Utility Operator IV (Supervisor)

Utility Operator IV (Supervisor)
Competition #26-10

DEPARTMENT: Operations
HOURS OF WORK: Full-time (40 hours per week)
CLOSING DATE: Open until filled
HOURLY RATE: $42.34 (2025)

Surrounded by mountain ranges and beautiful lakes and rivers, Smithers is a true northern gem. The town has a population of around 5,400 and is a service hub for the surrounding region comprised of approximately 15,000 people.
Residents enjoy four seasons of recreational activities; including a ski hill within half an hour of town, world-class fishing, backcountry and cross-country skiing, hunting, golfing and alpine trails for hiking and horseback riding, along with a lively music scene, boutique shopping, an art gallery and museum, an aquatic centre, and numerous family-friendly activities.

GENERAL STATEMENT OF DUTIES: The Utility Supervisor is responsible for the day-to-day operations and maintenance of all Municipal water supply and distribution systems and the wastewater treatment and collection systems.

Qualifications include:
• A high school diploma or equivalent.
• Five years experience with municipal water supply and wastewater treatment.
• Three years supervisory experience.
• Valid BC drivers license with Airbrake endorsement.
• An equivalent combination of education, training, and experience may be considered.

PERKS AND BENEFITS:
The Town of Smithers offers a competitive wage ($42.34/hr), comprehensive benefits package, Municipal Pension Plan, and 15 days of paid vacation for the first year worked.

Further information, including a complete job description, is available on the Town of Smithers website: www.smithers.ca.

Testing may be required during the interview process. Testing will be based on the knowledge, skills, abilities, and qualifications outlined in the job descriptions.

Qualified candidates may forward their application package including cover letter, resume and three references, quoting Competition #26-10, to:
Human Resources
Confidential: Competition #26-10
Town of Smithers
Box 879, 1027 Aldous Street
Smithers, BC V0J 2N0
careers@smithers.ca

Job Description:

Utility Operator IV (Supervisor)
Reports to: Director of Operations
Department: Operations
Classification: Union

Main Purpose & Function:
The Utility Operator IV (Supervisor) is responsible for supervising and leading in the day-to-day operations and maintenance of all Municipal water supply and distribution systems) and the wastewater treatment and collection system. This role plays a critical role in ensuring community safety by ensuring compliance with provincial and system requirements and ensuring employees follow appropriate procedures.

Major Accountabilities:
1. Plan and assign employee work and supervise the work of Utility staff, including installation, maintenance, and repair of all Town wastewater collection and water distribution systems, facilities, and related appurtenances.
2. Participate in the development and implementation of goals, objectives, policies, and priorities for Utility services and other programs.
3. Train utilities and operations staff to ensure the safe, reliable, and effective operation of equipment and use of safe work procedures and assists in the scheduling of employees.
4. Monitor water systems for quality and quantity to meet the needs of community and firefighting purposes; liaise with the Ministry of Environment, Ministry of Health, Northern Health, and other agencies and associations as required.
5. Install, inspect, maintain and repair water distribution systems, wastewater collection systems, and storm and drainage systems.
6. Respond to emergency calls for services and general resident concerns regarding utilities.
7. Practice effective risk management, health and safety practices and procedures, and observe and report work site hazards.
8. Provide supervision, coaching, mentoring, planning scheduling and coordination to the utility workers in consultation with the Director of Operations.
9. Approve time records and overtime for utilities staff in consultation with the Director of Operations.
10. Receives, loads, and unloads chemicals, parts, supplies, and responds to emergency water and sewer issues.
11. Serves on various employee or other committees as assigned.
12. Monitors and inspects contractors’ work, evaluates their performance, and ensures deficiencies are corrected.
13. Participates in budget assessment, budget control, and forecasting, and researches, completes, and/or advises on capital projects, including purchase materials and supplies per the Town policy and budgets.
14. May be required to perform other related duties as required and participate in the Emergency Operations Centre as and when required.

Qualifications:
• High School Diploma or equivalent.
• Five years of experience working with municipal water supply and wastewater treatment.
• Three years of supervisory experience.
• A valid Class 3 BC Driver’s License, with Air Endorsement.
• Level 1 First Aid.
• This position also requires the following certifications:
o Water Distribution Level II (EOCP)
o Wastewater Collection Level II (EOCP)
o Wastewater Treatment Level I or II (EOCP)
o Chlorine Handling Training
o Water Treatment Level I or II (EOCP)
• Shoring and excavation training.

Other Requirements:
• Heavy lifting (>50 lbs) and manual labour for extended periods of time at various heights in all types of weather and environmental conditions.
• Mechanical aptitude.
• Strong critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to function autonomously.
• Ability to work well under pressure, including emergency situations.
• Strong multitasking skills.
• Ability to plan and organize daily work.
• A safety first, positive attitude.
• Ability to maintain tactful relations with various stakeholders, including unionized staff, management, members of council, other departments, user groups, contractors, utility agencies, regulatory bodies, and the public.

The Town of Smithers thanks all applicants in advance for their interest; however, only those candidates selected for an interview will be contacted.
The Town of Smithers is an equal opportunity employer committed to establishing an inclusive, equitable, and accessible environment for all. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, national origin, age, sex, religion, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status or any other basis protected by applicable law.