Instrumentation and Control Technician (Water Operations)

Position Details

• Job Type: Full-Time
• Department: Systems B (Water Operations and Maintenance)
• Division: Engineering and Environmental Services
• Hours of Work: 40
• Work Schedule: Monday - Friday 8:00am - 4:00pm
• Union: CUPE 1656
• Grade: CUPE 1656 Grade 009S Skilled Trades
• Salary Range: $44.45 - $46.79 per hour
• Location: 2069 Ottawa St S - Mannheim Water Treatment Plant
• Posting Date: August 18, 2026

About Us

The Region of Waterloo is a thriving, diverse community committed to fostering opportunities for current and future generations. Waterloo Region is part of the Dish with One Spoon wampum, a treaty guiding our commitment to:

• Taking only what we need
• Leaving some for others
• Keeping the dish clean

This agreement underpins our vision, mission, and core value, and reinforces our dedication to meaningful reconciliation and equity.

Waterloo Region is home to over 674,000 residents and expected to grow to nearly one million by 2051. Guided by our 2023-2027 Strategic Plan, “Growing with Care,” we prioritize homes for all, climate aligned growth, equitable services and opportunities and a resilient and future ready organization. Our mission is to provide essential services that enhance the quality of life for all residents, while our core value emphasizes caring for people and the land we share. Join us and be part of a team dedicated to making a meaningful difference in our community.

The Role

Acts as certified operator for the Region per Ontario Regulation 128/04. Performs operational, maintenance, and emergency response on water treatment, water distribution, and systems equipment. Operates, repairs, modifies, retrofits, and installs equipment.

Duties/Responsibilities

• Installs, operates, and performs maintenance on new and modified equipment at remote sites (e.g., control transformers, chemical/process analyzers, PLC/rpu panels).
• Monitors and schedules predictive and preventive maintenance. Recommends maintenance improvements.
• Inspects, monitors, adjusts, and starts/stops existing equipment; opens/closes valves; adjusts disinfection and chemical systems, and electrical and control indicator equipment.
• Installs and tests equipment (e.g., pump motors, chemical pumps, UV), capacitors and ballasts. Maintains documentation. Repairs and replaces faulty equipment.
• Performs UV sensor calculations/calibrations.
• Programs, verifies, and tests operating software. Ensures automatic controlled equipment and processes meet regulatory requirements.
• Provides input to the SCADA system. Acts as Operator In Charge (OIC) during project software and PLC upgrades.
• Maintains logs and work orders. Completes work order forms and inventory control cards. Runs test results and activity reports.
• Maintains maintenance records, manuals, wiring schematics, P&IDs, RPU programs, and records for the computerized maintenance management system (CMMS).
• Uses CMMS to identify maintenance needs. Recommends new technologies. Calibrates equipment and records in CMMS. Makes recommendations for preventive maintenance and testing programs.
• Provides input on capital project design, programming, inspections/meetings, equipment, and manuals.
• Participates in system upgrades (e.g., control strategies, design drawings/layouts, program development, methodology, commissioning and testing) to ensure minimal disruption and compliance with regulations.
• Designs, builds, and commissions electrical controls, chemical, and plant process systems.
• Responds to urgent issues and performs emergency repairs on instrumentation/control and electrical equipment as needed. Notifies management for major repairs and assists as needed.
• Provides electrical isolation from control panels for others.
• Contacts utilities and contractors to coordinate shutdowns and installations. Meets with ESA for electrical inspections.
• Maintains library of specifications, instrumentation, drawings, and manuals.
• Maintains tools and equipment in good working condition, and reports servicing needs. Tags items for repair/disposal. Maintains stock (materials, parts, equipment) used for own work, with stockkeeper. Has a p-card to purchase supplies up to set limit.
• Provides technical guidance and monitors the work of other maintenance and operations staff, summer students, and contractors.
• Performs work as assigned by the supervisor, lead hand, and SCADA programmer/analyst. Plans work based on schedule prepared with the supervisor and lead hand.
• Makes technical and safety related decisions for self and others, and recommends solutions to supervisor for issues related to cost, downtime, and additional time required.
• Performs related duties as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Knowledge and skills are acquired through a 3-year college diploma in a related field (e.g., Instrumentation, Electrical Control Systems) plus 4 years of directly related experience.
• Must have valid Class II Water Distribution Certificate and Class II Water Treatment Certificate from the MECP or obtain within three years of date of hire.
• Must have valid Certificate of Qualification as an Industrial Instrument Mechanic or obtain within five years of date of hire.
• All training to obtain the Class II Water Treatment and distribution certification will be provided and paid for by the Region of Waterloo.
• Knowledge and experience with instrumentation, control, and electrical systems.
• Knowledge and experience in the repair, maintenance, and operation of water treatment, process, and motor control and distribution systems.
• Must hold current emergency first aid certification (or attain post-hire).
• Knowledge of and ability to comply with policies, procedures, and related legislation and regulations (e.g., health and safety, safe drinking water, electrical safety, confined spaces).
• Solid understanding of chemical systems, including anhydrous ammonia, gas chlorination, ozone.
• Analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills to ensure compliance; ...