Water/Wastewater Operator

KEEWAYTINOOK OKIMAKANAK•Thunder Bay, ON

1d•Hybrid

About The Position

Keewaytinook Okimakanak (KO), meaning ‘Northern Chiefs’ in Oji-Cree, is a non-political Chiefs Council serving six First Nations communities. Governed by the Chiefs of these member First Nations, KO provides advisory and assistance services. The Public Works team collaborates with First Nations public works managers and staff on technical infrastructure, including water and wastewater management, power, and major capital projects. This role involves performing operational tasks and maintenance for assigned water and wastewater facilities, ensuring safe and efficient treatment processes, routine maintenance, and regulatory compliance.

Requirements

Minimum Class II Water Treatment Operator Certificate; Class I Wastewater License
Possess and demonstrate a strong mechanical aptitude, and is familiar with various types of tools
Demonstrated problem-solving and troubleshooting skills and a willingness to develop and grow these on the job
Proactively, or by management request, participate in training to maintain the employee’s Water Certification and/or Wastewater License
Experience working with First Nation communities and people
Clean Driver's Abstract will be needed to operate company vehicles

Nice To Haves

Training and certification in Confined Space Entry (CSE), Working at Heights, First Aid, Lock-Out Tag-Out, WHMIS, Transportation of Dangerous Goods are considered strong assets
Good working understanding of the latest technologies in the Water and Wastewater industry
Post Secondary School Technical Training would be an asset

Responsibilities

Perform all operational tasks and maintenance (preventative and corrective) duties for assigned facilities, including daily rounds, system monitoring, housekeeping, regulatory sampling, and deliveries to the lab.
Communicate effectively using strong oral and written skills to describe operational items to the public, clients, government agencies, suppliers, contractors, and internal staff.
Ensure compliance with all applicable legislation, regulations, approvals, orders, and guidelines.
Adjust, inspect, and evaluate process performance and equipment to optimize efficiency and effectiveness according to established procedures.
Operate, monitor, and repair surface Water Treatment Plants, Distribution and Supply Systems, Pumping Stations, and Reservoirs, including PLCs, instrumentation, control systems, monitoring systems, pressure tanks, filtration systems, analyzers, and appurtenances.
Operate, monitor, and repair wastewater treatment plants of varying complexity, including RBCs, Lagoons, Septic Systems, Sewage Pumping Stations, and manholes.
Troubleshoot equipment malfunctions independently, perform necessary repairs using manuals, and seek input from peers via telephone or computer (Teams, Skype, Zoom).
Collect regulatory water and wastewater samples (bacteriological, chemical, effluent) with proper Chain of Custodies and transport them to laboratories.
Conduct in-house laboratory work using handheld monitors (colorimeters, spectrophotometers).
Carry out process changes to optimize treatment performance.
Comply with the on-call rotation schedule, including evenings, weekends, and statutory holidays, and respond to alarms at various sites.
Interpret Process Flow Diagrams (PFDs) and Process and Instrumentation Drawings (P&IDs), review, create, or update Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), and assist with asset data collection for CMMS.
Maintain logs and records pertaining to system performance and conditions according to procedures and regulatory requirements.
Assist in maintaining a safe work environment by using appropriate PPE and completing required Health and Safety training.
Promote a positive working environment and maintain a professional approach with clients, establishing and maintaining relationships between KO and its member First Nations.