Process/SCADA Operator (Water Services)

The Role

To be certified operator and operator-in-charge for the Region of Waterloo in accordance with all Regulation requirements as defined in O Reg 128/04.  To operate, monitor, and control the Region's water treatment and distribution systems, including all water treatment plants, wells, pumping stations, reservoirs, and transmission and distribution mains, by use of the Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) system; to operate, inspect, sample, analyze, test, investigate, service and respond to emergency and adverse conditions for  the Region's water supply system, water distribution and associated UV, ozone, chlorine, chemical and control equipment; and to perform process control functions at all Regional water supply and distribution systems. 
 

Duties/Responsibilities

• Operates, monitors, verifies, and controls the Region-wide water supply, treatment and distribution system using a computerized SCADA system.  Operates and responds to alarms/adverse conditions, monitors and verifies set points, system trends and process control issues which indicate changes or problems in the system, by verifying and notifying, as necessary, appropriate Water Services operations staff, the Ministry of the Environment and/or the Medical Officer of Health in accordance with the Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA).  Performs daily inspections, sampling, operations, service, and lab tests, using portable testing equipment, to ensure an adequate and safe water supply.  Operates treatment system and distribution supply by turning pumps and equipment on/off, opening/closing valves, and/or adjusting chemical dosages at water treatment plants, wells, pumping stations, and reservoirs, as required.
• Reviews, checks records, and updates various plant logs and other records to remain informed of plant conditions and to assess process and equipment operation on a regular basis.  In the case of malfunctions, takes necessary action, which may include minor repairs, dispatching appropriate Water Operations and Maintenance staff to correct problems, and/or relaying information to appropriate Regional divisions, cities or townships, in accordance with established procedures.
• Monitors water treatment plants, wells, pumping stations, reservoirs, transmission and distribution mains performance by recording chemical dosage, flow, pH, temperature, pressure, levels, lab test results, equipment operating time and other process variables. Operates clarifiers, plate settlers, pressure filters, ultra filtration and gravity filters and associated equipment, monitoring flow, loss of head, turbidity, filter run, wash water used, number of filters backwashed.  Ensures that all filter backwashing takes place at appropriate times.  Reports adverse water results to MOE and Public Health (PH), as per the SDWA.
• Operates ultraviolet, ozone, chlorine gas, liquid oxygen, ammonia sulphate, and sodium hypochlorite systems for treating water, disinfection of water, and secondary disinfection.  Follows standard operating procedures, best management practices, SDWA, and all associated regulations which are based on size of treatment system.
• Collects daily, weekly and monthly water samples, as required by the SDWA and related regulations.  Transports and handles samples as per regulation standards.  Calculates disinfection criteria and CT (concentration multiplied by time) for Mannheim WTP and all Regional water treatment facilities to ensure adherence to MOE primary disinfection requirements.  Responds to adverse conditions, including taking corrective action, notifying appropriate water services supervisor.

