EPCOR Careers

Highlights of the job

We are hiring a Lead Hand Operator, [Full-Time Permanent position] working out of the Canmore Waste Water Treatment Plant (WWTP). This is a meaningful team leadership opportunity for someone who is passionate about safety, public health, and operational excellence and teamwork. We welcome applications from both internal and external applicants.

As a Lead Hand Operator, you are leading and mentoring a skilled team of operators while playing a critical role in the day‑to‑day operation of a Level III Wastewater Treatment Plant. There may also be opportunities for exposure to the Level II Water Treatment Plant (WTP) and Level III Distribution & Collection systems, broadening your operational experience.

You are balancing hands‑on technical expertise with people leadership, guiding operators, supporting training and development, and fostering a strong culture of accountability and continuous improvement. You are also collaborating closely with the Site Manager, Distribution & Collection teams, maintenance partners, contractors, and regulators to ensure operations are safe, efficient, and fully compliant.

Your work directly supports the safe treatment of wastewater, protects the environment, and helps ensure the community of Canmore continues to receive reliable, compliant service. In this role, you are championing EPCOR’s Health, Safety & Environment (HS&E) standards, supporting ISO 14001 environmental practices, and contributing to ongoing improvements in plant performance, reliability, and risk management.

What you’d be responsible for

• Leading and supporting a team of operators to deliver safe, efficient, and compliant operations across the Level III Wastewater Treatment Plant (WWTP), while balancing hands‑on technical work with effective delegation and team oversight.

• Ensuring regulatory, safety, and operational compliance, including approvals to operate, quality control of records, and accurate, timely reporting for regulatory, operational, and performance requirements in collaboration with Distribution & Collection (D&C).
• Providing technical leadership and operational expertise, stepping in as needed to support field rounds, laboratory duties, process control adjustments, troubleshooting, and proactive risk identification using SCADA data, lab results, and performance trends.
• Driving operational performance and continuous improvement, tracking metrics, identifying issues, implementing corrective actions, and supporting incident management with a focus on learning and prevention.
• Managing assets and resources effectively, including maintenance planning, contractor coordination, forecasting of costs (maintenance, chemicals, staffing), and supporting capital projects and project management activities.
• Championing EPCOR’s Health, Safety & Environment (HS&E) standards, promoting a strong safety culture and supporting the goal of zero health, safety, regulatory, and service quality incidents.
• Collaborating with internal and external stakeholders, including maintenance teams, contractors, engineers, regulators, clients, and the public, while representing the team with professionalism and a strong service mindset.
• Setting clear expectations and driving accountability, while mentoring and developing team members through coaching, on‑the‑job guidance, and structured training to build capability, readiness, and succession.

What’s required to be successful

• Grade 12 diploma (GED, or equivalent level of secondary education).
  • Wastewater Technician Certificate/Diploma/Degree from a recognized educational institution will be considered an asset.
• 5+ years directly related experience in the wastewater field with at least 3 years of supervisory experience.
• Minimum Level III certification in Wastewater Treatment is required.
• Strong working knowledge of Canadian health, safety, and environment (HS&E) regulations and International Standards Organization (ISO) 9001 and 14001 standards.
• Must have a valid Canadian Class 5 Motor Vehicle Operator's License: 
  • with 6 or fewer demerits.
  • Ability to qualify for and maintain a valid EPCOR driver's permit.
  • A 5-year Commercial Drivers Abstract may be required at the time of hire.
  • We are not accepting drivers with a GDL license.
  • A Class 3 license with Q endorsement will be considered an asset.
• Currently lives within close proximity to Canmore, Cochrane, West Calgary, and the Bow Valley corridor.
• Ability to meet the physical demands and activities inherent to the work performed, as well as to function effectively outside under a variety of weather conditions and through all seasons.
  • Please note that due to the nature of this position you will be required to wear a ½ mask respirator for extended periods on a daily basis.
• Clearance on pre-placement police check, reference check, medical and drug and alcohol testing.
• Proficient in using asset management software IVARA, SAP or similar and using SCADA control systems.
• Adept in Microsoft applications (Outlook, Excel, Power Point etc.). Knowledge and application of data visualization and management systems such as Power BI and HACH Water Information Management System (WIMS) and ability to learn other software systems will be considered an asset.
• Excellent communication (verbal and written), problem solving, planning and organization skills, keen attention to detail, and a high degree of accuracy in everything you do.
• Ability to demonstrate a strong drive for results; can collaborate and work in a diverse team of operators with minimal supervision.
• Proven experience supervising and developing operations staff, with the ability to lead by example, delegate effectively, and foster a high-performing, safety-focused team environment.
• Strong analytical and decision-making skills, with the ability to troubleshoot complex systems and make sound operational judgments under pressure.
• Excellent planning and organizational abilities, with a demonstrated commitment to maintaining a respectful, inclusive, and accountable workplace.
• A safety advocate with an unwavering commitment to safe work practices, quality service and excellence.

Health and safety are integral to EPCOR's work, and we strive to maintain a zero-injury organizational culture. As the successful candidate, you possess a high level of safety awareness and demonstrate safe work practices at all times. You will also be required to actively participate in safety and other job-related training. 

Other important facts about this job

Jurisdiction: Out of Scope Hourly (OSH)

Wage: Per matrix scale recognizing certification levels and will be determined at time of offer

Hours of work: 8 hours per day, 40 hours per week, (07:30AM-16:30PM) with one hour lunch time.  

• Overtime and weekend work are required.
• Must also participate in the on-call rotation system (30-minute response time required)

Location: Canmore

Bow Valley Housing Allowance: This position is located in Canmore, Alberta. Candidates who choose to reside in Canmore, Exshaw, Deadmans Flats, Lac des Arcs, Harvie Heights or Banff are eligible to receive the Bow Valley pay supplement.

Relocation: EPCOR may provide relocation assistance for the successful candidate and is based on the candidates’ requirements and meeting the eligibility requirements as outlined in EPCORs Relocation guide.

EPCOR Employees: Please ensure that you are using your “@epcor.com” email address.

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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 on a permanent full-time basis (A copy of a valid work permit may be required.)
• If you are considered for the position, clearance on all applicable background checks (which may include criminal, identity, educational, and/or credit) and professional reference checks is required. 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.
• 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.
• A technical/practical assessment may be administered during the selection process and this exercise will be used as a part of the selection criterion.