Water System Operator - City of Saskatoon, Saskatoon

AI Summary

This Water System Operator position with the City of Saskatoon in Saskatoon, SK, involves operating, inspecting, and maintaining the water distribution system. Key duties include troubleshooting system components and performing water quality testing. Essential requirements include a secondary school diploma, three years of relevant experience, and Level 2 Water Distribution Operator Certification.

About the Water System Operator Role

This permanent, full-time Water System Operator position with the City of Saskatoon's Utilities and Environment division focuses on ensuring the reliable operation and safe delivery of water throughout the city's distribution system. Under the supervision of the Supervisor VI (Water Operations), the successful candidate will be responsible for a wide array of duties essential to public health and infrastructure integrity. This includes operating and troubleshooting all water system components, performing inspections, and conducting minor maintenance on critical infrastructure such as valves, hydrants, and service connections. The role also performs crucial field sampling and testing of basic water quality parameters, directly contributing to the safety and quality of the municipal water supply.

The operator performs hydraulic evaluations of the water system, including fire flow and c-value testing, which are vital for system planning and emergency response. Furthermore, the position monitors and maintains system instrumentation for water loss management, including flow meters and pressure monitors, and utilizes leak listening equipment as required to detect and address inefficiencies. A key responsibility involves conducting pipe cleaning programs, including conventional and unidirectional flushing and swabbing, to maintain optimal water quality and prevent contamination. The ability to respond to and resolve water contamination events, including water main chlorination and de-chlorination procedures, is critical for public safety. This role also provides direction and support to other staff assisting in the operation, inspection, and maintenance of the water distribution system, highlighting a leadership component within the team.

Qualifications and Essential Abilities

Candidates for this Water System Operator role must possess a secondary (high) school diploma or an equivalency certificate. A minimum of three years of experience related to water or sewer systems is required, including at least one year specifically operating and inspecting water distribution systems. A crucial qualification is the possession of Level 2 Water Distribution Operator Certification from the Saskatchewan Operator Certification Board. While not mandatory, Level 2 Wastewater Collection Operator Certification and Level 3 Water Distribution Operator Certification from the same board would be considered valuable assets, demonstrating an enhanced ability and broader expertise in municipal utility operations.

The successful operator must also hold a valid Saskatchewan Class 5 Driver's Licence and provide a current driver’s abstract from SGI demonstrating a safe driving record. Beyond formal certifications, the position demands a strong knowledge of the methods, techniques, equipment, and terminology used in operating, inspecting, and maintaining water distribution systems. Key abilities include troubleshooting various water distribution system problems and customer concerns, operating all valves, hydrants, and other water distribution system appurtenances effectively. The ability to read and interpret engineering drawings, perform basic field sampling and testing for water quality, and make rapid and accurate mathematical calculations are also essential for daily tasks. This role requires the physical ability to perform assigned duties in varying weather conditions and extremes of temperature, including confined space entries with necessary fall protection and air quality monitoring equipment. The candidate must demonstrate a consistent ability to attend work reliably and maintain effective working relationships with the public, contractors, and civic employees, including strong communication skills.