record and analyze total water flow rtes and chlorine usage on weekly basis
7. Perform simple laboratory tests for chlorine residual, colour, ph, and turbidity. Based on result make adjustments to equipment and chlorine.
8. Collect water samples to be sent to an approved laboratory for testing for bacterial levels and other parameters as per the Ontario drinking Water Objectives.
9. Undertake safety measure such as checking the safety of equipment utilized in the operation of the communal water system.
10. Undertake training in occupation health and safety including Workplace Hazardous Material Information system (WHIMIS)
11. Report any safety concerns or deficiencies to the departmental supervisor

Communal Sewage System
1. Ensures all equipment at the sewage treatment plant and pumping station are operating within established guidelines;
2. Completes daily inspections of the various process units in the sewage treatment plant and pumping station to ensure proper operation;
3. Operates and/or adjusts process systems to ensure proper effluent quality is being achieved;
4. Records all data on log sheets in sewage treatment plant;
5. Collects effluent samples to be sent to an approved laboratory for testing;
6. Responds to concerns from community members regarding issues related to the communal water and sewage systems;
7. Undertakes safety measures such as checking the safety of equipment utilized in the operation of the communal sewage system;

Preventative Maintenance (Communal Water and Sewage Systems)
1. Maintains interior of plants by cleaning floors, walls and any other surfaces;
2. Places tools, chemicals and any other pieces of equipment in proper location to ensure neat and tidy appearance and protect equipment;
3. Cleans up any spills that may occur in the water or sewage plant;
4. Cuts grass and removes snow in and around all building and appurtenance of the communal water and sewage systems as required;
5. Complete maintenance painting as required;

Professional Accountability and Development
1. Successfully completes examinations for operator in training and level one for water treatment, water distribution, sewage treatment and sewage collection;
2. Attends workshops and training courses as directed by departmental supervisor;
3. Assists in the coordination and monitoring of various contractors that may be performing work on the communal water and sewage systems;
4. Liaises with community members as required;
5. Maintains confidentiality at all times and ensures the safeguard of files;
6. Understands role and responsibility in maintaining a safe workplace and reducing workplace injuries;
7. Keeps current on organizational policies and procedures, relevant legislation and their updates;
8. Completes training to meet organizational needs as identified for the position and as an employee of Chippewa of the Thames First Nation;

Disclaimer – This list is meant to be representative, not exhaustive. Some incumbents may perform related duties as assigned by immediate supervisor or designate. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform job duties.

QUALIFICATIONS:
1. O.S.S.D., GED, or equivalent;
2. Operator-In-Training with willingness to obtain Operator-In-Charge certification;
3. Post secondary education considered an asset;
4. Valid G Driver’s license, minimum, higher classes considered an asset;
5. Transportation of Dangerous Goods, WHMIS, First Aid/CPR Certification;
6. A registered member of a First Nation as per Section 16(1) of the Human Rights Act is preferred.

KNOWLEDGE:
• Knowledge of modern water and wastewater treatment principles, practices, methods and procedures;
• Knowledge of materials and equipment used in a full range of water and wastewater treatment operations, maintenance and repair activities;
• Knowledge of methods and precautions in storing and handling a variety of chemicals;
• Knowledge of elements of construction technology as they relate to water and wastewater treatment plant facilities and equipment construction, maintenance and repair activities;
• Knowledge of methods and precautions in storing and handling a variety of chemicals;
• Knowledge of functions and purposes of water / wastewater treatment systems;
• Strong working knowledge of the training and evaluation, in addition to safe work practices;
• Knowledge of basic water and sewage treatment process, chemistry and mathematics;
• General knowledge of mechanical equipment;
• Knowledge of general construction practices related to infrastructure projects;
• General knowledge of health and safety regulations as well as regulations relating to the operation of water and sewage treatment plants in the province of Ontario.

SKILLS:
• Capable of troubleshooting;
• Strong problem identification and problem solving skills;
• Effective written and verbal communication skills;
• Excellent time management skills;
• High level of sound and independent judgment and reasoning;
• Mechanically and electrically inclined;
• Computer literate in MS Office;

ABILITIES:
• Ability to work in fast paced environment;
• Ability to operate and maintain a variety of water and wastewater treatment plant equipment;
• Ability to interpret and implement company policies and procedures;
• Demonstrated ability to exercise necessary cost control measures;
• Ability to analyze and evaluate potential problems and develop an action plan to solve problems;
• Ability to communicate effectively on matters related to operation and maintenance of the water and sewage treatment plant and their related infrastructure;
• Ability to assist in the planning and organizing of the operations and maintenance of the communal water and sewage treatment systems by determining short and long-term objectives.

ATTRIBUTES:
• Initiative and good judgment in dealing with community members, Chief and Council, outside agencies and contractors and other First Nation Staff;
• Must able a self-starter and capable of working under minimal supervision;
• Must have reliable transportation;
• Willingness to complete training and study manual for certification up Class 1 levels in water and sewage treatment system operations;
• Must be punctual, reliable and conscientious;
• Flexible;
• Collaborative;
• Member/Client Focused;
• Technical Capacity.

WORKING CONDITIONS: This job operates in a professional office environment. This role routinely uses standard office equipment such as computers, phones, photocopiers, filing cabinets and fax machines. Interacts with staff, visitors, government agencies/personnel. There is some
outdoor work and the incumbent may encounter various elemental conditions; e.g. rain, snow, heat, cold, etc.

PHYSICAL EFFORT: The position is a physically strenuous and demanding job. The incumbent lifts heavy objects, pulls, walks, stands and climbs, operates equipment routinely. Also, the position necessitates the transportation and handling of potentially dangerous materials. The incumbent may be required to work at heights, in confined spaces, and in inclement weather conditions. And with associated risks involved with field specimen and sample collection. Manual dexterity required to operate and calibrate field equipment, tools, and computer peripherals.

MENTAL EFFORT: There is extended periods of concentration and attention to detail. There are occasional stressful situations in meeting deadlines.

Work Hours: The Water/Wastewater Operator shall work a regular eight (8) hour shift daily scheduled between Monday to Sunday. He/she will be on call when off duty and will be required to carry a pager for response to any potential emergency situations that may arise on weekends or after hours. Some travel may be required for training purposes.

Work Location: Chippewa of the Thames First Nation, Water Plant, 30 Kettle Creek Place; Wastewater Plant, 326 Chippewa Road.

Indigenous Female Applicants encouraged to apply.

Full training is provided!

*Hiring of Indigenous people will be given preference, please identify*

Please submit your cover letter and resume, in confidence to the attention of:
Kate Arnold,
Human Resources Manager
COTTFN
320 Chippewa Road
Muncey, ON N0L 1Y0
hr@cottfn.com
We thank all candidates for applying; however only those selected for an interview will be contacted.
Accommodation is available on request for candidates taking part in all aspects of the selection process.