Water Treatment Operator I
The Town of Watson Lake is hiring a Water Treatment Operator I to join our Utilities team. This is an exciting opportunity to join a unionized team dedicated to improving the lives of our residents!
Nestled at the gateway to the Yukon and surrounded by the stunning wilderness of the Kaska Dena traditional territory, Watson Lake is more than just a place, it’s a lifestyle! Home to the world-famous Signpost Forest and approximately 1,000 welcoming residents, our community offers the perfect blend of small-town charm and big outdoor adventure. We boast pristine lakes, winding rivers, and endless trails right outside your door; a true outdoor enthusiast, hunter or fishers’ paradise. Whether you’re paddling through crystal-clear waters, hiking under the midnight sun, or spotting wildlife in untouched landscapes, Watson Lake invites you to live, work, and play in one of Canada’s most breathtaking regions.
Here, community spirit runs deep, opportunities are abundant, and tranquility is a way of life. If you’re ready to trade traffic for trails and noise for nature, Watson Lake is waiting to welcome you!
Water Treatment Operator I
Reporting to the Water Treatment Operator II, the Water Treatment Operator I will be responsible for overseeing the activities and processes that go into treating and distributing municipal drinking water, sanitary sewer systems and the district heating system. This position operates a variety of equipment in the construction, operation, repair, maintenance, and replacement of water, sewer, street, and drainage facilities and systems. The successful incumbent will have rotational on-call/standby duties.
Main Duties
- Responsible for operating the water treatment plant under the Supervision of a Level II water operator;
- Operate and perform routine inspection and preventative maintenance on the water treatment facility, supply wells, distribution system, booster pumping station, reservoir, meters, roadside drainage systems, sanitary sewer systems and the district heating system at frequent intervals to ensure that all aspects of the systems are functioning properly;
- Maintain a variety of records relating to inspections, maintenance activity, water supply, consumption, etc. in conformance with standard operating procedures and applicable environmental regulations and provide reports as required;
- Assist with the scheduling and maintenance of operation and construction activities designed to provide quality water, sewer, draining services for the Town;
- Operate all equipment in a safe and efficient way according to all relevant bylaws, policies, and procedures;
- Perform daily safety and maintenance checks and clean equipment as scheduled and/or required;
- Participate in routine maintenance and clean-up of Water Treatment Facility;
- Deal with residents and members of the public in a courteous and respectful manner. This includes making note and reporting complaints about schedules, levels, and quality of service to pass on to the supervisor;
- Ensure all safety standards and requirements set out by the Occupational Health & Safety are implemented/enforced for all equipment operations and public works facilities.
- Monitor subordinate staff on a regular basis for compliance with safe work practices; and,
- Undertake professional development, as required, in order to effectively meet the needs of the position and the organization
Qualifications and Experience
- Minimum Grade 12 Highschool education;
- EOCP Water Distribution Level I certification;
- Considerable experience in water system operations and maintenance;
- Experience in wastewater system operations an asset;
- Valid Class 3 Driver’s Licence or willingness to obtain within 6 months of employment;
- WHIMIS and Confined Space Entry certifications (or willingness to obtain);
- Standard First Aid certification (or willingness to obtain);
- Basic computer skills and experience with Microsoft programs, such as Word and Excel;
- Basic knowledge of SCADA program an asset;
- Knowledge of workplace safety practices and procedures;
- Demonstrate sound work ethic, honesty, and reliability;
- Effective verbal and written communication skills;
- Strong decision making and problem solving skills;
- Ability to establish and maintain professional working relationships with staff, and the general public;
- Willingness to work flexible hours; and,
- Ability to maintain confidentiality
What We Offer
- Competitive starting wage between $36.86 and $40.28 per hour as stated in Schedule “A” wage grid of the Town of Watson Lake Collective Agreement;
- Premium rates for on-call, overtime, evening and weekend hours;
- A matched Municipal Pension Plan;
- Substantial benefits package; including extended family health and dental coverage;
- Four weeks paid vacation leave and other available leave types; including but not limited to sick leave and special leave;
- Professional development opportunities; and,
- Relocation package
Job Type: Full-time, Permanent
Hours: 40 hours/week (excludes on-call/stand-by hours)
Closing Date: August 29, 2025 at 4:00 PM Yukon Time
To apply for this position, please submit a resume and cover letter, clearly outlining your qualifications and experience as it relates to this position. Please submit your resume and cover letter to the Director of Community Services, Shannon Bergeron, by 4:00 PM (Yukon Time) on Friday, August 29, 2025.
Email: csrec@watsonlake.ca
This position is open to Canadian Residents only. We thank all applicants for their interest, however only those individuals selected for an interview will be contacted.
For more information or a full copy of the job description, please contact Director of Operations, Glen Thrush
Email: operations@watsonlake.ca
Phone: 867-536-8000 ext. 8
In Person: Town Office, 710 Adela Trail, Watson Lake
