The Water Quality Process Specialist provides technical support and monitoring for water quality in process control, plant and distribution operations through research, problem solving, bench, pilot and full-scale studies, analysis of plant performance, data analysis, technical report preparation and providing recommendations to the Manager of Water Quality. Works closely with treatment plant supervisors to support treatment plant operations.
Provides water quality research and technical support:
- Investigating and analyzing process events and providing recommendation based on findings.
- Providing technical advice and guidance to operating staff to optimize chemical dosage and overall treatment plant performance.
- Troubleshooting, crosschecking and reporting on unusual water quality tests performed by operators, compliance and water quality staff.
- Designing and carrying out research projects, plant trials and experiments to optimize the treatment process, test new treatment strategies and optimize water quality within the distribution system.
- Facilitate research and perform water quality testing required by external agencies, including universities, consultants, equipment and chemical suppliers.
- Liaising with agencies conducting water quality research at Halifax Water facilities to ensure the work is completed safely and integrates seamlessly with facility operations.
- Performing emergency water quality sampling, testing and experiments in response to water quality, distribution and supply system events as required.
- Conducting tier 2 water quality investigations for customer water quality complaints as required.
Manages operations of pilot plant facilities:
- Responsible for operations, planning and scheduling of Halifax Water owned and leased pilot drinking water facilities. Serve as the main point of contact with plant supervisors as it relates to maintenance of Halifax Water owned pilot facilities and integration of pilot facility operation with plant operation.
- Assist with development and implementation of SOPs and safe work practices for pilot plant operations.
- Designing and carrying out pilot plant experiments that meet research and operational requirements.
Performs other duties consistent with above:
- Assisting in evaluating new instruments for treatment process and/or water quality analysis as required.
- Continuing to research and stay current with knowledge of plant operations, new process treatment technologies, distribution system and source water quality, best practices and analytical methods emerging in the water treatment industry.
- Perform other related duties as required by the Manager of Water Quality
Reports to: Manager of Water Quality
Supervises: n/a
Minimum Qualifications
Education:
- Undergraduate Science or Engineering degree. A technical diploma in Engineering Sciences or Water Resources may be considered along with seven (7) or more years’ experience in drinking water treatment process optimization and drinking water quality research.
Experience:
- A minimum of five (5) years of related experience required in water/wastewater treatment process optimization, drinking water pilot plant operations and/or water quality research.
Certificates / Licenses / Registrations:
- None
- Water treatment plant operations and process control techniques.
- Current regulations regarding drinking water quality.
- Research methods and skills.
- Chemistry, physics (hydraulics) and mathematics, including both imperial and metric measurements.
- Advanced testing procedures for water quality.
- Personal computers and their use.
- Work effectively with internal and external contacts.
- Research, plan, implement, control and complete projects as assigned with minimal supervision.
- Demonstrate organizations skills and ability to keep detailed and accurate records.
- Deal effectively with multiple demands and conflicting priorities.
- Determine irregularities, take appropriate remedial action and/or advise supervisor
- Apply scientific method to carry out research and technical studies and solve process and water quality problems.
- Able to translate experimental objectives into operational procedures, sample collection, preparation and analysis, data analysis and reporting.
- Demonstrate ability to effectively deal with customers and respond to complaints.
- Computer literacy with office software products. Knowledge and experience with PI by OSIsoft and R would be an asset.
- Effective oral and written communication skills.
- Conscientious and reliable.
- Safety awareness.
- Good record of attendance.
- Tact and discretion.
- Communicate effectively and courteously with internal staff, customers and external agencies.
- Strong initiative.
- Prepared to work outside regular working hours if required.
Applicants who applied previously for this competition do not need to reapply.
Completed cover letters and application forms [PDF] or resumes, stating Competition #HW25-170E must be received by 12 noon on November 4, 2025. Please forward to:
- Halifax Water
HR Department
P.O. Box 8388, RPO CSC
Halifax, NS
B3K 5M1
Fax
-
902-490-6934
Please note: Only applicants invited for an interview will be contacted.
Conditional Items Required for Employment:
- Satisfactory background check
- Satisfactory pre-employment testing
Halifax Water is an equal opportunity employer.
Halifax Water’s goal is to be a diverse workforce that is representative of the community we serve, at all job levels. Halifax Water believes a diverse workforce positively contributes to its success, and the success of our community. We encourage applications from qualified African Nova Scotians, LGBTQ+ community, racially visible persons, women in non-traditional positions, persons with disabilities and Indigenous persons. Halifax Water encourages applicants to self-identify in the cover letter.