Water Treatment Process Technician

The Role

Provides technical and engineering support for startup, commissioning, process development, and optimization of water treatment and disinfection processes. Performs water quality analysis on the Region's water supply and maintains an inventory of laboratory chemicals, supplies, and equipment. Implements and maintains standard operating procedures and manuals. Maintains operational data, logs, and records. Calculates and maintains records on chemical usage. Assists in maintaining and operating under the Region’s Quality Management System (QMS) to ensure effectiveness and compliance with the Drinking Water Quality Management Standard (DWQMS), Municipal Drinking Water Licenses (MDWL), and applicable regulations.

Duties/Responsibilities

• Prepares and implements plans for the startup and commissioning of new or expanded water treatment plants, including chemical system upgrades and new treatment processes, with staff from Design & Construction and Water operations and maintenance. Sets up and maintains SOPs, and develops chemical calculations for others to follow for proper chemical feed at sites. Coordinates plant startups and commissioning activities with consultants, contractors, and area municipal staff.  
• Participates in capital project reviews, including engineering drawings for upgrades/ expansions of water treatment plants and capital projects. Provides technical comments/input into process modifications, treatment and process issues, and compliance manuals. 
• Conducts water quality studies (independently or as part of a team) to optimize treatment and disinfection processes. Works with external research groups on water treatment and water quality research and studies. Collects samples, develops measurement parameters, and relays information. Analyzes results and makes recommendations to management for improving plant performance and effectiveness.
• Prepares, implements, and updates SOPs, operations and maintenance manuals, and technical data. Develops and delivers training and updates to operations staff. Reviews and maintains operational data, logs, and records.
• Organizes and/or performs or coordinates contracts for annual maintenance projects (e.g., chemical tank cleaning, lab waste disposal, benchmarking reports). 
• Provides technical support to management regarding water treatment processes by reviewing daily and weekly operational requirements and calculating and maintaining records on chemical usage to ensure existing operating protocols and procedures are followed. Participates in research studies and assists in implementing new water quality guidelines and standards.
• Performs operational water quality analysis (e.g., pH, colour, turbidity, iron, manganese, ozone) on samples from groundwater and surface water sources. Ensures quality assurance/quality control of sample analysis. Updates logs with test results and enters to spreadsheets.
• Maintains and orders laboratory chemicals, supplies, and equipment. Cleans and calibrates laboratory equipment and chlorine titrators. Prepares lab-grade chemical reagents, lab-grade water, and standard solutions for online analyzers and laboratory equipment used throughout water supply facilities. Maintains Mannheim water treatment plant process laboratory analysis manual, including sampling and testing methodologies, procedures, and protocols.
• Assists to administer contracts with water treatment chemical suppliers and other operations related services (e.g., hazardous waste disposal). Works with Finance regarding tender processes and contract terms; sets up purchase orders and delivery schedules; and prepares invoices for payment. Maintains documentation/records and performs quality testing as required, for compliance with legislative requirements.
• Assists to design, suggests improvements to, maintains, and trains/provides direction to operations staff regarding the Quality Management System (QMS).
• Organizes and conducts site and technical tours.
• Assists to resolve water quality issues and complaints, as required/back-up. 
• Performs related duties as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Knowledge and skill normally acquired through a 3-year diploma or degree in Water Chemistry or related field, plus 3 years of experience in water treatment and water quality assessment, including 1 year of experience in plant/process optimization or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Knowledge of water chemistry, municipal water supply systems, water treatment processes and procedures, water quality assessments, QA/QC methods related to water quality and laboratory procedures, and applied research techniques (pilot plant and bench scale).
• Must have or be eligible for Class IV Water Distribution Certificate and Class IV Water Treatment Certificate, and keep required certification current. Attends training to meet annual training requirements, per O.Reg 128/04.
• Knowledge of and ability to comply with policies, procedures, related legislation, and standards (e.g., drinking water, health and safety, hazardous waste disposal). Knowledge of surface and groundwater chemistry, and American Water Works Association standards and practices.  
• Basic knowledge of first aid and WHMIS, including safety procedures related to chemicals and equipment used in water treatment processes. 
• Knowledge of Water Quality Management Systems.
  Analytical and organizational skills to undertake engineering and process studies, organize work, design water sampling and testing programs for potable water supplies, and interpret test results. Ability to keep knowledge current.
• Communication skills to coordinate water sampling and testing programs; interpret and explain data; train others in specific work methods and procedures; work collaboratively with consultants, contractors, suppliers, and manufacturers; present technical materials; conduct tours; and participate as an effective team member.
• Ability to write technical reports on water quality programs and issues. 
• Computer skills with ability to use software such as Microsoft Excel, Access, Word, and maintain database and spreadsheet applications.
• Must have a valid G driver’s license (or G2 and 3 years of driving experience) and an acceptable driving record to operate corporate vehicles.
• Ability to occasionally alter working hours or work overtime during emergencies, pilot testing, and for specialized projects.
• Ability to support and demonstrate the Region’s values.