Systems 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 related to water systems instrumentation and control (including Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs) and control panels), communications, and electrical systems. 

Supports the planning, coordination, and execution of system upgrades, capital projects, and maintenance activities. 

Liaises with the Maintenance Reliability Specialist to develop work orders and procedures (e.g. Lucity) to document system data, asset condition, and maintenance activities completed by the Systems Group.
 

Duties/Responsibilities

• Supervises a Lead Hand, Instrumentation and Control.  
• Provides direct oversight and operational direction to Systems Operators and Technicians related to troubleshooting of equipment and automation issues, implementation of PLC programming and testing, performance of compliance-related testing (e.g., analyzer calibration), configuration and monitoring of PLCs and remote assets, and development of lockout/tagout and electrical safety documentation. 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 Supervisor of Systems in planning, organizing, and monitoring maintenance and operations activities. Assists with the development, implementation, monitoring, and improvement of operational and maintenance programs.
• Monitors, configures, and supports the Region’s instrumentation and control and electrical assets, including the integration of new assets, and collaboration with internal staff and vendors to maintain system performance. Supports testing of backup power and alarm notification systems.
• Supports planning and execution of maintenance and capital activities by developing and maintaining asset records, drawings, logic diagrams, electrical distribution and control drawings, and schematics related to electrical, instrumentation and control systems. Audits data quality and ensures accurate documentation of maintenance work, inspections, and troubleshooting performed by the Systems Group.
• Analyzes system performance data, work order trends, and SCADA analytics to identify opportunities for system improvement, reliability enhancement, and standardization. Prepares reports, dashboards, and recommendations for system upgrades and strategic initiatives.
• Provides technical input on instrumentation and control and electrical design, selection, and installation during capital project planning. Participates in project review meetings and collaborates with project teams to ensure SCADA, instrumentation, and electrical system requirements are incorporated into design and commissioning.
• Supports commissioning and handover activities by developing testing protocols, verifying equipment performance, and coordinating with operational staff and contractors to ensure safe and effective integration of new systems.
• Develops and maintains task lists, job plans, and procedures (e.g. Lucity) for instrumentation, electrical, and SCADA-related assets. Tracks inventory and material needs to support effective system maintenance and upgrades.
• Contributes to the development and implementation of standards, procedures, and documentation related to instrumentation, electrical systems, and automation. Participates in continuous improvement initiatives and asset management strategies.

Additional Duties/Responsibilities

• Responds to inquiries related to SCADA performance, electrical and instrumentation system condition, and alarm notification. Collaborates with contractors, consultants, and other departments to deliver operational and capital work.
• Participates in the Drinking Water Quality Management System (DWQMS), asset management, cybersecurity, and reliability programs. Supports documentation and verification of system performance, alarms, and operator responses.
• Backs up Supervisor or other Specialists/Forepersons.
• Performs related duties as required.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Knowledge and skills are acquired through a college diploma in a related field (e.g., Instrumentation, Electrical Control Systems), plus progressively responsible related experience. 
• Must have knowledge of instrumentation, control, and electrical systems; repair, maintenance, and operation of water treatment, process, and motor control and distribution systems.
• Must have experience and skill reading and interpreting technical drawings, bulletins, instrumentation and control drawings, programming language, operation and maintenance manuals.
• 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 CMMS (e.g. Lucity), Microsoft Office, PLC software, proportional integral derivative controllers, and instrumentation systems including analyzers, PLCs, VFDs, set up and maintenance communications devices, telemetry networks, Materrport, geographic information systems (GIS), and data analysis/reporting tools such as Power BI.
• 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, cybersecurity best practices, and industry standards.
• Analytical and problem-solving skills to assess system performance, troubleshoot automation and electrical issues, and support capital and maintenance planning.
• Leadership skills to provide guidance to staff.
• Communication and interpersonal skills to collaborate with internal and external stakeholders, communicate technical issues clearly, and participate as an effective team member.
• Experience and skill writing and interpreting technical documentation, procedures, schematics, and SCADA logic diagrams.
• 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.