Process Operations 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. 

Leads process optimization and operational troubleshooting activities across the Region’s water systems. Supports the planning, development, and implementation of operational programs and capital projects, including design reviews, commissioning support, and interdepartmental coordination. 

Liaises with the Maintenance Reliability Specialist to develop work orders and procedures (e.g. Lucity) to capture asset information and document the work of the Process Operations Group.

Duties/Responsibilities

• Supervises a Water Treatment Process Technician.
• Provides direct oversight and operational direction to Process/SCADA Operators related to treatment process performance, optimization strategies, and troubleshooting. Direction includes responses to disinfection alarms, adjustments to water treatment equipment (including disinfection equipment), examine test results of continuous monitoring equipment within 72 hrs, conduct tests for maintenance and operational checks, control flow/pressure of drinking water, monitor gauges/meters/control valves related to disinfection, treatment and distribution, conduct water tests as per O.Reg. 248/03, start/stop pumps and adjust flow and treatment, open/close valves/gates. Supports training initiatives in process operations and optimization.
• Monitors and analyzes process performance across water treatment and distribution systems to identify opportunities for improved operational efficiency and reliability. Conducts field assessments, data reviews, and root cause analyses related to equipment, process performance, and water quality issues. 
• Monitors, inspects, and audits analytical, operations, disinfection, and maintenance systems related to treatment, pumping, storage, transmission, and distribution infrastructure in the Region and ensures they are operated and maintained per license, regulations, and legislation. Reports all noncompliance events to the supervisor. Makes recommendations to the supervisor for program modification based on deficiencies and changes in legislation.
• Assists with the development, implementation, monitoring, and improvement of operational programs including preventative maintenance planning, work order development, chemical optimization, energy efficiency, and process standardization. Works with operations staff to implement process improvements and best practices. Takes care of and develops operational performance trending (e.g. operations log sheets, equipment rotation schedules, plant performance trending reports). 
• Collaborates with departmental staff, consultants, and contractors on capital project planning and implementation. Reviews design drawings and technical documents for new and upgraded infrastructure to ensure operability, maintainability, and process integrity. Identifies and communicates operational requirements during design development.
• 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.
• Develops and maintains standard operating procedures (SOPs) and process documentation to support consistent operations across facilities. Contributes to knowledge transfer and continuous improvement initiatives within the Division.
• Responds to inquiries and issues related to process operations, including emergency situations. Supports emergency response planning, preparedness, and after-action reviews related to process events.
• Maintains records and prepares reports to document process performance, optimization activities, and project support contributions. Develops and utilizes process monitoring tools and dashboards to support operational decision-making. Liaises with the Project Management and Technical Operations group to develop performance dashboards (e.g Ignition, Power BI).

Additional Duties/Responsibilities

• Participates in pilot studies and process trials to evaluate new technologies, equipment, or operational approaches. Coordinates with consultants, vendors, and internal teams to test and validate new processes and innovations.
• Participates in departmental programs and initiatives such as asset management, Drinking Water Quality Management System (DWQMS), and environmental management systems.
• Coordinates and schedules resources to support process optimization efforts and operational readiness activities.
• Backs up Supervisor or other Specialists/Forepersons.
• Performs related duties as required.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Knowledge and experience in water chemistry, water treatment, municipal water supply systems, and water quality assessments, normally acquired through a college diploma in water chemistry or related field, plus progressively responsible related technical experience.
• Must have or be eligible for Ontario Association of Certified Engineering Technologists and Technicians (OACETT) Technologist level certification (or equivalent).
• Must possess and maintain or be actively pursuing Ministry of the Environment Class IV Water Treatment and Class IV Water Distribution water operation certificates.
• Knowledge of and ability to comply with policies and procedures; Federal and Provincial drinking water objectives and standards, water works association, design and operating standards, surface and groundwater chemistry, permits to take water, legislation (e.g., health and safety, safe drinking water, water treatment, building and electrical codes), municipal by-laws, and collective agreements.
• Ability and skill to design water sampling and testing programs.
• Leadership skills to provide technical supervision and training to staff. 
• Communication, human relations, and continuous improvement skills to coordinate testing programs; interpret and explain data; resolve public water quality concerns; present during staff training; conduct public tours of water treatment facilities; and participate as an effective team member. 
• Experience and skill writing technical reports on water quality programs/issues; and understanding water resource periodicals.
• Computer skills with ability to use software such as Microsoft Office, data visualization software (e.g. Power BI), water treatment software, and database and spreadsheet applications.
• Must have a valid Class G driver’s license (or G2 with 3 years of driving experience) and 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.