Job Description

Cochrane is located in the breathtaking Bow Valley corridor in the foothills of the Rocky Mountains in southern Alberta. With a population of over 37,000 people, and growing steadily every year, Cochrane is a thriving town, surrounded by world-famous ranch country. Our western heritage is reflected in the Town's architecture and our friendly people. The Town of Cochrane welcomes innovative and skilled individuals to join our team of over 250 employees.



Who are we looking for?

The Town of Cochrane is seeking a highly motivated Utilities Maintenance Operator to join our Water and Wastewater Utility operations team. This role is ideal for someone who has a passion for water services, enjoys working in a team-based environment, and takes pride in troubleshooting, hands-on work, and providing practical solutions to operational challenges.

Cochrane's Utilities team provides essential services to the community 365 days a year. Our organization is committed to investing in people, developing highly skilled employees, and fostering a positive, inclusive organizational culture. We celebrate success, encourage curiosity and critical thinking, and support continuous learning and innovation.

The Utilities team is comprised of skilled professionals responsible for water treatment, water distribution, and wastewater collection services. The team operates and maintains a complex membrane filtration water treatment plant, potable water reservoirs and pumping facilities, wastewater lift stations, and over 250 kilometers of underground infrastructure.

If you are someone who values safety, teamwork, continuous learning, and community service, this opportunity may be the right fit for you.

Why build your career with Cochrane?

Cochrane offers more than just a job -- we offer opportunity. In addition to a beautiful landscape, scenic Rocky Mountain views, and a vibrant community, employees benefit from meaningful work that directly supports public health, safety, and environmental stewardship.

Employees in our Utilities division enjoy a supportive and collaborative culture that values professional growth, innovation, and continuous improvement. In addition to competitive public sector compensation and comprehensive benefits, this role offers:

Opportunities for career growth, development, and advancement Competitive public sector compensation and benefits Work life balance to support family and lifestyle A supportive, transparent, and inclusive workplace culture An environment where safety, respect, and having fun at work are valued

Cochrane fosters a positive, high-performing culture that emphasizes transparency, critical thinking, curiosity, and innovation. If you're ready to bring your leadership and technical expertise to a growing, environmentally conscious community, we'd love to have you join us.

What are some of the duties of the Utilities Maintenance Operator?

Perform daily operation, monitoring, and maintenance of the Town's water distribution and wastewater collection systems. Operate and monitor SCADA systems to ensure safe, reliable, and compliant utility operations. Conduct inspections, maintenance, and repairs of water distribution infrastructure, including valves, hydrants, pressure-reducing valves, reservoirs, and pumping facilities. Perform distribution system flushing, leak detection, and water quality sampling to support regulatory compliance and system integrity. Assist with underground infrastructure repairs, including excavation support, pipe repairs, and reinstatement activities. Operate and maintain wastewater collection infrastructure, including lift stations, force mains, and gravity sewers. Conduct sewer maintenance activities such as flushing, jetting, CCTV inspections, and power auguring using specialized equipment. Collect wastewater samples and conduct H?S monitoring in accordance with safety and environmental standards. Safely operate Town vehicles, tools, heavy equipment, and specialized utility equipment as required. Participate in on-call rotations and respond to after-hours emergencies to maintain uninterrupted utility services. Follow all health, safety, and environmental procedures, including confined space entry, ground disturbance, and hazard assessments. Maintain accurate records, logs, and documentation related to operations, inspections, and maintenance activities. Work collaboratively with team members, supervisors, and other departments to support efficient utility operations and continuous improvement.

Qualifications, Skills and Abilities

Education and Experience:

Required:

High School Diploma or equivalent Mechanical aptitude with experience operating and maintaining equipment and tools Ability to work independently and as part of a team Strong applied math skills Basic computer skills

Preferred:

Water/Wastewater technical post secondary training or equivalent Alberta Environment and Protected Areas (AEP) Level 1 Water Distribution and Wastewater Collection certification Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings Experience using GIS systems Basic plumbing and pipefitting skills Knowledge of pump operation and maintenance Valid Alberta Class 3 Driver's License with air brake endorsement Experience operating heavy equipment Confined Space Entry and Rescue training Fall Protection training H2S Awareness training Ground Disturbance training

Skills and Abilities:

Required:

Strong mechanical aptitude with the ability to operate, inspect, and maintain a variety of equipment, tools, and utility infrastructure. Ability to troubleshoot operational issues and apply practical, solution-focused thinking in the field. Demonstrated ability to work safely and effectively in physically demanding environments and varying weather conditions. Ability to work independently with minimal supervision, as well as collaboratively within a team environment. Strong attention to detail and ability to follow procedures, standards, and safety requirements. Solid applied math skills relevant to measurements, flow calculations, and operational tasks. Basic computer skills with the ability to use operational software, tablets, or data entry systems. Ability to communicate clearly and professionally with supervisors, coworkers, contractors, and the public. Willingness and ability to participate in on-call rotations and respond to after-hours emergencies. Commitment to workplace safety, including adherence to health, safety, and environmental legislation and Town policies.

Preferred:

Working knowledge of water distribution and wastewater collection system operations. Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings, maps, and technical documentation. Experience using SCADA systems for monitoring and operational control. Familiarity with GIS systems and digital asset or infrastructure records. Basic plumbing, pipefitting, or underground utility maintenance skills. Knowledge of pump operation, maintenance, and troubleshooting. Experience operating heavy equipment, vacuum trucks, or specialized utility equipment. Understanding of water quality sampling procedures and regulatory requirements. Previous experience working in a municipal or public-sector utility environment. Demonstrated commitment to continuous learning, certification progression, and skill development within the water and wastewater field.

Certifications, Licenses and/or Designations:

Required:

A valid Alberta Class 5 Driver's License

Preferred:

Alberta Environment and Protected Areas (AEP) Level 1 Water Distribution certification. Alberta Environment and Protected Areas (AEP) Level 1 Wastewater Collection certification. Valid Alberta Class 3 Driver's License with air brake (Q) endorsement. Confined Space Entry certification. Fall Protection certification. H?S Alive certification. Ground Disturbance (Utility Safety Partners) certification. Standard First Aid and CPR certification.

Cochrane is committed to providing a healthy and safe work environment for all employees, which means that everyone is responsible for health and safety. This means that you must take reasonable care to protect the health and safety of your colleagues, contractors, the public, and of course, yourself by following all relevant health and safety legislation and corporate policies.

Still interested? Here's how to apply:

Qualified individuals are encouraged to submit your resume, and a letter stating how your experience match the required qualifications, skills, and abilities for this position. All candidates will be requested to complete an online suitability survey. The hourly rate for this position is between 36.92/hr and 38.04/hr and is based on a 40 hour work week. This is a unionized position through Teamsters Local 987. Applications for this position will be accepted until 9pm MST January 15,2026. Please apply at www.cochrane.ca/jobs

We thank all applicants for their interest, however only those selected for an interview will be contacted. All applicants must be legally entitled to live and work in Canada.



Land Acknowledgement



In the spirit of reconciliation, we acknowledge that we live, work and play on the traditional territories of the Blackfoot Confederacy (Siksika, Kainai, Piikani), the Tsuut'ina, the Iyaxe Nakoda Nations, the Metis Nation (Region 3), and all people who make their homes in the Treaty 7 region of Southern Alberta.