Water & Wastewater Operations Specialist in Hamilton

As a member of the Business Development team, the Water & Wastewater Operations Specialist will provide technical and operational expertise to support the identification, evaluation, and development of new business opportunities within the water and wastewater industry.

Drawing on a strong background in water and wastewater treatment and operations, this position will conduct site visits and operational assessments at prospective facilities to evaluate existing infrastructure, treatment processes, equipment, operating conditions, regulatory requirements, staffing needs, maintenance requirements, and overall operational risks.

Working collaboratively with the Business Development and Operations teams, the Specialist will translate site-level findings into practical operational strategies, resource requirements, cost inputs, and recommendations to support the preparation of competitive and sustainable proposals.

This is a highly collaborative, client-facing role that requires strong technical knowledge, sound operational judgment, effective communication, and the ability to build relationships with prospective clients and internal stakeholders.

The successful candidate will be comfortable working independently in the field, presenting technical findings, and supporting opportunities from initial site assessment through proposal development and operational transition, as required.

• Site Assessments & Operational Due Diligence
• Conduct site visits and technical assessments of prospective drinking water and wastewater treatment facilities, distribution and collection systems, pumping stations, reservoirs, and related infrastructure as part of the business development and proposal process.
• Evaluate treatment processes, equipment, instrumentation, control systems, SCADA systems, and facility conditions to identify operational requirements, deficiencies, maintenance needs, equipment replacement requirements, and potential capital improvements.
• Review available operational records, process data, maintenance histories, asset inventories, regulatory reports, approvals, permits, technical drawings, and standard operating procedures to assess existing operating conditions and facility requirements.
• Identify site-specific requirements relating to staffing, operator certification, regulatory compliance, preventive maintenance, sampling, laboratory services, chemicals, consumables, utilities, equipment, and emergency response.
• Assess operational complexity, facility accessibility, site-specific hazards, and other factors that may affect service delivery, mobilization, staffing, and operating costs.
• Identify opportunities to improve operational efficiency, treatment performance, reliability, safety, regulatory compliance, and lifecycle cost management, documenting site observations, assumptions, limitations, risks, and recommendations.
• Business Development & Proposal Support
• Work closely with the Business Development team to evaluate prospective opportunities and determine operational feasibility, scope, resource requirements, and potential risks associated with proposed contracts.
• Represent the Company professionally during site visits, facility walkthroughs, client meetings, presentations, and other business development activities.
• Provide technical and operational input into requests for proposals (RFPs), requests for quotations (RFQs), expressions of interest (EOIs), and other procurement submissions.
• Translate site assessment findings into proposed staffing models, maintenance plans, equipment requirements, transition strategies, and other operational inputs.
• Support the development of operating cost estimates and pricing assumptions, including labour, maintenance, chemicals, consumables, utilities, equipment, subcontracted services, and other site-specific expenses.
• Identify operational risks, cost uncertainties, contractual considerations, assumptions, and potential exclusions that should be addressed during bid development.
• Participate in stakeholder meetings and presentations providing technical recommendations.
• Operations Collaboration & Technical Expertise
• Collaborate with internal stakeholders to validate proposed operating requirements, staffing assumptions, technical solutions, and cost estimates.
• Work with Operations teams to develop practical approaches to mobilizing new contracts, including operator coverage, training, equipment, maintenance planning, and site-specific procedures.
• Interpret Process Flow Diagrams (PFDs), Process and Instrumentation Diagrams (P&IDs), site plans, equipment specifications, asset inventories, and other technical documentation to support operational assessments and proposal development.
• Identify commissioning, process optimization, equipment upgrade, and operational improvement requirements that may affect proposed contract scope, costs, or service delivery.
• Regulatory Compliance, Health & Safety, and Professional Development
• Maintain a working knowledge of applicable legislation, regulations, approvals, permits, standards, and guidelines relevant to drinking water and wastewater treatment and operations in Ontario and other applicable jurisdictions.
• Identify potential regulatory compliance concerns during site assessments and communicate findings and recommendations to the appropriate internal stakeholders.
• Follow applicable health and safety requirements, site-specific rules, safe work practices, and personal protective equipment requirements, completing all required site orientations and safety training.
• Maintain accurate records of site visits, expenses, assessment findings, and other business development activities in accordance with Company procedures.
• Maintain current industry knowledge and pursue relevant training and professional development to remain informed of emerging technologies, operational practices, and regulatory developments.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.
• Senior-level experience in water and wastewater treatment and operations, with a strong understanding of treatment processes, facility maintenance, regulatory compliance, and operational planning is considered a strong asset.
• Valid Ontario water and/or wastewater operator certifications appropriate to the candidate's background and experience.

Class 2 or higher certification in Water and Wastewater, or equivalent qualifications, considered a strong asset.

• Post-secondary education in environmental science, environmental technology, chemical or biological sciences, engineering, or a related field considered an asset.
• Must hold a Professional Engineer (P. Eng.) licence in good standing in Ontario or be eligible to obtain licensure through Professional Engineers Ontario (PEO).
• Demonstrated knowledge of water and wastewater treatment technologies, including pumping systems, instrumentation, control systems, and SCADA, along with working knowledge of applicable legislation, regulations, approvals, and environmental and occupational health and safety requirements, considered a strong asset.
• Experience reviewing technical drawings, Process Flow Diagrams (PFDs), Process and Instrumentation Diagrams (P&IDs), equipment specifications, asset information, operational records, and maintenance documentation.
• Experience in operational assessments, facility inspections, commissioning, troubleshooting, process optimization, or maintenance planning considered an asset.
• Experience supporting proposals, developing operational scopes of work and cost estimates, evaluating contracts, or participating in business development activities considered an asset.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills, with the ability to assess unfamiliar facilities, evaluate technical information, identify operational priorities and risks, and develop practical recommendations.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to explain technical and operational matters clearly, prepare professional reports and recommendations, and establish productive relationships with prospective clients and internal stakeholders.
• Strong computer skills, including Microsoft Office applications, Teams, and the ability to work with digital documentation, spreadsheets, technical reports, and web-based systems.
• Valid Ontario driver's licence appropriate to the vehicle being operated, with a satisfactory driver's abstract in accordance with Company requirements, and the ability to drive long distances in varying weather and road conditions.
• Ability to travel extensively throughout Ontario, including day trips and overnight stays, with occasional travel to other provinces, territories, or international locations.

Must be able to accommodate changing travel schedules and access operational facilities and industrial sites in accordance with applicable safety requirements, with reasonable accommodation where required.

• Hours of work and Travel Expectations
• This position typically works 40 hours per week, consisting of 8-hour workdays, Monday through Friday.
• When not travelling, the employee will report to the Stoney Creek corporate office.
• This position requires extensive travel throughout Ontario to visit prospective client sites, conduct facility assessments, attend meetings, and support business development and proposal activities.
• Travel to other provinces, territories, or international locations may also be required based on business needs.
• Travel may include day trips, overnight stays, and extended periods away from the corporate office, depending on project requirements, site locations, and proposal timelines.
• Health, Dental, Life Insurance and Vision coverage effective from date of hire.
• RRSP contribution of 3% matched by employer after three months of employment.
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