Operations and Maintenance Technologist

Role Responsibilities

Join our dedicated team within the Water Infrastructure Operations Branch of Alberta Agriculture and Irrigation as an Operations and Maintenance (O&M) Technologist, and play a crucial role in safeguarding our communities from major flood events. In this dynamic position, you will be a part of a specialized technical team responsible for the on-going safe and efficient operation, maintenance, and surveillance of the Springbank Dry Dam and Reservoir (SR1), as well as other Provincially owned water management infrastructure projects throughout the Bow River Basin, ensuring operational readiness at all times.

As an O&M Technologist, your responsibilities will include:
 

• the inspection, repair and maintenance of all mechanical, electrical and civil works. 
• the development and implementation of on-site preventative maintenance programs.
• identifying repair or maintenance requirements, procuring the resources to effect repairs and coordinating on-site staff and/or contractors in the repairs.
• keeping all maintenance manuals, files, plans and checklists up to date and current. 
• Assessing when equipment should be replaced, researching options for replacement and supervising the installation and commissioning of any new equipment. 
• Completing final inspections of construction and maintenance items. 
• the geotechnical monitoring of the main dam embankment, diversion channel banks, river berm and emergency spillways.
• Participating in operations of SR1 during high flow and/or flood events to optimize flood attenuation 
• Participating in the implementation and maintenance of the SR1 flood action plan. 
• Liaising with stakeholders through out the basin including the City of Calgary.
• Performing annual, semi-annual, and weekly operational tests on critical operating equipment as required. 
• Participating in the execution of environmental monitoring programs as required.
• Assisting with the maintenance and implementation of the project’s emergency management plans and site OH&S plans. 
• Participating in annual emergency management exercises. 
• Participating in annual dam safety performance reviews and 5-year independent dam safety inspections.
• Operations, maintenance, and surveillance activities on other Provincially owned water management projects within the Bow River Basin. 

This position offers the opportunity to be on the frontline of emergency management, participating in flood operations and maintaining essential safety protocols to prevent catastrophic impacts on downstream communities.

APS Competencies

Competencies are behaviors that are essential to reach our goals in serving Albertans. We encourage you to have an in depth understanding of the competencies that are required for this opportunity and to be prepared to demonstrate them during the recruitment process.

This link will assist you with understanding competencies: https://www.alberta.ca/system/files/custom_downloaded_images/psc-alberta-public-service-competency-model.pdf.

Competencies for this Position:
 

1.    Creative Problem Solving:
 

• Importance: Essential for identifying and resolving complex system issues quickly and effectively.
• Relevance: Crucial in managing unexpected challenges in water management infrastructure.
   

2.    Agility:
 

• Importance: Key for adapting to changing conditions and unexpected events efficiently.
• Relevance: Necessary for maintaining operational readiness and safety during flood events or other emergencies.
   

3.    Develop Networks:
 

• Importance: Vital for building and maintaining relationships with various stakeholders.
• Relevance: Supports collaborative and coordinated efforts in day-to-day operations and emergency situations.

4.    Drive for Results:
 

• Importance: Focuses on achieving and exceeding operational and safety goals.
• Relevance: Directly impacts the effectiveness of flood mitigation and infrastructure maintenance.
   

5.    Systems Thinking:
 

• Importance: Important for understanding and managing the interconnections within the project and broader water management systems.
• Relevance: Ensures all actions are aligned with long-term safety and operational objectives.

Qualifications

Minimum Requirement for this Role:

• A diploma in Engineering, preferably with a focus on Civil Engineering, plus four years of related experience or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

Preference will be given to Candidates who have:
 

• Five or more years of experience in the operation and maintenance of civil infrastructure, preferably related to water management.
• Proficiency with mechanical components, SCADA systems, and programmable logic controllers is highly desirable.
• Strong communication skills and the ability to work effectively under stress, including on-call and standby duties as required.

Minimum recruitment standards outline the minimum education and experience required for appointment to a job classification. Refer to https://www.alberta.ca/alberta-public-service-minimum-recruitment-standards.

Notes

This position is:
 

• 40 hours per week 
• Monday to Friday 
• Flood operations requires two 12-hour shifts, which may occur on weekends.
  • availability during the annual flood season is a requirement

What We Offer:
 

• Working for the Alberta Public Service - https://www.alberta.ca/advantages-working-for-alberta-public-service.aspx
• Public Service Pension Plan (PSPP) - https://www.pspp.ca
• Alberta Public Service Benefit Information - https://www.alberta.ca/alberta-public-service-benefits
• Professional learning and development - https://www.alberta.ca/professional-development-support-directive
• Research Alberta Public Service Careers tool -https://researchapscareers.alberta.ca
• Positive workplace culture and work-life balance
• Opportunity to participate in flexible work arrangements such as working from home up to two days per week and modified work schedule agreement
• Leadership and mentorship programs