Co-op Student, Utility Treatment Technician, Wastewater Treatment Trainee
Requisition ID: 4144
Affiliation: CUPE Municipal
Position Type: Co-op Student
Fixed Term Duration: Approximately four (4) months
Number of Openings: 1
Bi-weekly Working Hours: 80 hours bi-weekly
Shift/Work Schedule: Monday - Friday
Department/ Branch: Environmental Services, Wastewater Treatment
Job Location: Fort McMurray
Pay Level: PL5 (80%)
Rate: $ 32.85
COLA: Bi-Weekly - $480
Posted (dd/mm/yyyy): 23/02/2026
Closing Date (dd/mm/yyyy): 15/03/2026
Posting Type: Internal and External
We strive to make our hiring process accessible to all candidates. If you require accommodation for the interview or any other part of the application process, please let us know.
ABOUT THE DEPARTMENT:
Step into a career that’s grounded in action and driven by purpose. At the Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo, our Environmental Services team is at the heart of sustainability and safety. Whether you're operating advanced water treatment systems or managing solid waste and underground infrastructure, you’ll play a vital role in protecting public health and the environment.
If you’re ready to roll up your sleeves for a career that combines purpose, precision, and progress, we’d love to hear from you.
GENERAL DESCRIPTION:
This is a Co-op Student position working eighty (80) hours bi-weekly, from May 2026 to August 2026 within the Wastewater Treatment Branch of the Environmental Services Department. This position is within the CUPE 1505 Bargaining Unit.
Wastewater Treatment Co-op students will assist with operations of treatment facilities to ensure compliance with federal and provincial regulations, assist in troubleshooting, and assist in performing minor maintenance on process equipment.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Assists certified Operators and Technicians as required under normal daily operating conditions, shadowing them to learn the routine operation.
- Assists the other operators when required.
- Assists with the routine collection of operating data, temperatures, pressures and levels, assisting with appropriate logbook entries.
- Support and maintain KPI's (key performance indicators) relevant to the operation.
- Maintains communication with maintenance staff regarding daily activities to ensure safe operations in the area of responsibility.
- Preparation and cleanup of worksites when required.
- Conduct routine housekeeping duties.
- Student Operator is a training position and exposed to all facilities to gain familiarity with the daily operations.
- Perform other related duties as required.
QUALIFICATIONS
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:
- Mechanical aptitude.
- Good vision, hearing, manual dexterity, and eye-hand coordination.
- Positive and enthusiastic attitude.
- Strong commitment to safety.
- Demonstrated keenness to learn.
- Attention to detail.
- Good communication and writing skills.
- Good organizational and decision-making skills.
- The ability to work well with others in a team environment.
- Must be able to communicate verbally and in writing.
EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:
- Current enrollment in a recognized post-secondary Water/Wastewater Technician diploma program is required.
- Must be registered in a recognized Co-operative Education (Co-op) program in Water/Wastewater Technology to be eligible for employment.
- Related experience in Water/Wastewater Treatment is an asset.
- Experience working in a public sector environment with unionized and non-unionized employees considered an asset.
Candidates who are successful during the interview process will be required to provide the following documents:
- Proof of full-time enrollment in an approved Co-op program as outlined above.
- Contact information for two (2) Supervisory references.
- Submission of a Criminal Record Check.
- A copy of a valid Class Five (5) *Driver’s Licence (non-GDL) and a Driver’s Abstract. *Note: GDL will not be accepted. Proof of licence and a Driver’s Abstract (issued within 30 days) will be required from candidates.
These documents are not required at the time of application, however preparing and collecting these documents in advance will expedite the recruitment process for successful candidates.
OTHER REQUIREMENTS:
- Equipment field testing and/or competency testing will be required as part of the interview evaluation.
- Must be willing to work outside in all conditions.
- Immunizations are strongly recommended for work in unsanitary conditions.
- Must be medically and physically able to perform all duties of the position on an ongoing basis.
- Ability to work a rotating shift that includes holidays, evening/night shift, and weekends.
SAFETY:
As an employee of the Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo, the incumbent is responsible for understanding and actively participating in the RMWB’s health and safety management system, and complying with all policies, practices, and procedures. All employees must take reasonable care to protect the health and safety of themselves and others, as well as immediately report any concerns, near misses, incidents, and hazardous conditions to their supervisor.
To apply: Please visit our website at jobs.rmwb.ca
Current employees must apply through the internal careers site.
We appreciate the interest of all applicants; however, only those individuals
selected for interviews will be contacted. Late applications will not be accepted.