CAREERS

Reporting to:              Operations Manager

Department:              Water Operations

Employment Type:   Full-Time, Permanent

Position Summary

This position serves as the organization’s advisor and subject matter expert for health, safety, environmental, and regulatory compliance programs. The HSER Advisor is responsible for developing, implementing, monitoring, and continuously improving systems, programs, and processes that support safe operations, environmental stewardship, regulatory compliance, and risk management across the District.

Operating with a high degree of autonomy, this role provides visible leadership in both field and office environments, supporting operations, maintenance, construction, land management, and water service activities. The HSER Advisor works closely with employees, contractors, leadership, and regulatory agencies to identify risks, ensure compliance, and drive continuous improvement in HSER performance.

Health & Safety Leadership

• Lead the development, implementation, and continuous improvement of the District’s health and safety management system, policies, procedures, and programs.
• Provide visible field leadership through inspections, audits, observations, and direct engagement with employees and contractors.
• Support hazard identification, risk assessments, incident prevention initiatives, and emergency preparedness activities.
• Facilitate the Joint Health & Safety Committee and ensure compliance with applicable occupational health and safety legislation.

Environmental & Regulatory Compliance

• Lead environmental compliance programs and ensure adherence to applicable legislation, permits, licences, approvals, and reporting requirements.
• Support environmental stewardship initiatives by identifying risks, implementing mitigation strategies, and promoting sustainable operational practices.
• Coordinate environmental monitoring, incident response, investigations, corrective actions, and regulatory
• Serve as the primary liaison with regulatory agencies, consultants, and external stakeholders on environmental and compliance matters.

Risk Management

• Act as the District’s subject matter expert on occupational health and safety, environmental, and regulatory compliance requirements.
• Lead and maintain the COR program, compliance audits, inspections, and continuous improvement
• Monitor legislative and regulatory changes and recommend actions to ensure organizational
• Support enterprise risk management, business continuity, and emergency response planning.

Incident Management & Continuous Improvement

• Lead investigations into incidents, near misses, environmental events, and hazards using root cause analysis methodologies.
• Develop, monitor, and verify corrective and preventative actions to address identified risks and improve
• Analyze HSER trends, metrics, and performance indicators to identify opportunities for
• Support continuous improvement initiatives that strengthen operational effectiveness and regulatory.

Training & Culture

• Develop and deliver HSER training, orientations, awareness programs, and toolbox
• Coach and support employees and contractors in the application of safe work practices and compliance
• Promote a culture of safety, environmental stewardship, accountability, and continuous improvement across the organization.
• Identify competency gaps and recommend training and development.

Systems, Reporting & Administration

• Administer HSER management systems and ensure the integrity of compliance, training, incident, and inspection records.
• Prepare reports, dashboards, presentations, and compliance documentation for leadership, committees, and the Board.
• Monitor and report on HSER performance indicators, compliance obligations, and organizational
• Recommend process and system improvements that enhance efficiency, accountability, and reporting.

Operational Support

• Maintain a strong field presence and partner with departments to integrate HSER requirements into daily operations and projects.
• Support contractor onboarding, compliance monitoring, and performance management
• Provide practical guidance and real-time coaching to support safe, compliant, and environmentally responsible work execution.
• Participate in operational planning and project reviews to identify and mitigate HSER.

Qualifications

Must Have

• Post-secondary education in Occupational Health & Safety, Environment, Agriculture, or a related field; or an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience.
• Minimum five (5) years of progressive experience in health, safety, environmental, regulatory compliance, or risk management roles.
• Strong knowledge of Alberta occupational health and safety legislation, environmental regulations, and compliance requirements.
• Working knowledge of the Alberta Water Act and Environmental Protection and Enhancement Act (EPEA), including associated approvals, protocols, monitoring, and reporting requirements.
• Experience with COR programs, regulatory compliance, incident investigations, audits, inspections, risk assessments, and WCB claims management.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and HSER management
• Valid Class 5 Driver’s Licence with an acceptable driving.

Skills

• Regulatory interpretation and compliance
• Environmental stewardship and risk
• Incident investigation and corrective action
• Strong communication, coaching, and relationship-building
• Independent decision-making, sound judgment, and problem
• Data analysis, reporting, and continuous.

Assets (Nice to Have)

• NCSO, CRSP, CHSC, EP, Ag., P.Biol., ASET, Certified COR Auditor, or equivalent designation.
• Experience in irrigation, water management, utilities, agriculture, aggregate operations, land development, construction, or municipal environments.
• Experience with environmental permitting, regulatory approvals, environmental monitoring, and emergency response planning.

