Operations and Maintenance Foreperson (Water Operations)

The Role

Acts as operator in charge (OIC) at all times during business hours and when on-call to support the efficient and effective operation of water treatment and distribution infrastructure in accordance with legislative, regulatory, and operational standards. 

Provides technical and operational support for water supply operations and maintenance across the Region. 

Supports planning, prioritization, and execution of maintenance activities and capital projects. Liaises with the Maintenance Reliability Specialist to develop work orders and procedures (e.g. Lucity) to capture asset information, spares/inventory usage, and document the work of the Operations and Maintenance Group. Assists with developing and refining operational procedures and maintenance strategies to ensure safe, reliable, and efficient water supply services.

Duties/Responsibilities

• Supervises a Lead Hand, Maintenance Mechanic/Millwright. Directs a rotating team that may consist of Maintenance Mechanic/Millwrights and System Maintenance Operators on routine and preventative maintenance activities (e.g. valve exercise program, crane inspections, chamber inspections, recurring preventative maintenance work orders, etc.).
• Provides direct oversight and operational direction to Maintenance Mechanic/Millwright Operators and System Maintenance Operators related to the operation and maintenance of the Region’s water treatment and supply facilities. Direction includes: adjustments to water treatment equipment (including disinfection equipment), maintenance and operational checks, compliance with required maintenance schedules, controlling flow or pressure of drinking water, monitoring gauges, meters, and control valves related to disinfection, treatment, and distribution in drinking water, conducting water tests as per O. Reg. 248/03, start/stop of pumps to control and adjust flow and treatment, open and close valves and gates, adding chlorine/chloramine to distribution and supply systems, performing wet-taps, flushing hydrants, isolation and connection of watermains, maintaining logs and record keeping related to treatment and distribution.
• Supports the Supervisors of Operations and Maintenance in planning, implementing, monitoring, and improving maintenance and operations programs. Provides operational support in maintaining water treatment and supply facilities and infrastructure, including mechanical, HVAC, storage, pumping, and distribution systems.
• Takes care of asset data, preventive maintenance schedules, and work order processes. Audits data quality and ensures accurate documentation of work completed. 
• Analyzes maintenance trends, work order data, and asset performance to identify opportunities for process and performance improvement. Prepares reports, dashboards, and recommendations for program enhancements and long-range maintenance planning.
• Coordinates with departmental staff, consultants, and contractors to support scheduling and execution of planned and unplanned maintenance activities. Develops task lists, job plans, and safety documentation in system (e.g. Lucity). Tracks inventory and material requirements to support maintenance delivery.
• Provides technical input on equipment reliability, repair history, and asset condition for capital project planning and asset lifecycle evaluations. Participates in project review meetings and collaborates with project teams to ensure operational needs and maintenance considerations are addressed during design, construction, and commissioning phases.
• Participates in project commissioning and handover activities by supporting operational readiness planning, testing protocols, and performance verification. Coordinates with project teams and operational staff to ensure safe and effective system startup and transition to operations.
• Assists in the development and implementation of equipment design standards, standard operating procedures (SOPs), and maintenance protocols to ensure compliance with regulatory requirements and industry best practices.
• Provides guidance and support to operational staff in the completion of work orders, troubleshooting of mechanical systems, and optimization of operational processes. May assist in documenting or updating lockout/tagout, confined space, and other safety procedures.

Additional Duties/Responsibilities

• Participates in initiatives related to the drinking water quality management system (DWQMS), asset management, and continuous improvement programs. Supports documentation and verification of required maintenance activities and operational records.
• Responds to inquiries regarding work order status, asset performance, and system condition. Collaborates with internal departments, contractors, and consultants to coordinate and deliver operational and capital work.
• Backs up Supervisor or other Specialists/Forepersons.
• Performs related duties as required.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Knowledge of water supply systems, maintenance planning, asset management, and mechanical systems, normally acquired through a diploma in Civil or Mechanical Engineering Technology or a related field, plus progressively responsible experience in water operations or maintenance environments. 
• Must possess and maintain or be actively pursuing Ministry of the Environment Class IV Water Treatment and Class IV Water Distribution water operation certificates.
• Demonstrated experience with computerized maintenance management systems (CMMS) (e.g. Lucity) including system administration, data management, and reporting.
• Must hold a Transportation of Dangerous Goods certificate or attain within 1 year.
• Knowledge of and ability to comply with applicable legislation and regulations (e.g. Safe Drinking Water Act, Ontario Water Resources Act, O. Reg. 128/04), health and safety requirements, building codes, maintenance standards, and environmental management systems.
• Analytical and problem-solving skills to evaluate asset performance, interpret work order and operational data, and support maintenance and capital planning.
• Leadership skills to provide guidance and training to staff.
• Communication and interpersonal skills to work collaboratively with internal and external stakeholders; respond to inquiries and provide clear documentation; and participate as an effective team member. 
• Experience and skill writing technical and procedural documents and reports; and interpreting technical drawings, maintenance manuals, and operating procedures.
• Computer skills using Microsoft Office, CMMS, Matterport, Geographic Information Systems (GIS), and data analysis tools such as Power BI.
• Must have a valid Class G driver’s license (or G2 with 3 years of driving experience) and an acceptable driving record to operate regional vehicles. Ability to travel within Waterloo Region.
• Ability to participate in an official standby/on-call rotation to respond to legislated or time-sensitive demands beyond regularly scheduled work hours.
• Ability to support and demonstrate the Region’s values.