Operator I - Utilities

(Temporary)

Internal Closing Date:
Oct 29, 2025

Posting comes off at 12:00AM on the closing date, with the competition closing at 11:59pm the day prior.

Hourly Rate:
38.36

Minimum Weekly Hours:
40

Subject to return of the incumbent.

Reporting to the Manager, Utilities this position will aid with the repair, construction and maintenance of the sanitary, storm and water infrastructure within the City of Vernon and any contractual obligations or arrangements.

Duties Include:

• Assists with all activities related to the maintenance, repair, and installation of the water, sanitary and storm infrastructure. Participates in the ongoing Utilities department planned maintenance program for both water and waste water collection facilities.

• Operates, repairs, and maintains fire hydrants and valves.

• Performs the annual flushing program consistent with established procedures.

• Monitors drainage control, removes blockages in creek channels, culverts and sedimentation facilities.

• Performs seasonal cleaning of water reservoirs

• Performs bi-annual service turn-on/turn-off to the irrigation customers which may include the installation, repair and maintenance of valves, meters, and backflow preventors.

• Assists in the installation, repair, and reread of water meters.

• Inspects and repairs catch basins, sanitary and storm manholes, and connections as required.

• Responds to emergencies to maintain system integrity, reliability, prevention of property damage and ensures the environment and public health are not at risk

• Assists with investigation and repair of service blockages, cleaning and die-testing of lateral services and main failure repairs.

• Operates a variety of small equipment such as but not limited to jack hammer, chain saw, cut-off saw, air compressor, and jumping jack compactor. Performs traffic control in and around job sites and places safety barricades.

• Performs duties in all types of work spaces such as restricted and/or confined spaces; as required.

• Responsible for locating underground utilities.

• Delivers chemicals to various sites throughout the City (sodium hypo chlorite).

• Obtains historic records and data to determine field accuracy and reports inaccurate documented information.

• Supports the safe operation of equipment such as HydroVac, Flusher/Vacuum combination unit, rodding machine, mobile crane, CCTV video unit and other specialized tools and equipment.

• Operates fleet vehicles and equipment in compliance with provincial regulations and municipal bylaws and City of Vernon’s Vehicle Use Policy.

• Performs general maintenance and housekeeping at all facilities.

• Call-out and shift work may be required. Responds to after hour calls and takes corrective action as required.

• Performs other related duties as assigned.

• All persons employed by the City of Vernon will be required to assist the City in providing emergency services. Duties assigned during an emergency may differ from regular duties.

Required Education and Experience:

• EOCP Certification, in good standing,. at the following levels: Water Distribution Level I AND Wastewater Collection Level I

• Minimum 3 years recent experience directly related to deep utility construction or operation of water, sanitary and storm infrastructure within a municipal environment.

• Valid BC Driver’s License, Class 5.

• WHIMIS Training.

• Confined Space.

• First Aid Level 1.

• A combination of related education and experience may be considered.

Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Excellent communication skills (oral and written) combined with the ability to exercise diplomacy, courtesy, tact and be respectful when dealing with employees, contractors and members of the general public.

• Considerable knowledge of WorkSafe regulations and City of Vernon safety procedures and policies concerning entering excavations, restricted areas and confined spaces, lock- out procedures, working alone, handling of chemicals and hazardous goods, working in traffic and other safety issues as required.

• Considerable working knowledge of materials, tools, equipment, and procedures used in the installation and repair of water mains, storm and sanitary sewers, fire hydrants, service connections, catch basins, manholes, lift and pump stations. Ability to perform heavy manual labour duties of short duration.

• Knowledge of the safe operation of a variety of portable equipment required such as tamping machines, jack hammers, portable air compressors, portable pumps, valve exerciser, tapping machines, threading machines, pipe cutters, and thaw machines.

• Ability to accurately record site specific underground utilities information for crews to use during construction.

• Ability to use an Underground Utility Locator or Tracer tool (Mscope).

• Ability to learn and use computers and other related computer programs as required such as CityWorks and SCADA.

• Ability to obtain Transportation and Dangerous Goods, Forklift, and Rigging and Slinging Certifications.

• Ability to understand and carry out oral and written instructions.

• Ability to meet the physical demands of the job including working in all weather conditions.

• Ability to obtain and maintain an acceptable criminal record check.

Preferred Education and Experience:

• EOCP Certification at the following levels:

  • Water Distribution Level II AND Wastewater Collection Level II

• Current CraneSafe – A Certification.

• Current BC Driver’s License, Class 3 with Air Endorsement.

• 5 years’ experience in utilities operations including the operation of a Combination Flusher/Vacuum unit, Rodder, Roto Rooter, crane, pipe laying/fitting, water main disinfection, flushing maintenance, valve and hydrant maintenance.

To Apply:
Internal applicants are asked to apply via Workday using the Jobs Hub and uploading a resume.

By making application, you are authorizing the City of Vernon to verify, through whatever means deemed appropriate, any information included in your applicant profile.

The City of Vernon wishes to thank all applicants; however, only those candidates selected for an interview will be contacted. No phone calls please!

Job Details:
Job Requisition ID
JR-2025-171

Location
Operation Services Building

Posting Date
2025-10-21 - Today

Posting End Date
2025-10-29 (7 days left to apply)

Job Family
CUPE

Time Type
Full time

Job Type
Permanent

Supervisory Organization
Utilities Water Operations

Education : Other trades certificate or diploma

Experience : 3 years to less than 5 years