Department:     Water Operations

Position Summary

This position is responsible for learning the safe, efficient, and reliable delivery of irrigation water throughout an assigned section of the District’s canal and pipeline network under the guidance of experienced Water Operators. The Water Operator Trainee progressively develops the knowledge, skills, and competencies required to independently manage water distribution, fulfill customer water orders, operate water control infrastructure, monitor system performance, and respond to operational issues.

During the off-season, the Water Operator Trainee assists with maintenance, repair, rehabilitation, and construction activities throughout the District while developing proficiency in the operation of heavy equipment. The incumbent follows a structured training program designed to prepare them for advancement into a fully qualified Water Operator role. The position reports directly to the Operations Manager and is an integral member of the District’s field operations team.

Key Responsibilities

Water Delivery Operations

• Learn to manage daily irrigation water delivery within an assigned operational area under supervision.
• Assist with receiving, coordinating, and fulfilling customer water orders in accordance with operational priorities and water availability.
• Learn to monitor water flows and adjust delivery rates to optimize system efficiency and minimize water losses.
• Operate manual and automated water control structures, including gates, checks, valves, and SCADA- controlled infrastructure, as competency is demonstrated.
• Develop an understanding of system conditions and respond appropriately to changing operational requirements.

System Inspection & Monitoring

• Conduct routine inspections of canals, pipelines, reservoirs, control structures, and related infrastructure.
• Identify operational deficiencies, maintenance requirements, safety hazards, or infrastructure concerns and report them to supervisors.
• Collect water quality samples, field measurements, and operational data.
• Complete daily operational logs, inspection reports, maintenance records, and required documentation.
• Learn to monitor SCADA systems and field instrumentation.

Maintenance & Heavy Equipment Operations

• Assist with maintenance, repairs, vegetation control, and infrastructure rehabilitation throughout the District.
• Learn to safely operate heavy equipment including backhoes, loaders, excavators, dozers, and other equipment required for maintenance and rehabilitation activities.
• Support construction, capital improvement, and emergency repair projects.
• Conduct routine equipment inspections and basic preventative maintenance.
• Maintain tools, equipment, and vehicles in safe operating condition.

Operational Support & Response

• Respond to operational issues, customer concerns, and emergency situations under the direction of experienced operators.
• Participate in seasonal on-call rotations as competency and training milestones are achieved.
• Assist with stormwater management and emergency water releases when required.
• Support other operational areas during peak workloads or emergency situations.
• Work collaboratively with Water Operators and other District staff to ensure reliable district-wide operations.

Health, Safety & Compliance

• Complete hazard assessments and required safety documentation before commencing work.
• Perform all duties in accordance with District safety policies, procedures, and regulatory requirements.
• Demonstrate a strong safety mindset by asking questions, recognizing personal competency limits, and escalating concerns appropriately.
• Identify hazards and participate in the reporting and investigation of incidents and near misses.
• Successfully complete required training and maintain certifications provided through the District.
• Promote safe work practices and contribute to a positive safety culture.

Qualifications

Must Have

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Valid Class 5 Driver’s Licence.
• Eligibility and willingness to obtain a Class 3 Driver’s Licence with Air Brake (Q) Endorsement.
• Mechanical aptitude and a demonstrated willingness to learn.
• Willingness to work extended hours during the irrigation season and participate in an on-call rotation as training progresses.
• Physical ability to perform demanding outdoor work in all weather conditions.

Skills

• Ability to work independently as competency develops while accepting coaching and direction.
• Strong troubleshooting abilities.
• Basic computer skills for operational reporting and recordkeeping.
• Strong communication and customer service skills.
• Ability to learn heavy equipment operation safely and effectively.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Ability to prioritize competing operational demands while maintaining service standards.
• Positive attitude, strong work ethic, and willingness to continuously develop new skills.

Assets (Nice to Have)

• Agricultural, irrigation, construction, utility operations, or heavy equipment experience.
• Farm or rural background with practical equipment experience.
• Class 3 Driver’s Licence with Air Brake (Q) Endorsement.
• Water or Wastewater Operator Certification or enrollment in an operator certification program.
• Heavy equipment operator certification.
• Experience using SCADA systems, including VTScada.
• Water quality sampling experience or certification.
• First Aid, H2S Alive, Confined Space Entry, or other industry safety certifications.