Utility Lead Hand – Town of Hinton (Competition #26-06)

Hinton, Alberta

Role Overview

Reporting to the Operations Supervisor, the Utility Lead Hand directs daily activities within the Utilities Service Unit while performing advanced operational and maintenance functions. This role combines frontline leadership with hands-on technical expertise in water distribution and wastewater collection systems.

Why This Role Matters

This position ensures the safe, reliable, and compliant delivery of essential water and wastewater services. By directing daily operations, maintaining infrastructure, and reinforcing safe work practices, the Utility Lead Hand protects public health, supports environmental compliance, and helps prevent service disruptions.

What Makes This a Mutually Beneficial Career Move

You gain the opportunity to apply advanced technical expertise while stepping into a frontline leadership role within municipal utilities. The Town gains a skilled professional who strengthens operational continuity, supports workforce development, and safeguards critical infrastructure.

Challenges

• Responding to system failures, breaks, and urgent service disruptions
• Working in confined spaces and around high-pressure and high-voltage systems
• Balancing operational priorities with regulatory reporting requirements
• Leading in a safety-sensitive, high-risk environment
• Operating in all-weather and emergency conditions

• Direct and coordinate daily work of Utility Operators
• Lead safety tailgate meetings and reinforce safe work practices
• Operate, maintain, and repair water distribution and wastewater collection systems
• Diagnose system issues and complete necessary repairs
• Monitor SCADA systems and conduct inspections, sampling, and testing
• Lead hydrant flushing, flow testing, and sewer maintenance programs
• Ensure compliance with Alberta Environment approvals and reporting requirements
• Support operator training and competency development
• Participate in emergency response and on-call rotations

Experience and Education

• High School Diploma or GED
• Completion of Level II Water Distribution and Wastewater Collection Certification (AWWOA)
• Minimum 5 years’ municipal water or wastewater operations experience

Conditions of Employment

• Satisfactory Criminal Record Check
• Valid Class 5 Driver’s License (Class 3 with Air Brake Endorsement preferred; Class 3 Q required within 6 months)
• Valid First Aid and CPR Certification
• Immunization for Hepatitis B and Tetanus
• Participation in on-call and standby rotations
• Compliance with Occupational Health and Safety legislation and Town policies

Physical Requirements

This role requires the safe and skilled operation of tools and equipment, along with the physical endurance to perform labour-intensive tasks and operate machinery for extended periods. The position involves heavy lifting, bending, reaching, pushing, pulling, and frequent standing and walking.

Travel

Travel to field sites within and outside the Town is required under varying road and weather conditions. The ability to maintain alertness and apply defensive driving practices in traffic, adverse weather, and other dynamic conditions is essential.

• Post-secondary education in Water or Wastewater Operations is considered an asset
• Experience mentoring or training operators in a municipal environment

• Hourly wage range: $46.39 – $50.50
• Full-time, permanent position working 40 hours per week
• Work on-call or stand-by shifts for after hour call out or emergencies
• Competitive benefit package included

Submit your cover letter and resume quoting the competition number to: [email protected].

Application Deadline: Until filled.

Work Environment

Duties are primarily performed at the Water Treatment Plant (WTP) and related utility infrastructure, including lift stations and booster stations. The role involves potential exposure to biohazards and various energy sources, including high-pressure systems, electrical, pneumatic, and mechanical equipment. Work is conducted around mobile equipment such as forklifts and near high-voltage systems. Tasks may occur in confined spaces and in hazardous, unsanitary, and all-weather conditions. Limited exposure to fluoride and treatment chemicals may occur in accordance with safety protocols.

Work Location

Duties are primarily performed at the Water Treatment Plant (WTP), lift stations, booster stations, and throughout the Town’s water distribution and wastewater collection systems. Field work is conducted in varying weather and operational conditions.

Culture and Work Environment

The Utilities team operates in a safety-first, collaborative environment focused on professionalism, accountability, and service to the community. This is a unionized position where teamwork, communication, and reliability are essential to daily success.

Why Work in Hinton

Located 15 minutes east of Jasper National Park and approximately 300 km west of Edmonton, Hinton offers mountain views, outdoor recreation, and a vibrant community of over 10,000 residents. This is an opportunity to build a meaningful municipal career while enjoying access to year-round natural amenities.