Industrial Wastewater Investigator

Highlights of the job

We are hiring a full-time permanent Industrial Wastewater Investigator to join the Drainage Operations team position currently based out of our Eastgate location.

As the Industrial Wastewater Investigator, you will be accountable for supporting the Industrial Wastewater Source Control Program enforcing Drainage Services Bylaw 18100 and operating within the context and prescribed limits established by the Manager of Environmental Monitoring & Compliance.

We are accepting applications from current EPCOR Employees and external applicants at this time.

What you'd be responsible for

Reporting to the Manager of Environmental Monitoring & Compliance, the Industrial Wastewater Investigator will be accountable for, but no limited to:

• Responding to both internal and external inquires in a timely manner.
• Assisting with Bylaw revisions, Codes of Practice revisions and internal Source Control Program protocols to maintain clear communication and workflow to the public and employees.
• Performing onsite inspections of site operations and determining if wastewater effluent requires pre-treatment or alternative disposal methods.
• Collecting samples and field-testing from EPCOR manholes and private sewers for initial results such as pH, visual solids and select metals, and submitting samples to the lab for appropriate analysis.
• Responding to uncontrolled wastewater releases, alleged violations and sewer related complaints in person. Identify and assign resources to clean-up, with verification of records and analytical results. Prepare written release reports and ensure appropriate compliance, enforcement, regulatory reporting, and customer education is achieved.
• Using judgment to determine the involvement of other departments/agencies and using reasonable safety precautions to ensure public safety, protection of the environment and protection of infrastructure.
• Preparing written investigation reports, presenting findings and providing recommendations to remedy any adverse effects ensued.
• Collecting information and site history for review in determining initial and follow-up compliance tasks.
• Working as a team in creating industry specific programs to educate businesses on the management of wastewater and to encourage the proper disposal of wastes.
• Addressing violations from investigations or inspections, as well as monitoring violations by the Over strength Surcharge Group using compliance methods.
• Preparing and delivering violation letters and other enforcement actions.
• Reviewing external applications for compliance approvals and permits.
• Communicating with other departments such as Flow Control Facilities and/or WWTPs to assist with determining the risks of release.
• Monitoring and assessing incoming information regarding industrial wastewater large volume releases on an immediate basis.
• Calculating appropriate flow rates and volumes, and checking for vulnerable infrastructure downstream.

What's required to be successful

Qualifications, experience and behaviours you will possess are:

• High school diploma (GED, or equivalent level of secondary education).
• Completion of a two (2) year Engineering Technology diploma from a recognized post-secondary educational institute in Environmental, Chemical or Biological Sciences, or Engineering Technology with specialization in environmental sciences.
• Membership in ASET as a Certified Engineering Technologist (C.E.T.) is a valuable asset.
• 7+ years of technical or scientific experience involving inspections and investigations in a regulatory enforcement, processing/manufacturing, or environmental protection occupation.
• Previous experience with:
• Resourcing planning and project implementation
• Plans and Blueprint Reading - Interpretation of DRAINS data, record drawings, water and sewer servicing documents
• Ability:
• to complete a specified pre-treatment facility inspection or investigative techniques course within 6 months of commencement.
• and willingness to perform work in all types of weather during all four seasons, frequent entering and exiting of vehicle at a variety of locations such as industrial, commercial and institutional facilities.
• to meet the physical demands required of this position, which will include physical strength and dexterity to perform medium to heavy work and frequent lifting of materials weighing up to fifty pounds. Clearance on pre-placement medical and drug and alcohol testing may be required.
• Sound knowledge:
• of the Drainage Bylaws, Provincial and Federal guidelines and regulations.
• of manual and automated wastewater sampling techniques and equipment as well as legal sampling techniques and chain-of-custody procedures.
• in wastewater chemistry analysis.
• Strong observation and investigation skills.
• Possession of a valid Alberta Class 5 Motor Vehicle Operators License (6 or fewer demerits) and ability to maintain a valid EPCOR driver's permit. A 5 year Commercial Drivers Abstract may be required.
• Intermediate experience with Microsoft Excel and Word.

Additionally, some desired assets for the Industrial Wastewater Investigator to have include:

• Strong exposure to environmental legislation, pollution prevention, waste minimization, treatment and disposal methods.
• Alberta Environment Wastewater Collection Certification.

As the successful candidate, you are a self-starter who can work with a high level of energy and minimum supervision, but also keep the right people informed of progress and issues. Your ability to recognize priorities as they come up and focus on getting them done is critical to your success in this role. In addition, you have the ability to tactfully and clearly communicate both written and verbally to a variety of stakeholders in potentially confrontational situations. You demonstrate effective time management skills and have a drive for continuous improvement by researching and learning new processes and technologies. Health and safety are integral to EPCOR's work, and we strive to maintain a zero-injury organizational culture. As such, you have a demonstrated history of safety awareness and a safe work record to date.

Other important facts about this job

Jurisdiction: CSU52
Class: T3
Wage: starting at $47.76

• This rate may change subject to ratification of a new Collective Bargaining Agreement
• Final Wage and Step will be determined at the time of selection and is based on a combination of factors as outlined in the CA that may be found online.

Hours of work: 80 hours bi-weekly Monday to Friday,

• Note: Due to the nature of this position occasional overtime may be required as well as the willingness and availability to work the afternoon and standby shift rotation.

Internal Applicants please ensure that you are using your "@epcor.com" email address.

This position is classified as Safety Sensitive as per EPCOR Procedure MS20-PRO3.3-Alcohol and Drug Certification, Recruitment and Selection of Safety Sensitive Positions; and governed by MS20-STD3-Alcohol and Drug Standard - Clearance on pre-placement medical and drug and alcohol testing may be required.

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Please note the following information:

• A requirement of working for EPCOR is that you are at least 18 years of age, successfully attained a high school diploma (GED, or equivalent level of secondary education) and legally entitled to work in Canada. (A copy of a valid work permit may be required.)
• If you are considered for the position, clearance on all applicable background checks (which may include criminal, identity, educational, and/or credit) and professional reference checks is required. Some EPCOR positions require an enhanced level of background assessment, which is dictated by law. These positions require advanced criminal record checks that must also be conducted from time to time after commencement of employment.
• A technical/practical assessment may be administered during the selection process and this exercise will be used as a part of the selection criterion.
• To meet the physical demands required of some positions, candidates must be in good physical condition and willing to work in all weather conditions. Clearance on pre-placement medical and drug and alcohol testing may be required.