We are seeking certified subcontractor potable water specialists to join our team throughout Alberta. This role supports the province’s wildfire facilities and infrastructure to ensure they are in a constant state of preparedness. Services of potable water specialists will be required on an “as-needed” basis with no guarantee of work. Requests for services will be managed using a call rotation list during surge capacity periods when current resources are insufficient to meet service levels.

As a key member of our operations, you will be responsible for ensuring the safe and efficient operation of water treatment systems. Your expertise will contribute to maintaining clean and safe water supplies, protecting the environment, and providing essential services to communities in remote areas.

As a subcontractor, you will be responsible for providing your own cell phone for communications, vehicle, and basic personal protective equipment suitable for all weather conditions, meeting occupational health and safety requirements.

Responsibilities

Operation and Maintenance: Operate, monitor, and maintain water treatment systems according to established procedures and regulations. Ensure compliance with safety and environmental standards. Facilitate or supervise installs, upgrades, and repairs.

System Inspections: Conduct regular inspections of water facilities, including pumps, tanks, filters, and other equipment. Identify and address potential issues or malfunctions promptly. Perform, create, and recommend inspections and reporting processes. Available for review/inspection of existing potable water systems at various facilities.

Water Testing: Collect water samples, perform routine water quality tests, and analyze data to ensure compliance with regulatory requirements. Take appropriate corrective actions if necessary.

Emergency Response: Respond to and resolve emergencies, such as power outages, equipment failures, and chemical spills, ensuring minimal disruption to the water treatment processes.

Record-Keeping: Maintain accurate and detailed records of operational data, maintenance activities, and regulatory compliance reports using appropriate software systems.

Troubleshooting and Repairs: Identify equipment malfunctions and perform basic troubleshooting and repairs. Escalate complex issues to the appropriate personnel for resolution.

Compliance and Reporting: Stay up to date with regulatory requirements and ensure compliance with all applicable laws and regulations. Prepare and submit regulatory reports as required. Possess knowledge of Alberta regulations, guidelines, and legislation for drinking water.

Safety and Training: Follow all safety protocols and guidelines to maintain a safe work environment. Participate in ongoing training programs to enhance technical knowledge and stay updated on industry best practices.

Team Collaboration: Collaborate effectively with other team members, including operators, technicians, and supervisors, to achieve operational goals and maintain high standards of performance.

Leadership and Project Management: Higher certified operators are responsible for project initiation, site assessments, and training. They will lead field operational responsibilities, demonstrating familiarity with storage tanks, pumps, flow meters, wells, etc.

Qualifications

Education: High school diploma or equivalent. Post-secondary education in water treatment, environmental sciences, or a related field is preferred.

Certification: Valid certification as a Water Treatment Operator in Alberta.

Experience: Minimum of 2-3 years of experience in operating and maintaining potable water treatment systems, preferably in a remote or isolated location.

Knowledge: Strong understanding of potable water treatment processes, including knowledge of pumps, filters, disinfection methods, and chemical handling.

Technical Skills: Proficient in using computerized systems for data entry, record-keeping, and operational monitoring. Ability to use hand and power tools for basic repairs and maintenance tasks.

Problem-Solving Abilities: Demonstrated ability to identify, troubleshoot, and resolve operational issues efficiently and effectively.

Communication: Excellent verbal and written communication skills to effectively interact with team members, regulators, and other stakeholders.

Physical Stamina: Ability to work in physically demanding conditions, including outdoor work, lifting heavy equipment, and standing for extended periods.

Flexibility: Willingness to work on a rotational schedule in remote locations with minimal supervision, adhering to strict protocols and procedures.

Compensation

We offer a base pay of $40/hour plus uplift based on certification levels as shown in the table below. Amounts going horizontally across each discipline are not cumulative.

‍

‍

As an example, a certified operator with WT3/WD3/WWT2/WWC1 would earn $70.50 per hour = $30 (base) + $29.50 (WT3) + $4.50 (WD3) + $6 (WWT2) + $0.50 (WWC1).

Mileage will be paid in accordance with CRA reasonable per-kilometre allowance. For the year 2024, they are:

• $0.70 per kilometre for the first 5,000 kilometres driven

• $0.64 for every kilometre driven after that

Note: This job description is intended to provide a general overview of the responsibilities and qualifications required for the position. It is not exhaustive and may be subject to change based on organizational needs.

‍

Job Summary

We are seeking a certified Level 2 Water Treatment Operator to join our team for a potential opportunity for three locations in southern Alberta. One site is seasonal from April to October. As a key member of our operations, you will be responsible for ensuring the safe and efficient operation of potable water treatment systems. Your expertise will contribute to maintaining clean and safe water supplies, protecting the environment, and providing essential community services.

