Wastewater Treatment Operator

Job Posting #1184-02-26

Division/Department: Pollution Control /Environmental Services

Reports to: Manager of Pollution Control

Location: Wastewater Treatment Plant (40359 Bush Line, St. Thomas)

Hours: 40 hours/week; Monday to Friday, Overtime and On-Call as required

Union Affiliation: CUPE Local 35

 

Position Summary

Under the general supervision of the Manager of Pollution Control and technical guidance and direction of the Chief Wastewater Treatment Operator, operates, inspects, cleans, maintains, and repairs the system of treatment works, regulatory devices, equipment and appurtenances comprising the Pollution Control Plant and Pumping Stations.  The principal function of this position is to provide proper treatment of sanitary wastewater through the proper operation and maintenance of the wastewater treatment plant and pumping stations in compliance with Ministry of Environment regulations and Environmental Compliance Approval requirements.

 

Primary Duties and Responsibilities

• Monitors facility and associated pump stations through visual inspections, by using the computerized Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) System, or by taking readings from process control equipment in order to make any adjustments to the equipment and processes that ensure regulatory compliance and the efficient operation of the facilities.
• Operates vehicles and equipment within established operating procedures in order to ensure that all applicable guidelines, procedures, regulations are complied with. This includes, but is not limited to pumps, compressors, overhead hoists, portable and stationery generators, pneumatic, hydraulic, and electric tools and related tools and equipment.
• Collects samples from various processes at the Treatment Plant and performs analysis by conducting standard tests, in order to make process adjustments.
• Records performance monitoring data such as flows, chemicals used, levels, analytical data to assist in creating an operating history of the facility, and to be used in planning and costing of operations.
• Ensures safe reception of all bulk chemicals (ie. chlorine, alum), septic/industrial waste and leachate.
  Inspects, cleans, maintains, adjusts, and repairs all plant equipment as required in accordance with prescribed standards.
• Monitors sludge haulage and septic waste dumping.
• Performs preventative maintenance checks and servicing on all plant and station equipment and ensures timely and accurate completion of preventative maintenance activities.
• Maintains the facility, tools, and equipment in a clean and orderly state.
• Maintains grounds in an orderly state by clearing snow, trimming grass and shrubbery, operating and maintaining all grounds keeping equipment, such as tractors, trucks, mowers, snowblowers, etc.
• Administers database entry, completes, and maintains departmental paperwork including inspection and activity logs, work orders, record keeping, Ministry forms and completes reports as necessary.
• Assists with the ordering and delivery of materials and services within approved policies, to ensure the efficient and timely completion of work projects.
• May be assigned the duties of Overall Responsible Operator (ORO) as required.
• Participates in the Master Rotation Schedule including the after-hours and weekend on call system.
• Performs other such related duties, responsibilities, and functions as may be assigned.
   

Education/Experience/Skill

Qualifications

• Ontario Secondary School Graduation Diploma or equivalent.
• MECP Class I Certification for Wastewater Treatment and Class I Certification for Wastewater Collection.
• A minimum accredited 2-year College Diploma in Environmental Science or Technology, or equivalent is considered an asset.

Experience

• 3- years operational experience in Wastewater Treatment and Wastewater Collection systems.
• Plumbing, electrical and/or construction experience is considered an asset.
• Experience in Wastewater Operations, computerized maintenance management systems (CMMS) or Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) is considered an asset. 

Knowledge/Skill/Abilities

• Must have extensive knowledge of legislation applicable to wastewater treatment processes in order to operate the facilities within regulatory requirements.
• Applied knowledge of mechanical, electrical and instrumentation techniques, practices, and maintenance.
• Strong knowledge of safety equipment and practices.
• Knowledge of sampling and chemical techniques (lab testing).
• Ability to work unsupervised in a variety of maintenance and emergency situations.
• Must be familiar with all Wastewater and Biosolids Regulations to ensure compliance is maintained.
• Ability to work from and interpret work orders, specifications, standards, and instructions and to interpret engineered drawings, sketches, diagrams, and manuals.
• Must have knowledge and ability to use personal protective equipment (PPE) including but not limited to confined space entry equipment.
• Familiarity with the use of a variety of laboratory, electrical and electronic equipment as well as hand tools.
• Must be computer literate and be familiar with computerized monitoring systems such as SCADA.
• Must have the ability to communicate effectively, professionally, and courteously with all levels of staff, developers, contractors, and the general public.  

Other

• Must possess a valid ‘G’ Class Ontario Driver’s Licence and access to reliable transportation
• Must possess or be willing to obtain a valid Class ‘DZ’ Class Ontario Driver’s Licence
• Ontario Traffic Manual Book 7 – Temporary Traffic Control
• Lockout Tagout
• Confined Space Certification (or willing to obtain)
• Working at Heights Certification (or willing to obtain)
• CSA Standard Arc Flash Training (considered an asset)
• Corporate Orientation and Health & Safety Training
• Valid First Aid/CPR
• Satisfactory Police Records Check

Working Conditions

• Physical dexterity and light to heavy activities including digging, lifting, valve actuating, operating equipment and driving.
• Required to work at heights, in confined spaces and trenches, noisy and/or unsanitary environments.
• Exposure to inclement weather, noise, dirt, grease, chemical and sewage odours, and human/animal waste.
• Works in proximity to hazardous chemicals.
• Frequent exposure to hazardous gases and/or oxygen-deprived environments.
• Works independently, undertakes a variety of tasks and performs them with minimal supervision.
• May require operation of heavy equipment ie. portable generators and dump trucks.
• May be required to work outside and beyond normal hours of work.
• Must participate in a standby call rotation.
• Must be able to respond to emergencies within a reasonable time period.
• May be required to move or lift heavy objects. 

WHAT WE OFFER:

• $36.00 per hour base rate (base rate includes 2 MECP certificates; wastewater treatment class 1 and wastewater collection class 1), plus an additional 2% premium for additional MECP wastewater treatment and wastewater collection certificates held.
• Comprehensive Benefits
• OMERS Pension Plan
• Paid Vacation and Holidays
• Employee Family Assistance Program (EFAP)
• Tuition Reimbursement Program (continuous learning)

Please submit applications prior to Monday March 16, 2026, at 11:59 p.m.

HOW TO APPLY:

Go to www.stthomas.ca – Employment, Employment Opportunities. Go to Posting Title and click the ‘Apply Now’ button.  You may need to register/create a Login.

Please import/upload your COVER LETTER AND RESUME individually (i.e. pdf, word) and ensure you have attached all documents prior to submitting your application.
Note: You may be required to answer Qualification questions during the application process.

The City of St. Thomas is an equal opportunity employer.  Accommodations are available for all parts of the recruitment process.  If you require accommodation to apply or if selected to participate in an assessment process, you must provide your accommodation needs in advance.  Questions may be directed to the Human Resources Department at 519-631-1680 ext. 4146.

Although we appreciate all applications received, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

Personal Information on this application is collected under the authority of the Municipal Act., R.S.O. 2001, as amended, and will be used to determine eligibility and suitability for employment with the City of St. Thomas. 

Our hiring process does not use artificial intelligence (AI) or automated decision‑making tools. Applications are reviewed and evaluated by our hiring team.