Water Distribution Operator

Position Details

• Service Area: Infrastructure, Development, and Environment
• Department: Environmental Services
• Division: Water Services
• Work Location: Water Services, 29 Waterworks Place
• Work Mode: In Person
• Job Type and Duration: Permanent, Full Time Vacancy
• Position Availability: 1 existing vacant position(s)
• Salary Range: OIT CUPE Local Grade 4: $34.49 per hour; Class 1-4 CUPE Local Grade 5: $36.19 - $39.45 per hour
• Affiliation: CUPE Local 241
• Posting Period: July 29, 2026 till the position has been filled

When you join the City of Guelph, you join a team of over 2000 employees who deliver services the community relies on every day. Together, we are bringing to life Guelph’s vision of an inclusive, connected, and prosperous city where we look after each other and our environment. As a single tier municipality, we offer a variety of occupations and career specialties within our organization. Guided by the goals and objectives of the Future Guelph: Strategic Plan and committed to the Corporate Values of integrity, service, inclusion, wellness and learning, the candidate will aid in the achievement of the Community Vision for an inclusive, connected, prosperous city.

What We Offer

• Competitive wages and comprehensive benefits to meet the needs of our diverse employees.
• Paid vacation days, increasing with years of service
• Paid personal days
• Defined benefit pension plan with OMERS, including 100-per-cent employer matching
• Extended health and dental benefits, including Health Care Spending Account
• Employee and Family Assistance Program
• Parental leave top up program
• Learning and development opportunities including tuition assistance
• Employee recognition programs

Position Overview

Resumes are being accepted for the position of Water Distribution Operator within the Water Services Division. Reporting to the Supervisor- Water Distribution; the Water Distribution Operator will be involved in all aspects of operating and maintaining the City of Guelph Class IV Water Distribution System. The successful candidate will work alongside other distribution operators and demonstrate experience in all aspects of Water Distribution Operation and Maintenance in accordance with Water Services policies procedures and operations and in accordance with the requirements of the OIT and/or Class regulatory certification. In conjunction and cooperation with the other operators and guidance of the Lead Hands, the successful candidate will undertake works assigned by the Distribution Supervisors while ensuring that both compliance and Health and Safety objectives are met. The successful candidate will have a focus on team building, quality customer service and continuous improvement. Guided by the goals and objectives of the City’s Strategic Plan and committed to the Corporate Values of integrity, service, inclusion, wellness and learning, the candidate will aid in the achievement of the Vision for an inclusive, connected and prosperous city.

Key Duties and Responsibilities

• Operator-in-Training: Performs under the guidance of a MOECC licensed Water Operator I and above - assists with routine inspection, maintenance, and repair of water infrastructure, and appurtenances including repair duties on hydrants, meters, chambers, pumping/booster stations, water filling stations, water mains, valves and any other infrastructure and appurtenances necessary for the operation of a water distribution system.
• Performs under the guidance of a MOECC licensed Water Operator I and above, utility locate activities for City infrastructure and appurtenances, utilizing in part automated technologies, in accordance with City policies and procedures and federal and provincial guidelines, acts and regulations.
• Operates under the guidance of a MOECC licensed Water Operator I and above, main line, hydrant and service connection valves to control and manipulate flow of water, isolate sections and exercise valves as required.
• Under the guidance of a MOECC licensed Water Operator I and above, takes water samples and performs chlorine residuals of the water distribution system as required under the Safe Drinking Water Act and related regulations, prepares chains of custody and delivers samples to an accredited laboratory.
• Other duties as assigned.
• Class I license and above: Operates the distribution system in accordance with the policies, practices and procedures of the City and Water Services and also in accordance with the requirements of their current level of certification.
• Installs, repairs and maintains any and all portions of the City’s Water Distribution System and appurtenances, as required including the maintenance and repair of all equipment in Water Services Division operation.
• Communicate items of interest or concern to the Lead Hands or Supervisors for discussion and/or resolution.
• Responds to water distribution calls and provides advice to customers in a cordial and professional manner.
• Perform all manual and technical tasks assigned and assist in equipment operation as required.
• Complete daily work-orders and other related documentation; record and document works as required using provided devices such as computers, phones, tablets or logs.
• Safely operate and perform routine daily maintenance and minor repairs to assigned equipment as required by the Operations Manual.
• Responsible for and complying with health and safety in accordance with the Occupational Health and Safety Act and applicable Federal, Provincial and City regulations, policies and procedures as well as regulations of the Ministry of the Environment and others as required.
• Completes and maintains all daily legislative and non-legislative records as they pertain to the Distribution system and Health and Safety.
• Support investigations of high/low pressure complaints, suspected water leaks, discolored water complaints and other similar events.
• Participates in all assigned training and other distribution initiatives.
• Provide emergency response as required.