This position will perform all labour related duties and undertake training to perform all phases of operation, maintenance and installation work of Commission plant, services and equipment.
Utility Worker Apprentice Duties:
- Perform pipe laying and installation of all water services, connections and repairs.
- Install and remove lead joints, flared couplings, flange fittings and compression type connections.
- Operate all boring machines, hydraulic pipe cutters and pipe saws.
- Install all types of service connections, mechanical joint fittings, repair clamps, couplings, sleeves, valves and other similar fittings.
- Repair hydrants, valves, services and other utility appurtenances.
- Perform general labour work including excavation, backfilling, tamping, loading and unloading, reinstatement works, asphalt work, landscaping, concrete works, gravel and other site cleanup activities.
- Operate assigned vehicles and equipment.
- Undertake miscellaneous assignments as required to maintain the utility.
- Perform other assignments as deemed appropriate in training towards the fulfilment of Utility Worker competency.
- Perform other related duties as may be assigned.
Utility Operator Duties:
- Repair, install and operate water mains of all sizes and materials.
- Operate, install and repair all water main style valves and associated valve box assemblies.
- Operate, repair, maintain and install fire hydrants. Conduct flushing of water mains, pumping out of hydrants and winterizing, check hydrants for leaks and perform snow removal around fire hydrants.
- Perform water main taps on all diameter lateral connections to water main using the appropriate tapping equipment.
- Capable of shutting down a water break in an emergency situation including the interpretation of water plans, service card and valve books in this process.
- Perform water main, valve, hydrant and service line locates and be capable of recording tie-in information
- Conduct new subdivision inspection for deficiencies in construction that may include valves, hydrants, services, etc., and prepare deficiency lists
- Perform pipe laying, connecting and maintaining of temporary service lines.
- Responsible for driving and maintaining assigned vehicle and all associated tools, equipment and stock on board.
- Maintain air release valves, chambers, access assemblies and assist in pressure reducing valve maintenance.
- Perform reinstatement works resulting from Commission activities which may include asphalt work, landscaping, concrete works, gravel and other site cleanup activities.
- Respond to service calls relating to customer complaints of discoloured water, low pressure, high pressure, no water, service operation, clogged or frozen meters and assists with chlorination and dechlorination testing and activities.
- Capable of light carpentry projects, including construction of crib works necessary for construction, renewal and maintenance of water mains.
- Operate and maintain hydrant and service thawing equipment. Conduct thawing frozen fire hydrants, services and water mains.
- Perform other labour work and operate equipment and tools, including hydraulic and pneumatic tools, as may be assigned by the Foreman.
- Train assigned staff to perform skills consistent with approved procedures of the Commission.
- Responsible to complete assigned work without direct instruction from supervisor
- Performs other related duties as may be assigned.
Reports to: Works Supervisor or designate
Supervises: N/A
Minimum Qualifications
Utility Worker Apprentice:
Education:
- Grade 12 or the NS Department of Education equivalent.
Experience:
- Must have a minimum 3 years experience in utility construction.
Utility Operator:
Education:
- Grade 12 or the NS Department of Education equivalent.
- Completion of Utility Worker performance criteria.
- Water Distribution Certification - Level 1
Experience:
- Comprehensive knowledge of all repair and maintenance activities, tools, equipment and stock required for the operation and maintenance of municipal water systems.
- Must have satisfactory performance and experience in the Operations Department of the Commission in the maintenance and operation of the water utility.
Certificates / Licences / Registrations:
The applicant shall possess the following:
- A valid NS Class 5 drivers licence
- Traffic Control Certificate - Flagman
- First Aid Course
- WHMIS Certificate
- Confined Space Entry Course
- Trench Safety Awareness Course
This is a CUPE Local 227 Unionized position
Hours of Work: As per CUPE Local 227 Collective Agreement
Rate of Pay: As per CUPE Local 227 Collective Agreement.
- Demonstrated ability to be trained to perform all phases and levels of operations systems maintenance and installation works.
- Demonstrated interest and initiative in undertaking the training in the various elements of a Utility Worker’s skilled duties performance checklist.
- Capable of operating tapping machines, pumps, generators, pipe saws, hydraulic cutters, compaction equipment, arrow boards, compressors, pipe threaders, thawing machines and any/all related equipment.
- Must be medically fit to carry out the job duties and willing to undergo a medical examination by a Commission doctor.
Completed cover letters and application forms [PDF] or resumes, stating Competition #HW25-76E must be received by 4:30pm May 9th, 2025. Please forward to:
- Halifax Water
HR Department
P.O. Box 8388, RPO CSC
Halifax, NS
B3K 5M1
Fax
-
902-490-6934
Conditional Items Required for Employment:
- Satisfactory background check
- Satisfactory pre-employment testing
Halifax Water believes a diverse workforce positively contributes to its success and therefore encourages applications from qualified African Nova Scotians, racially visible persons, women in non-traditional positions, persons with disabilities and Aboriginal persons. Halifax Water encourages applicants to self-identify.
Halifax Water is an equal opportunity employer.