(Water Treatment Plant) Operator

Highlights of the job

We are hiring a full-time permanent Water Treatment Plan Operator position working out of the Darlington Demineralized Water Treatment Plant in Bowmanville, Ontario, Canada.

As the Water Treatment Plant Operator, you are accountable for the daily operation of the demineralized water treatment plant systems, processes and facilities which involve treatment theory and practices, equipment operation, maintenance and repair. Work will be carried out with a considerable amount of independence, and some shifts will have a single operator on site working alone. Operators will have a working knowledge of the operation, methods and procedures for treatment processes with process training to be provided onsite. Operators must be available and willing to be on call.

We welcome applications from internal and external candidates. EPCOR employees are encouraged to apply using their '@epcor.com' email address to ensure proper consideration of internal seniority.

About EPCOR Utilities Inc.

We provide communities with clean water and safe, reliable energy. What we do matters. To our customers. To our partners and clients. To our communities. Our people are the heart of our business and are critical to our success. If you're passionate about making your workplace and community a better place, join us.

About Durham Region, Ontario

The Durham Region of Ontario is made up of eight local municipalities including Ajax, Clarington, Oshawa, Pickering, and Whitby, and it neighbors the Greater Toronto Area (GTA). The opportunities to live and play in this region are endless. The Darlington Nuclear Generating Station is nearest to the town of Bowmanville, which is about 75 kilometers East of Toronto on the shores of Lake Ontario.

What you’d be responsible for

• Performing daily checks of the Water Treatment Plant process, analyzers and pumps and monitors gauges, flowmeters, charts, system control computer, etc.
• Conducting water sampling and analysis tests including, alkalinity, PH, conductivity, turbidity, chlorine residual, TOC, for treatment process control.
• Collecting and preparing representative water samples for testing at external labs.
• Determining chemical feed rates and adjusting chemical dosages with rate checks and verifications. 
• Handling various chemicals used in the treatment process in a safe manner.
• Sampling and analyzing influents/effluents, source water/product water, feed water and permeates to detect quality variations. Interpreting laboratory results, reading sheets, processing tests, analyzing computerized data and information trends to identify variations in flow and water quality and make appropriate changes.
• Assisting with preventative maintenance tasks including assisting maintenance staff with repairs of related equipment.
• Overseeing chemical cleaning of UF and RO membranes (a semi-automated process with manual monitoring and adjustments based on set procedures).
• Ensuring that plant operations are in compliance with operating guidelines.
• Maintaining all required records such as operating logs, chemical and repair part inventories, maintenance logs; distributing information to internal and external personnel.
• Performing routine preventive maintenance on plant equipment to include: operating adjustments and calibrations on equipment, basic mechanical and electrical work and cleaning, lubricating and replacing equipment parts.
• Assisting outside contractors, supplying necessary information and inspecting contractor work.
• Ordering chemicals, repairing parts and tools.
• Performing minor corrective maintenance on plant equipment.
• Having a thorough knowledge of mechanical equipment and the ability to diagnose and correct equipment malfunction.
• Becoming familiar with plant manuals such as maintenance, treatment and safety.
• Using a variety of standard testing and operating procedures to determine problems and any adjustments needed in the treatment process.
• Completing data entry in Microsoft suite of applications (Word, Excel, etc.) and other online applications

What’s required to be successful

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Familiarity of use and operation of pumps, water systems.
• Knowledge and experience in laboratory practices required to properly evaluate treatment processes is desired.
• Knowledge in basic operation practices and principles of advanced water treatment processes such as microfiltration, ion exchange, reverse osmosis and thermal is desired.
• Communicates effectively both verbally and in writing.
• Knowledge of mechanical equipment and the ability to diagnose and correct equipment malfunction.
• SCADA system or PLC automation controls experience is preferred.
• Computer skills including Microsoft Word and Excel.
• Safety Certifications e.g. Confined Space, CSBA, Fit Testing.
• Forklift operator certification.
• Ability to pass EPCOR and OPG Security Screening.
• Ability to participate in rotational on-call and perform remote monitoring.
• Ability to be onsite for the duration of the work schedule.

• Ability to withstand strenuous physical activity inherent to the work performed, as well as to function effectively outside under a variety of weather conditions and through all seasons. A fit test is required.
  • Please note that due to the nature of this position you may be required to wear a ½ mask respirator for extended periods daily.

Other important facts about this job

Jurisdiction: PWU Darlington

Class: 1815

Hours of work: 80 hours biweekly

Wage: Starting at $37.95 per hour

• Final Wage and Step will be determined at the time of selection and based on a combination of factors as outlined in the Collective Agreement.

Location requirement: To support plant operations and on-call responsibilities, you must be located within a 1.5-hour drive of the Darlington Demineralized Water Treatment Plant in Bowmanville, ON.

Vacancy: This recruitment is being conducted to backfill a vacant position

Learn more about Working at EPCOR!

Follow us on LinkedIn, X, Glassdoor or Facebook!

Please note the following information:

• A requirement of working for EPCOR is that you are at least 18 years of age, successfully attained a high school diploma (GED, or equivalent level of secondary education) and legally entitled to work in Canada. (A copy of a valid work permit may be required.)
• If you are considered for the position, clearance is required on all applicable background checks (which may include criminal, identity, educational, and/or credit) and professional reference checks. Some EPCOR positions require an enhanced level of background assessment, which is dictated by law. These positions require advanced criminal record checks that must also be conducted from time to time after commencement of employment.
• A technical/practical assessment may be administered during the selection process and this exercise will be used as a part of the selection criterion.
• To meet the physical demands required of some positions, candidates must be in good physical condition and willing to work in all weather conditions. Clearance on pre-placement medical and drug and alcohol testing may be required.
• Prior infractions for unsafe driving behaviours will be evaluated and considered for non-selection regardless of current demerits on file.
• If you are required to provide your own personal reliable vehicle: Successful applicants must provide their own vehicles with appropriate insurance in accordance with EPCOR’s Employee Mileage Reimbursement Policy. You will be reimbursed in accordance with EPCOR’s Employee Mileage Reimbursement Policy.