Collections Systems Operator, Apprentice

Department

Wastewater and Stormwater Services

Primary Function

The position requires the performance of scheduled and emergency cleaning, repair and maintenance of sanitary and stormwater related infrastructure. Operation of vehicles, equipment, and tools in a safe manner to perform such functions in all weather conditions and in confined spaces, etc. All employees in this classification contribute to meeting the operational objectives of Halifax Water.

Duties & Responsibilities

• Operates a variety of cleaning, maintenance, repair equipment, tools and vehicles
• Cleans, repairs, and maintains sewers, underground access chambers, catch basins, wet/dry wells, laterals and forcemains, etc.
• Replaces, repairs, and adjusts manhole and catchbasin covers
• Responds to flood, fuel spills, sewer odors, sewer backups and customer complaints. Investigates and resolves such complaints
• Inspects wastewater and stormwaterrelated infrastructure
• Cleans repairs and maintains storm sewers, culverts, catch basins, ditches including grading
• Loads and unloads equipmentand materials as required
• General care, maintenance and safe operation of assigned equipmentand tools
• Orders supplies and materials as required
• Provides written and verbal reports concerning daily work activities
• Must be willing to work overtime for emergency call-outs
• Performs other related duties as required

Reporting Relationships

Reports to: Works Supervisor

Minimum Qualifications

Education and Experience

Level 2 Requirements :

Education: Grade 12 or equivalent is required. Must have valid Class 2 Wastewater Collection Operator Certification

Experience: Five years experience operating sanitary and stormwater infrastructure

Certificates/Licenses/Registrations:

1. Must have a valid NS Driver's License with good driving record/clean abstract. Minimum Class 3 license with air brake and tag endorsement. 2. Must be able and trained to operate required equipment in Wastewater and Stormwater Collection Services

Level 1 Requirements:

Same as above except:

Education: A valid Class 1 Certification

Experience: Three years related experience

Same as above except:

Education: OIT, willing to obtain Class 1 in 1 year

Experience: Two years experience

Certificates/Licenses/Registrations :

1. Class 5 License, willing to obtain Class 3 in one year

Other Requirements

Hours of Work: As per Collective Agreement

This is a CUPE Local 227 Unionized position

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

Technical Knowledge:

• Must have training and experience in Confined Space Entry
• Must have valid Provincial certification for Traffic Control and Provincial Signage
• Must have valid WHMIS, Emergency First Aid Accreditation and CPR Trench Safety, Rigging, Fall Arrest
• Must be familiar with related Occupational Health and Safety practices
• Must have good verbal and written communication skills. Must be willing to work overtime for emergency call outs.
• Must be reliable, punctual and have a good attendance record.
• Must be willing to take occupational and other training related to classification and equipment
• Must meet and maintain essential physical requirements of the position as described in Working Conditions

Working Conditions :

• Pre-employment testing and periodic reassessment and retesting will be required which will include functional assessment plus confined space entry with appropriate equipment.
• Standing, walking, head/neck - neutral, bilateral handling - simple and firm grasp, climbing, sitting (driving), forward reaching, lifting.
• Required to enter and work in confined spaces. Must be capable of safely accessing and egressing confined spaces with safety gear using Duo Safety Corporation ladders rated at a maximum load of 750 lbs. These confined spaces have a minimum manhole access of 27 inches in diameter. May be required to wear respiratory equipment, depending on environmental conditions. Worker is required to wear a full body harness when working in underground/enclosed areas.
• Sitting and foot movement (driving) - occasional - on average 1 - 2.5 hrs/shift 3
• Standing and walking - frequent - 2.5 to 5.5 hrs/shift, short to moderate periods of dynamic standing, interspersed with occasional to frequent periods of short to moderate distance walking
• Bending and forward reaching - occasional to frequent depending on work project
• Reaching Overhead – occasional - 1 - 2.5 hrs/shift
• Balance – occasional – 1 - 2.5 hrs/shift
• Head/neck - neutral mobility – frequently - 2.5 to 5.5 hrs/shift Head/neck-flexion, extension, rotation - occasional – 1 - 2.5 hrs/shift
• Climbing or descending - occasional - ladders from 4 - 40 feet, average 10-15 foot ladders
• Bilateral handling - constant - over 5.5 hrs/shift
• Handling - Simple and firm hand grasp – frequent - 2.5 to 5.5 hrs/shift
• Lifting - occasional - 1 - 2.5 hrs/shift - 5 to 70 lbs - one worker
• Lifting - minimal – 0 – 1 hr/shift - 70-135lbs - 2 workers working jointly
• Carrying - occasional - 20-70 lbs - 1 - 2.5 hrs/shift
• Kneeling, crouching, squatting – occasional - 1 - 2.5 hrs/shift
• Location - primarily outdoors and underground in an environment that includes dust, fumes, volatile organic compounds, noise, odor, heat, cold, etc.
• Required to work with live sewage with appropriate safety equipment and measures.
• Equipment and tools operation in difficult conditions (heat, rain, snow, ice or confined spaces)
• Workload Level - Medium to Heavy - May be required to work alone

Halifax Water is an equal opportunity employer.