Lead Operator (Sewer & Drainage)

Position Summary

As per the Saskatchewan Water and Wastewater Certification Standards 2002, “An Operator is a person who daily performs activities primarily consisting of controlling the collection and distribution networks, which affects the quality of the wastewater and/or water and the reliability of wastewater collection system and/or water distribution system and its appurtenances.”

This position is responsible to oversee all the operating and monitoring responsibilities for wastewater and stormwater collection lift stations The Lead Operator ensures the compliance of environmental regulatory legislative and protection standards, process and maintenance policies and procedures daily. This position is under the direction of the Supervisor and typically supervises the Operator and coordinates maintenance with the Trades positions within the lift station and/or pump station section of the branch.

Duties & Responsibilities

• Ensure operations of wastewater, stormwater collection lift stations including McCarthy Boulevard Pump Station in accordance with the standard operating procedures and the permit to operate Wastewater Collection and/or Water Distribution facilities.
• Monitor various Storm Water Detention ponds within the city during storm events to ensure the safety of public and property.
• Review, troubleshoot and interpret process trends, alarms, and data to make decisions regarding operational processes to identify and correct or improve facilities and equipment.
• Utilize the full functionality of the Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) control system to ensure secure and optimum unit performance and quality. 
• Perform shutdown, start-up, and adjustment in plant operations.
• Inspect, assess, and monitor facilities and equipment operations, making adjustments, performing routine maintenance, together with executing contingency and emergency response actions as needed.
• Assist with the collection of samples of wastewater, stormwater and/or water system at various locations to assess performance of particular station operations or in emergency events.
• Document operational events for regulatory compliance and prepare written reports.
• Provide training, supervision, and leadership to ensure operational projects and services are carried out efficiently, effectively, respectfully, and safely, in accordance with legislation, policies, practices and standards.
• Troubleshoots processes and equipment to identify and correct problems. Provide input and recommendations to management regarding operational plans, programs, procedures, materials, equipment, staffing and work schedules in developing long term solutions.
• Provides operational input with outside agencies or engineering groups towards work plans, expenditures, and improvements or upgrades to infrastructure.
• Operate Equipment Schedule III equipment as required.
• Ensure compliance of personnel, equipment, materials, contractors, and consultants at work sites to meet Provincial Occupational Health and Safety Act, the City of Regina Occupational Health and Safety Manual, City of Regina Standard and Emergency Operating Procedures, and legislative and regulatory requirements
• Perform related duties as required.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Diverse knowledge of the equipment, operational processes, standards, and protocols utilized in Class IV Sewage Collection facilities.
• Knowledge of supervisory and leadership principles and practices.
• Knowledge of applicable rules and regulations of the Provincial Occupational Health and Safety Act and the expectations of City of Regina’s policies, standards, practices, and guidelines.
• Demonstrated ability to perform technical and business computations, compilations, estimates, analysis, and evaluations.
• Demonstrated ability to perform shutdown, start-up, and adjustment in station operations.
• Skills to converse effectively in both oral and written communication.
• Ability to make decisive operating decisions with little or no supervision.
• Demonstrated ability to organize, instruct, train, and supervise the work of others.
• Ability to establish and maintain co-operative working relationships, demonstrate tact and diplomacy, and communicate effectively with a variety of internal and external customers and co-workers.
• Demonstrated ability to operate computer equipment and office productivity software to analyze data and prepare operational reports.

Education & Experience

• Grade 12 or General Educational Development (GED) and successful completion of a minimum of four (4) relevant post-secondary educational courses (i.e., engineering, mathematical, computer or business) (Grade Twelve courses involving Algebra, Trigonometry, Calculus, Statistics, Chemistry, Computers, Accounting or Physics will be considered equivalent to post-secondary educational courses).
• A minimum of four (4) years’ experience in a related water and sewer engineering/technical field, comprised with a minimum two (2) years of operational/field experience in Sewer and Drainage or Water Operations.
• Must possess and maintain the Saskatchewan Wastewater Collection Class III Operator’s Certificate in accordance with the Saskatchewan Water and Wastewater Certification Standards 2002 prior to the completion of the probationary period.

Working/Other Conditions

• Must possess a valid Class 5 license and obtain a Class 1A license prior to the completion of the probationary period.
• Must obtain the necessary permits and certifications to operate wastewater collection and/or Water Distribution equipment and all necessary Operator III equipment certifications when required.
• Candidates must participate in training and be willing and able to complete recognized certification programs and courses to perform the work and maintain status.
• Will be required to work from variable bases of operation.  (i.e., Wastewater Collection Lift Stations, McCarthy Boulevard Pump Station
• Must be able and willing to perform work of a physical nature in all types of plants, field environments, inclement conditions (Confined Spaces) and possible emergency rescue.
• Must be willing to be on call after hours, work overtime, work shifts and/or irregular hours.
• Respond to call outs and emergencies as required