Printed on: February 1, 2026

Utility Operator II - Water - Full-time, Permanent - Engineering and Public Works Department

Employer City of Fernie
Salary $41.45 /hr
Terms Permanent F/T
Start Date
Requirements
The City of Fernie is inviting qualified applicants for the position of Utility Operator II - Water.
Employment for this position will be full-time, regular, and will be part of CUPE Local 2093.

POSITION OVERVIEW

Reporting to the Manager of Public Works or their delegate, the Utility Operator II- Water position is responsible for performing duties related to the operation of the City, including the operation and maintenance of water infrastructure and facilities. The Utility Operator II is responsible for the proper installation, monitoring, maintenance, and record-keeping related to water infrastructure. This position involves the performance of a wide variety of work, occasionally of a complex nature. The position is physically demanding and labor intensive with the requirement to work shift work. Role tasks are routine in nature and vary seasonally.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
Required Qualifications
• One (1) Certification in Water relevant to the current systems classifications by the EOCP: Water Treatment Operator ( or Water Distribution Operator certificate (2023 EOCP structure).
o Ex. Water Distribution Operator Level 1
OR
• Enrolled and actively progressing through the OIT program with the City of Fernie in the relevant department (water, wastewater).
AND
• Valid B.C. Driver's License, minimum Class 3, with air brake endorsement.
• Developing computer skills, including knowledge and experience working in an Microsoft Office environment.
• Has or is able to obtain EOCP Chlorine Handlers Certificate within a specified time period, (if required by the position).
• Ability to train and use SCBA.
• Experience in a municipal environment for 2 years.
• Vaccination for Hepatitis as per OHS regulations. Knowledge, Skills & Abilities
• Proven experience working around heavy construction equipment such as excavators, backhoes, loaders, dump trucks, etc.
• The Following training will be expected to be undertaken and maintained.
o Fall arrest, CSE, Ground Disturbance, Forklift, First AID, WHIMIS certificates, SCBA training, competency in safe backhoe operations.
• Effective interpersonal and organizational skills. Competencies for Success
• Full Level 1 tickets in the respective department (Treatment or Distribution (2023 EOCP structure)).
• Ability to successfully lead a small crew.
• Independent troubleshooting ability of the utility system and infrastructure.
• The following is considered an asset:
o Proven understanding of common water or wastewater treatment processes, residential and/or commercial plumbing experience, proven mechanical aptitude, and experience as an Operator 2 with the City of Fernie.

WORKING CONDITIONS
Physical Demands
• Bending, climbing, twisting the body
• Making repetitive motions
• Handling material manually, with heavy manual labour
• Sitting
• Standing

Environmental Conditions
• Extreme temperatures; outside, exposure to all weather including sun, snow, rain, ice.
• Working alone
• Standard and specialized safety equipment
• Hazardous equipment, machinery, hand, and power tools
• In an enclosed vehicle or equipment, at heights
• Noise and vibration
• Dangerous chemical substances and biological substances

Duties DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
In addition to the duties of a Utility Operator I;

• Performs preventative and corrective maintenance activities in the distribution/collection system and facilities, including all ancillary equipment and infrastructure.
• Locate, repair, install, and maintain new and existing services and system infrastructure, including site preparation and clean-up.
• Record and report accurate and detailed information of work; i.e. verbal, written, typed and/or creating sketches.
• Sample, test, and report findings as required for the system and provincial permits.
• Responds to public inquiries, complaints and service calls in a helpful, professional and diplomatic manner in accordance with City Policy.
• Be familiar with all relevant permits to operate.
• Be responsible for the operation and maintenance of municipal infrastructure.
• Be available for call-out to emergencies in the municipal infrastructure system as required in accordance with the terms of the Collective Agreement.
• Conduct assessments, immediate repairs and/or protective measures to ensure public health and safety, as well as system integrity.
• Assist with the timely and economical connection of users to municipal sewer and water systems in accordance with regulated public health and Ministry of Environment standards.
• Assist with accurate inventory control in relation to materials/goods associated with the municipal utility infrastructure.
• Shared responsibility in the development and maintenance of effective records for municipal infrastructure and reporting requirements.
• Undertakes training as required. Completes EOC training.
• All employees shall work in accordance with the City of Fernie’s Safety Management System.
• Support other departments in times of need such as, but not limited to; flooding, snow removal, etc.
• Use and conduct basic diagnostics of the City’s PLC and SCADA monitoring systems/software.
• Ability to work independently, exercise critical thinking, and take initiative reliably, with minimum supervision, and make sound decisions in critical circumstances.
• Training and education for related duties. Completes EOC training.
• Other related duties may be assigned from time to time.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:
The above description reflects the general details considered necessary to describe the principal functions and duties as required for proper evaluation of the job and will not be construed as a detailed description of all the work requirements that may be inherent in the job. Employees may perform other related duties and tasks as required to meet the needs of the operation.

Salary will be in accordance with current CUPE 2093 contract. The rate of pay is $41.45/hour.

Premiums are applicable in accordance with the updated CUPE 2093 Collective Agreement:

Utility Operator II’s who have successfully obtained and maintain certification through the EOCP and BCWWA shall receive a premium for each of the following:
Level 2 Certification(s) - $0.35 per hour each
Level 3 Certification(s) - $0.40 per hour each
Level 4 Certification(s) - $0.50 per hour each

For Clarification purposes, these premiums are compounded.

This is a regular position, with vacation and benefit entitlements in accordance with the CUPE 2093 Collective Agreement. This position needs to be available for call-out to emergencies in the municipal infrastructure system as required in accordance with the terms of the Collective Agreement. Further, this position will be available for stand-by/on call shifts throughout the year as needed. This is posted internally and externally concurrently.

Detailed applications containing resume and cover letter in a PDF format should be received at careers@fernie.ca by 12:00 PM February 16, 2026, and be addressed to:

Bree Campbell, Manager of Public Works
c/o Human Resources
City of Fernie, 501 – 3rd Ave, PO Box 190
Fernie, BC, V0B 1M0 or
Email: careers@fernie.ca

We wish to express our appreciation to all applicants for their interest in applying for this position. However, only candidates selected for an interview will be contacted.

The City of Fernie is committed to diversity, equity and inclusion in the workplace and during the recruitment process. We welcome applicants from all qualified individuals, including those who belong to equity-deserving groups. If you require accommodation to participate in the recruitment process, please inform us when you apply, and we will make every effort to meet your needs. Staff can be reached at careers@fernie.ca or reached at 250-423-2242 to arrange for accommodation.

The City of Fernie strives to ensure that its employment practices are free from direct and indirect discrimination and is committed to upholding the human rights of those participating in the hiring process. In pursuit of this commitment, City of Fernie will not condone or tolerate any acts of discrimination or harassment under any of the grounds protected under human rights legislation. This commitment extends to the hiring process and throughout the course of employment.

To Apply Please use the contact information as directed in the listing.
Résumé AND Cover letter via Email by 12:00 PM, FEBRUARY 16, 2026.
Contact Name Bree Campbell
Address 501-3rd Ave.
Location Fernie
Phone
Fax
E-Mail careers@fernie.ca
Website
Date Posted 2026-01-29
Date Ending 2026-02-16