Competition #
HW26-01
Title
Water Treatment Plant Operator
Department
Water Services
Primary Function
The Water Treatment Plant Operator will work under the direction of the designated supervisor, who may or may not be on site, to operate water treatment plants, and perform maintenance of equipment associated with water supply plant facilities including the pumping station, dam, nearby properties, and emergency water supplies. The Operator will work 12 hour shifts, day shifts, or operate and maintain small systems plants at the location to which they are assigned. As a member of a treatment facility team, assists in ensuring compliance with all regulatory stipulations and public/staff health and safety.
Duties & Responsibilities
- Adjusts, inspects, and evaluates processes and equipment that control the operation and effectiveness of a water treatment facility to optimize performance, maintain regulatory compliance, and minimize adverse plant impacts while taking into consideration cost, equipment capabilities, environmental impacts and Occupational Health and Safety.
- Implements plant process changes/adjustments, operational decisions and addresses alarm/adverse conditions based upon interpretation and analysis of instrumental data, lab data and an assessment of physical observations (troubleshooting) in consultation with the facility supervisor to ensure efficient, compliant, and safe operation within established performance, regulatory, and quality limits.
- Uses various software tools to perform operational duties including but not limited to SCADA, HMI, Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS), Computerize Maintenance Management Systems (CMMS), advanced analytical instrumentation, Microsoft 365, etc.
- Operates and maintains facility equipment and related accessories which includes, but not limited to, water treatment quipment, residuals handling equipment, chemical feed systems, walves, gates, pumps, comptessors, engines, generators, boilers, HVAC systems, etc. Page 1 of 4 Our purpose is to supply and safeguard sustainable, high-quality water services.
- Maintains records and documentation including but not limited to regulatory compliance, logbooks, computer databases, lab results, EMS and maintenance management systems, etc.
- Responsible for application of plant equipment preventative maintenance program under direction of the supervisor.
- Ensures proper performance, maintenance, and calibration of all instrumentation as per Approval to Operate and/or manufacturer’s recommendations.
- Orders and purchases equipment parts and supplies necessary for plant operations as directed by the supervisor.
- Recommends and facilitates selection, removal, installation, and/or repair of plant process and mechanical equipment.
- Orders, receives, and controls chemical deliveries according to standard operating procedures, operates chemical unloading equipment, and executes spil response procedures in accordance with the environmental management system.
- Mix and batch chemicals to the concentrations recommended by the supervisor.
- Conducts educational and promotional tours as required.
- Maintains tidy and sanitary internal and external facility aesthetics.
- Communicates recommendations to supervisor related to new equipment and parts purchases, loca plant practices, and process changes.
- Collects samples, performs required chemical, physical, microscopic, and biological laboratory analyses and records results.
- Knowledgeable in the use of programmable logic control (PLC) and Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) systems.
- Adheres to Environmental Management System ISO 14001 policies and procedures. Participates in continuous management and improvement of the system.
- Work safely, obeying all codes and regulations. Report all unsafe acts and conditions.
- Perform on the job training of people from within bargaining unit(s), from other departments and organizations as required.
- Operates, maintains and manage sufficient supply of water in the reservoirs and water distribution for normal operations. Adjust system storage to accommodate planned and unplanned outages as instructed by the supervisor.
- Communicates effectively with all Halifax Water staff.
- Work in a manner that ensures proper security of critical infrastructure. 23. Able to respond to emergency calls.
- Other related duties as assigned.
Reporting Relationships
Reports to:
- Supervisor, Water Supply Plants or their designate.
Minimum Qualifications
Education and Experience
Education:
- Two-year technical program related to Water Treatment. An equivalent combination of related formal education and experience in a water treatment environment may be considered.
- Must be willing to complete any further training which is available and required as per the organizational training matrix for this job.
Experience:
- Previous experience related to the job. Experience in the operation of water treatment facilities would be an asset.
Other Requirements
Certificates/Licenses/Registrations:
- Must possess a valid Nova Scotia Driver's License.
- Must successfully complete Operator-in-Training Water Treatment Certificate within six months of date of hire and pass the Level 1 examination within 12 months. (The opportunity exists for Operators to progress to higher salary levels based on completion of specified criteria as outlined in the CUPE Local 227 Collective Agreement).
- Under the support of Halifax Water, responsible to maintain Nova Scotia Environment and Climate Change Certificate of Qualification (Water Treatment Operator Class Certificate) in good standing including obtaining necessary Continuing Education Units.
- Must be willing to undertake and maintain the following safety training:
- First Aid
- Globally Harmonized System (GHS) (Formerly WHMIS)
- Additional safety training as identified based on legislative and operational requirements
This is a CUPE Local 227 Unionized position
Wage Rates: As per the collective agreement.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
Other Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:
- Problem solving, basic math and algebra.
- Laboratory analysis techniques.
- Computer literacy (including Microsoft Programs, SCADA, computer based managed maintenance programs, and Human-Machine Interfaces).
- Record keeping.
- Basic chemistry, physics and biology applicable to water and water treatment
- Thorough knowledge of applicable legislation.
- Knowledgeable in Environmental Management System
- Mechanical, pipefitting, and basic electronic skills, an asset.
- Red Seal certification and technologist training considered an asset.
Working Conditions:
- Frequent standing, walking, extensive stair climbing, bending, and reaching.
- Must be able to carry tools and equipment (up to 20 lbs) up/down flights of stairs.
- Occasional to frequent lifting, pulling/pushing, and carrying of weights up to 50 lbs.
- Capable and willing to work both inside and outside in varying and inclement weather conditions.
- Subjected to potential hazards such as chemical fumes, volatile organic compounds, etc.
- Moderate exposure to heat, cold, vibration, odours.
- Use and presence of hazardous chemicals, explosive gases, and volatile organic compounds.
- Occasional work in confined spaces.
- Work alone and as part of a team.
- Respond to off-hour emergency call-in.
How to Apply
Completed cover letters and resumes, application forms [PDF] - optional, stating Competition #HW26-01 must be received by 4:30pm on January 17th, 2026. 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.