The Town of Watson Lake is hiring a Water Treatment Operator II to join our Utilities team. This is an exciting opportunity to join a unionized team dedicated to improving the lives of our residents!
Nestled at the gateway to the Yukon and surrounded by the stunning wilderness of the Kaska Dena traditional territory, Watson Lake is more than just a place, it’s a lifestyle! Home to the world-famous Signpost Forest and approximately 1,540 welcoming residents, our community offers the perfect blend of small-town charm and big outdoor adventure. We boast pristine lakes, winding rivers, and endless trails right outside your door; a true outdoor enthusiast, hunter or fishers’ paradise. Whether you're paddling through crystal-clear waters, hiking under the midnight sun, or spotting wildlife in untouched landscapes, Watson Lake invites you to live, work, and play in one of Canada’s most breathtaking regions.
Here, community spirit runs deep, opportunities are abundant, and tranquility is a way of life. If you're ready to trade traffic for trails and noise for nature, Watson Lake is waiting to welcome you!
Water Treatment Operator II
Reporting to the Director of Municipal Operations, this position is responsible for overseeing the activities and processes that go into treating, distributing municipal drinking water, sanitary sewer systems and the district heating system. The incumbent is the Operational Supervisor for the daily operations of the Utilities Department and will supervise the other water treatment operators. This position also performs other related duties and responsibilities as directed by the Director of Municipal Operations. This position requires rotational on call/standby duties.
Main Duties
- Operate a level 2 water distribution and level 2 water treatment plant as required by EOCP, BCWWA and Yukon Environmental Health legislation and Regulations.
- Supervise all Water Treatment Operator level 1 employees and trainees.
- Perform daily safety and maintenance checks.
- Advise the Director of Municipal Operations of any requirements for maintenance or repairs.
- Assist the Director of Municipal Operations in preparing budget submissions and completing year work planning.
- Participate in routine maintenance and clean-up of Water Treatment Facility.
- Assist with the maintenance of inventory.
- Deal with residents and members of the public in a courteous and respectful manner. This includes making note and reporting complaints about schedules, levels, and quality of service to pass on to the supervisor.
- Oversee all water main and service connection repairs.
- Operation of the Town’s sewer system and lagoon.
- Operation and maintenance of the Town’s district heating system.
- Ensure all safety standards and requirements set out by the Occupational Health & Safety are maintained. Monitor subordinate staff on a regular basis for compliance with safe work practices.
- · Responsible for operating the water treatment plant. Duties include but are not limited to:
- Operate and perform routine inspection and preventative maintenance on the water treatment facility, supply wells, booster pumping station, reservoir, meters, and the district heating system at frequent intervals to ensure that all aspects of the systems are functioning properly.
- Maintain a variety of records relating to inspections, maintenance activity, water supply, consumption, etc. in conformance with standard operating procedures and applicable environmental regulations and provide reports as required.
- Draw samples for laboratory chemical and bacteriological analysis.
- Assists with the scheduling and maintenance of operation and construction activities designed to provide quality water services for the Town.
- Assists in the training of subordinate employees to increase their skills in the operation, maintenance, construction and repair of water, sanitary sewer, drainage facilities and district heating system.
- Undertake professional development, as required, to effectively meet the needs of the position and the organization.
- Keep all personal job-related certificates and licenses current.
- Perform other duties as required by the Director of Municipal Operations.
- Valid Class 3 Drivers license (or willingness to obtain)
- Minimum Grade 12 education, or GED
- WHMIS training
- Confined space entry training or ability to obtain in the first year
- Water Treatment 2 or willingness to obtain within 3 months of hire, Water Distribution 2 or willingness to obtain within 3 months of hire, Wastewater Collection 2 certificates required or willingness to obtain within 3 months of hire.
- Competency with MS Office (Outlook, Word, Excel, Internet Explorer, etc.)
- Competency with SCADA Programs
- Standard First Aid and Level C CPR (or willingness to obtain)
- Experience with operating a Flush Truck.
- Experience in completing water and sewer repairs.
- Knowledge of equipment maintenance and storage.
- Knowledge of workplace safety requirements and procedures.
- Demonstrate sound work ethics.
- Effective communication skills, both oral and written.
- Strong decision making and problem-solving skills.
- Ability to manage stress and time effectively.
- Client service and public interaction skills.
- Demonstrate honesty and reliability.
- Effective time management skills.
- Ability to work effectively both independently and as part of a team.
- Ability to establish and maintain professional working relationships with staff, and the general public.
- Willingness to work flexible hours.
- Ability to maintain confidentiality.
Qualifications and Experience
Educational Requirements
Experience
Interpersonal
What We Offer
- Competitive starting wage between $40.83 and $44.62 per hour as stated in Schedule “A” wage grid of the Town of Watson Lake Collective Agreement;
- Premium rates for on-call, overtime, evening and weekend hours;
- A matched Municipal Pension Plan;
- Substantial benefits package; including extended family health and dental coverage;
- Four weeks paid vacation leave and other available leave types; including but not limited to sick leave and special leave;
- Professional development opportunities; and,
- Relocation package
Job Type: Full-time, Permanent
Hours: 40 hours/week (excludes on-call/stand-by hours)
Closing Date: November 24, 2025 at 4:00 PM Yukon Time
To apply for this position, please submit a resume and cover letter, clearly outlining your qualifications and experience as it relates to this position. Please submit your resume and cover letter to the Director of Community Services, Shannon Bergeron, by 4:00 PM (Yukon Time) on Monday, November 24, 2025.
Email:
[email protected]
This position is open to Canadian Residents only. We thank all applicants for their interest, however only those individuals selected for an interview will be contacted.
For more information or a full copy of the job description, please contact Director of Municipal Operations, Glen Thrush
Email:
[email protected]
Phone:
867-536-8000 ext. 8
In Person: Town Office, 710 Adela Trail, Watson Lake