Leadhand-Wastewater Treatment Facilities

We are accepting applications from CVRD CUPE Local 556 employees only for a full-time Leadhand – Wastewater Treatment Facilities, to join our Wastewater Services team. The Leadhand assists the Senior Operator – Wastewater Treatment Facilities (Senior Operator) in organizing and coordinating the department’s daily activities while performing assigned operational shifts, preventative and reactionary maintenance in the Comox Valley Regional District (CVRD) wastewater systems and ensures that installations and emergency repairs are completed in a timely manner.

Reporting to the Manager of Wastewater Services, the primary responsibilities of this role include:

• Assisting the Senior Operator to ensure work is performed according to instructions and standards;
• Assisting the Senior Operator in coordinating field level work and scheduling crews and periodically backfilling for the Senior Operator;
• Bringing training recommendations and any necessary requirements of operators to the Senior Operator and Manager;
• Testing, calibrating, maintaining and repairing equipment utilized in the operation, repair and maintenance of wastewater facilities and making recommendations for changes and improvements;
• Interpreting data from instrumentation and alarms, analyzing and troubleshooting the more complex problems and developing and implementing solutions;
• Assisting the Senior Operator with maintaining the parts inventory, obtaining quotes and ordering parts and equipment within pre-defined limits;
• Operating trucks and mobile equipment as qualified and required;
• Supporting and providing input to the Senior Operator for operational decisions and performing operation and maintenance duties to ensure effluent quality meets or exceeds all criteria outlined in the CVRD operating permits and Provincial and/or Federal regulations;
• Completing and maintaining record books related to processes and operations as required;
• Monitoring process equipment, instrumentation and controls, remote stations and making necessary adjustments to equipment to ensure performance standards are met;
• Drafting isolation/lockout procedures, safe work procedures and standard operating procedures for review by the Senior Operator and Manager;
• Performing various laboratory tests; recording and maintaining information into computer system as required for analysis of data for process control, inventory control and plant maintenance;
• Training and mentoring junior operators and co-op students in the operation of CVRD wastewater treatment facilities periodically and as needed;
• Responding to BC One Calls in the absence of the Wastewater Utilities Technician;
• Co-ordinating with the Leadhand–Wastewater Maintenance on maintenance tasks affecting wastewater operations and adjusting process as required;
• Assisting the Senior Operator in prioritizing the needs of the CVWMC Leachate Treatment Facility and landfill gas flare in conjunction with the needs of the Comox Valley Water Pollution Control Centre;
• Studying and reviewing manuals and technical information relating to wastewater equipment and infrastructure;
• Working on-call and responding to emergency callouts;
• Coordinating with contractors for construction projects including repairs, installs and maintenance;
• Undertaking other assigned duties and projects as required.

Our ideal candidate is:

• Knowledgeable in the procedures, bylaws, codes, regulations, methods, tools and equipment used to operate, maintain, and repair plant processes and equipment with advanced knowledge of wastewater processes as related to wastewater treatment;
• Knowledgeable in the operation, maintenance and repair of wet and dry pit sewage pump stations;
• Adept at troubleshooting and analyzing critical wastewater problems and developing effective solutions, including problem solving on-site and over the phone;
• Comfortable working independently to meet objectives and achieve results;
• A strong communicator with a professional approach and the ability to relate effectively with coworkers, contractors and members of the public; 
• Team-oriented with demonstrated leadership ability at a leadhand level;
• Safety-conscious with a demonstrated commitment to safe work practices and considerable knowledge of job hazards and safe work practices;
• Educated in a related field of sciences including completion of two years of related post-secondary courses or 90 CEU’s with a minimum of three years’ directly related experience, including progressive experience operating in a Class 3 or Class 4 wastewater treatment facility (an equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered);
• Certified with the Environmental Operators Certification Program (EOCP) in Municipal Wastewater Treatment (Level III) and Wastewater Collection (Level I) and First Aid Level 1;
• Able to safely operate assigned vehicles and equipment;
• Able to use a computer and applicable software related to the work and use mathematical formulas to determine flow, pump curves, dosage and efficiencies;
• Flexible in working extra hours on standby and emergency call-out on a rotational basis and work in inclement weather;
• Other preferred qualifications include: Level IV Wastewater Treatment certification, Level II Wastewater Collection certification (or higher), WHMIS, confined space entry and leadership-related training from a recognized post-secondary institute.

A valid BC Class 5 driver’s license is required for this role (Class 3 with air brake endorsement is preferred). The Leadhand-Wastewater Treatment Facilities must maintain active operator status and certification.