Additional Duties/Responsibilities

• Maintains a daily log of important system events, reporting to Supervisor, Process/SCADA & Water Quality any breakdowns, equipment requiring service, or other unusual operational conditions encountered on the shift such as main breaks, system pressure problems and dirty water complaints in accordance with O Reg 128/04.  Uses a computerized filing system to retrieve water system historical data as required.  Maintains site logs and work orders on operating, maintenance failures and servicing.  Completes written work order forms and inventory control cards.  Produces written test results and activity reports.  Maintains up-to-date documentation of maintenance activities and records, manuals, and work records for the Computerized Maintenance Management System (CMMS).
• Operates the residual waste management plant.  Obtains samples where necessary, and adjusts chemical feed rates.  
• Operates, monitors, inspects, and samples the Wellesley and North Dumfries water distribution systems.
• Provides recommendations into operating, maintenance and safety procedures, equipment testing, inspections, frequency and setpoint/control points.
• Responds to customer complaints and emergency situations by providing appropriate responses to inquiries from, and communications between, fire, police, public, and Municipal operations; documents all responses.  Follows emergency procedures for floods, power failure, fire, chemical leaks, major weather occurrences, and bomb threats.  During emergency or urgent situations, provides necessary information, coordinates activities of the Maintenance Operators, Maintenance Mechanics/ Millwrights, Maintenance Electricians, and/or Senior Technicians, Instrumentation, and/or participates in corrective action.
• Receives bulk chemical deliveries, as required.  Cleans and maintains lab equipment, exterior of process equipment, booster and pumping stations.  Carries out janitorial duties such as cleaning and maintaining washroom supplies, and shovelling snow.
• Participates in the commissioning and optimization of water treatment plants.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Ensures that computers, operator terminals, tools, equipment, water treatment and distribution systems, and HVAC equipment in all buildings are operating effectively by checking routinely and reporting any discrepancies.  Ensures all processes and equipment, such as pumps, motors, valves, filters, UV systems, ozone, chemical systems, instrumentation, and SCADA, are in good working order and reports any discrepancies.  Ensures that cell phone, portable turbidity meter, portable iron kit, portable chlorine kit, hand tools and a well level meter used for own work are maintained in good working condition.  Tags “unsafe” items and follows up with supervisor.  Checks and monitors the security systems for Mannheim WTP, including “man down” alarm and building alarm system, and alarm systems on wells and treatment plants throughout the Region.
• Ensures that a Regional vehicle used for own work is operated safely and maintained in good working condition.
• Basic knowledge of water treatment and water chemistry normally acquired through the attainment of a three year Community College Diploma in Chemical or Environmental Technology, plus four years directly related experience in water treatment.
• Must possess Class IV Water Treatment and Distribution Certificate from the OWWCO, or be able to attain certification within four years.  **Operators in Training up to Class IV Operators will be considered.  Must be able to attend an average annual of 50 hours of job specific/process training, as per O Reg 128/04.
• Detailed knowledge of First Aid, Gas Chlorination, Working in Confined Spaces, Workplace Hazardous Material Information System (WHMIS), and related safety procedures.  Knowledge and understanding of the Safe Drinking Water Act and accompanying regulations.  
• Knowledge of and ability to comply with corporate policies, procedures, and related legislation (e.g., health and safety).
• Analytical, problem solving, and decision making skills in order to assist in the resolution of unusual situations or emergencies and organize priorities.  Ability to understand and operate ozone and UV systems; skill in the use of precision tools, including power tools; and ability to dismantle, measure, and repair machine parts.
   

Additional Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Proficiency in math.  Skill in the operation of a personal computer using such systems and/or software as CMMS, Word, Excel, Lotus Notes, and DOCS.  Skill in the operation of laboratory equipment for the analysis of water quality.
• Communication skills in order to exchange information, receive and comprehend instructions, and participate as an effective team member.  Ability and aptitude to work a rotating 12 hour shift, including the flexibility to work in an environment with minimum direct supervision.
• A valid Class “G” drivers licence (or G2 with 3 years of driving experience) and acceptable driving record in order to operate a Regional vehicle.
• Ability to support and project values compatible with the organization.
• Ability to enter data, and maintain comprehensive, precise daily logs; to complete work orders and inventory requisitions; as well as to write mechanical status reports on water equipment.  Ability to communicate technical information with co-workers and senior staff; to communicate equipment locations; to participate in technical and operations review meeting; and to respond effectively to public inquiries regarding water supply operations and communicate technical information with co-workers and senior staff.  Ability to read and understand technical and P&ID drawings, blueprints and operation maintenance and repair manuals.

Internal 1656 applicants are required to submit a document with their name on it (or an optional resume).  1656 staff are encouraged to internally apply with an updated resume, especially for those job opportunities that are a promotional opportunity, so that their qualifications are appropriately captured during the screening phase.