Lead Hand – Utilities and Water Treatment

• A wonderful opportunity to grow your career in a beautiful small town, only 30 mins away from Calgary!
• Receive an attractive hourly rate of $46.90, plus a host of great benefits
• Join a supportive team environment and a collaborative culture

High River is a vibrant, people-first community and the back door to the Kananaskis. Come experience our exciting events, everyday small-town charm, beautiful scenery and authentic, western hospitality. It's what keeps people coming back (or staying!). Steeped in Western heritage and forward-looking with just the right balance to make sure the things that make this town special are protected - from the beautiful storefronts to the natural green spaces and especially the vibrant, warm community feeling. Through the dedication and passion of our 150 employees, we deliver important services to the community. Our purpose, or why we do what we do, is because we want to make a difference in our community now and for generations to come (our ‘why’). To achieve this, we inspire and respect one another, we can be counted on, we are better together, and we dare to be different (our ‘how’).

We’ve embarked on a workplace culture journey that has enhanced our commitment to people; both our employees and the community we serve. We have identified three pillars to achieve our workplace culture: Accountable, Excellence and Connected (ACE). 

For more information, please visit our website at highriver.ca

We are looking for a full-time Lead Hand - Utilities and Water Treatment to join our organization in High River, AB. Please note that candidates will be required to be on call for 1 week at a time, every 3 weeks on rotation. 

This position assists the Utilities and Water Treatment Supervisor with the operational, administrative, and leadership needs of water distribution and wastewater collection services. You will oversee daily field operations, repairs, and maintenance of water, wastewater, and storm infrastructure and treatment facilities. As a hands-on leader, you will work alongside and support staff in the field.

Aligned with our strategic vision, Town Plan, and ACE culture, this role requires ethical, respectful, and professional leadership. You will inspire personal ownership, contribute to organizational goals, build effective teams, and foster open communication, all while maintaining a service-centric approach.

Your responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• Provide day-to-day oversight, guidance, and coaching to the Utility and Treatment teams
• Collaborate with the Utilities and Treatment Supervisor to establish team performance expectations
• Participate in hiring, onboarding, and training team members
• Schedule and oversee all Utilities and Treatment activities
• Ensure employees are trained in the safe operation of equipment and trucks
• Act as a Certified Level 2 Operator for Water Distribution and Wastewater Collection as mandated by Alberta Environment and the Water Act
• Oversee the repair and maintenance of Water Distribution and Wastewater Collection systems, ensuring compliance with Alberta Environment and Town standards
• Safely operate all Town equipment and tools related to Utilities and Water Treatment services
• Assist in researching and recommending new materials and equipment, supporting the Supervisor in procurement
• Support the Supervisor in building a strong operations team focused on service excellence
• Collaborate with other Public Works service areas to enhance teamwork across the division
• Serve as backup to the Supervisor when required
• Compile and maintain accurate reports and records related to the service area
• Participate in and lead by example in the Town’s Health & Safety program, complying with all relevant legislation and practices
• Oversee contractors as needed
• Provide excellent customer service by responding promptly to inquiries, complaints, and concerns, and escalating when necessary
• Build and maintain positive relationships with customers, staff, suppliers, and stakeholders

To qualify, you must have a high school diploma and at least 4 years of relevant experience in progressively responsible roles within utilities or water treatment. Leadership experience is essential. A valid Class 5 Alberta driver's license is also required.

The following certifications will be critical to successfully performing this role: 

• Alberta Environment Water Distribution II *
• Alberta Environment Wastewater Collection II *
• Alberta Environment Water Treatment II *
• Alberta Environment Wastewater Treatment II *
• Standard First Aid with CPR Level C & WHMIS, or the ability to obtain
• Confined Space Entry and Rescue Level II, Trenching, H2S, Fall Arrest, Flag Training, or the ability to obtain

* Candidates who currently hold Level I for these licenses and working towards Level II will be considered. 

As the successful candidate, you possess strong leadership, coaching, mentoring, and team-building abilities. You have extensive knowledge of safe operation practices for town-owned and leased equipment, as well as an in-depth understanding of water distribution and wastewater collection systems, including hydrant maintenance, water meters, leak detection, storm sewer maintenance, and OH&S regulations. With a strong mechanical aptitude and problem-solving abilities, you excel in addressing challenges effectively. Additionally, you demonstrate a high degree of interpersonal and customer service skills, manage your time efficiently, and work well both independently and as part of a team.

All employees must be willing and able to pass a Criminal Record Check with Vulnerable Sector Check. 

In the Town of High River, people come first. We continue to offer a positive, welcoming, and healthy work environment where each employee’s contributions make a difference and work/life balance is highly valued and respected. 

As a valued member of our team, you can look forward to an hourly rate of $46.90, as well as a range of attractive union benefits, including:

• A 35 hour work week
• 30 minutes of daily flex time, pooled to 1 full day off per month
• 3 weeks vacation 
• Employer-paid medical and dental
• $1000 health spending account 
• LAPP pension plan - contribution matching + 1%
• Training opportunities, and support in maintaining certifications 
• Work-life balance
• A great company culture and frequent team-building events!

If you have the skills necessary to bring success to the role, then we invite you to apply today!