‍

Responsibilities

Operation and Maintenance

• Maintain, repair, install, and service water treatment process equipment including pumps (well turbine, submersible, peristaltic and centrifugal), pre-oxidization tank, coagulation unit, rapid mixer, flocculation unit, upflow clarifier, GAC Macrolite, cartridge filtration, rapid gravity sand filtration, UV disinfection and sodium hypochlorite feed system, evaporation lagoon and SCADA.
• Operational decisions may be required in the absence of supervisory personnel.
• Ensure daily operations comply with all applicable environmental legislation, licenses, and approvals across all systems. This involves pump control operation, process stream management, and chemical adjustment to ensure adequate treatment.
• Conduct regular maintenance routines, including cleaning and equipment checks, to maintain operational efficiency and reliability.

System Inspections and Monitoring

• Perform comprehensive inspections of facilities and equipment such as pumps, reservoirs, valves, tanks, gauges, meters, and distribution systems. This includes monitoring for leaks, damage, and ensuring the proper functioning of all components.
• Inspect the exterior of reservoirs, checking controls, valves, monitoring pressure, and water levels. Execute valve exercises and perform bi-annual inspections of air relief valves on transmission lines, accompanied by detailed inspection reports.

Water Testing and Quality Control

• Collect and analyze water samples from various points in the system, conducting routine water quality tests to ensure compliance with regulatory standards. This includes bacterial sampling, AEPA sampling for external laboratory submission, and routine water quality testing.
• Submit samples to accredited laboratories for analyses that cannot be completed on-site and take corrective actions as necessary based on test results.

Emergency Response and Troubleshooting

• Respond to emergencies such as power outages, equipment failures, and chemical spills with minimal disruption to processes. Address all alarms promptly and identify equipment malfunctions for troubleshooting and repairs, escalating complex issues as needed.

Record-Keeping and Data Analysis

• Maintain detailed records of operational data, maintenance activities, and regulatory compliance reports. This involves entering data into electronic spreadsheets, completing internal operational forms for statistical reporting, and weekly reporting to site authority.
• Analyze data to detect anomalies, establish baselines, and obtain operational insights. This includes trend data analysis for both water and wastewater systems.

Compliance, Reporting, and Coordination

• Stay updated with regulatory requirements, ensuring compliance across all operations. Prepare and submit necessary regulatory reports and immediately report any emergencies or instances of non-compliance.
• Coordinate with the County and consultants for any system expansions or improvements, ensuring alignment with strategic goals and compliance requirements.

Safety, Training, and Team Collaboration

• Adhere to safety protocols, participate in training programs to enhance technical knowledge, and stay abreast of industry best practices.
• Work collaboratively with team members, including operators, technicians, and supervisors, to achieve operational goals and maintain high performance standards.

‍

Qualifications

Education: High school diploma or equivalent. Post-secondary education in water/wastewater program, environmental sciences, or a related field is preferred.

Certification: Valid AEP (or equivalent) certification.

Experience: Minimum of three years of experience in related fields.

Knowledge: Strong understanding of water distribution processes including pumps, valves, reservoir, disinfection methods, and chemical handling.

Technical Skills: Proficient in using computerized systems for data entry, record-keeping, and operational monitoring. Ability to use hand and power tools for basic repairs and maintenance tasks.

Problem-Solving Abilities: Demonstrated ability to identify, troubleshoot, and resolve operational issues efficiently and effectively.

Communication: Excellent verbal and written communication skills to effectively interact with team members, regulators, and other stakeholders.

Physical Stamina: Ability to work in physically demanding conditions, including outdoor work, lifting heavy equipment, and standing for extended periods.

Flexibility: Willingness to work with minimal supervision, adhering to strict protocols and procedures.

‍

Compensation

We offer a base rate of $30/hour plus uplift per certification up to a maximum of an additional $30/hour. Each site is to be visited three times per week. There is mileage for use of personal vehicle with a round trip to all sites being 250 km. There is potential for on-call payable at one hour for every eight of standby depending on demand on the system (typical of summer months).

‍

‍

As an example, a certified operator with WT3/WD3/WWT2/WWC1 would earn $45.50 per hour based on $30 (base) + $9 (WT 3) + $3 (WD 3) + $2 (WWT 2) + $1.50 (WWC 1).

There will be an estimated five hours of work on non-regular workdays (weekends and statutory holidays) and on-call coverage after-hours to ensure continuous operational reliability and compliance.

Please forward applications to hr@almaquin.com  

We thank all applicants for applying; however, only those being considered for an interview will be contacted.

‍

Note: This job description is intended to provide a general overview of the responsibilities and qualifications required for the position. It is not exhaustive and may be subject to change based on organizational needs.