Who we are
Cornwall is a beautiful community with a population of 47,000 situated on the banks of the St. Lawrence River in Eastern Ontario. The city offers a wide array of urban amenities, making it an excellent place for a career and raising a family. With a growing economy, expanding population and fantastic quality of life, there has never been a better time to start the next phase of your career with the City of Cornwall! Cornwall is a diverse and progressive community where residents and partners feel safe, welcomed, and enjoy a high quality of life supported by access to financially responsible and sustainable municipal services and infrastructure.

Position Summary 

The Operator - Wastewater Treatment Plant/Water Purification Plant is responsible for the operation and record keeping of wastewater or water purification systems and remote pumping station facilities in the municipality. This includes ensuring that the water treatment processes are carried out efficiently and in compliance with environmental and health regulations. The Operator is responsible for monitoring equipment, adjusting processes, troubleshooting issues, performing routine maintenance, and maintaining operational records. The position plays a key role in providing safe and clean drinking water and ensuring proper wastewater treatment to protect public health and the environment.

Key Responsibilities 

• Control system operations, performing routine inspections and maintenance, assisting with repairs on wastewater treatment or water purification equipment, including pumps, motors, chemical injection systems, valves, and filtration systems.
• Act as the legislated Operator in Charge (OIC) for the wastewater treatment or water treatment system.
• Complete water sampling, testing and monitoring as prescribed by regulations and maintain all records accordingly.
• Troubleshoot and resolve operational issues in a timely manner to ensure minimal disruption to the water treatment or wastewater processes.
• Perform preventive maintenance tasks to reduce equipment failure, including replacing components, and conducting tests to ensure system performance.
• Maintain accurate records of maintenance activities, including repairs, inspections, and preventive maintenance schedules.
• Monitor and operate treatment plant systems, including chemical dosing, disinfection and filtration, ensuring compliance with environmental regulations and operational standards.
• Respond to emergency maintenance situations and assist with repairs as needed, ensuring that downtime is minimized, and operations are restored quickly.
• Assist in the calibration and adjustment of control systems and equipment to maintain optimal performance and efficiency.
• Coordinate with other plant personnel to perform major repairs, tank inspections, equipment upgrades, and system overhauls.
• Ensure all safety protocols and operational procedures are followed in accordance with municipal guidelines and regulatory requirements.

Leadership of Others

• N/A

Position Requirements

Education & Certifications:  

• Diploma in Environmental Engineering, Water Treatment Technician/Technology, or a related field.
• Certification as a Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator (Class I or II) or Water Purification Plant Operator (Class I or II), with the ability to obtain Class III certification.

Experience:

• Minimum of 3 years of experience in operating and maintaining wastewater treatment or water purification facilities.

An equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: 

• Technical Expertise: Strong knowledge with wastewater treatment or water purification systems, including pumps, disinfection system, filtration systems, chemical dosing, and monitoring equipment.
• Problem-Solving: Proven ability to troubleshoot system issues, identify root causes, and implement solutions quickly.
• Attention to Detail: Ability to monitor complex systems and accurately record operational data, ensuring compliance with environmental and safety regulations.
• Communication: Strong verbal and written communication skills, with experience in reporting data, documenting maintenance activities, and coordinating with colleagues.
• Time Management: Capacity to prioritize tasks in a fast-paced environment and meet deadlines while ensuring operational effectiveness.
• Safety Awareness: Knowledge of safety protocols related to hazardous materials, chemicals, and working in industrial environments.
• Collaboration: Ability to work collaboratively with others and contribute to a supportive and productive work environment.
• Regulatory Compliance: Familiarity with environmental and safety regulations specific to wastewater treatment, water purification, and the associated municipal systems.
• Technical Proficiency: Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, Outlook) and plant-specific SCADA control systems and instrumentation software.

Working Conditions 

• Work is primarily performed in a wastewater treatment or water purification plant environment,
• Shift work may be required, including weekends, evenings, and on-call duties.
• Work hours may vary, with typical shifts scheduled Monday to Friday during daytime hours, but Saturday shifts are scheduled on rotation.
• This role involves exposure to mechanical systems, electrical systems, chemicals, various weather conditions, wastewater, loud noises, and other potential hazards.
• Cognitive demands include retaining detailed knowledge of the plant's mechanical, electrical, and treatment systems and making real-time adjustments to chemical dosages, pump speeds, or flow rates based on data and system needs.
• Physical demands include lifting and carrying equipment or materials weighing up to 50 lbs, standing for extended periods, walking long distances on plant premises and performing work in confined spaces or elevated areas.
• Work Location: Water Treatment Plant, 861 Second Street West, Cornwall, ON, K6J 1H5

If selected for this role, you will need to provide

• Criminal Record and Judicial Matters Check
• Successful reference check (two work-related references, with a minimum of one being a direct supervisor)
• Licenses, certifications, etc.

Additional Information
The Corporation of The City of Cornwall strives to promote and demonstrate the values of Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion. We are committed to reflecting the diversity of the community we serve and encourage qualified candidates of all backgrounds and abilities to apply. Accommodation will be provided in all parts of the hiring process as required. Applicants need to make their needs known in advance. We thank all applicants for their interest, however, only those selected for interviews will be contacted.  Information collected will be handled in accordance with the Municipal Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act.

The City of Cornwall is an equal-opportunity employer committed to an inclusive, barrier-free recruitment and selection process. At the City, we respect, encourage and celebrate our diversity. The City of Cornwall is committed to providing accommodation throughout the recruitment process. If you require accommodation, please notify us and we will work with you to meet your needs.

Please save a copy of this posting for your records. Please ensure that your application clearly demonstrates how you meet each of the required qualifications. Please note, selection for further consideration will be based on the information you provide in your application. Interviews may be conducted virtually through Microsoft Teams or in-person.