Utility Operator I

Competition Number: 26222

Category: Public works and operations

Job Title: Utility Operator I

Department: Engineering Department - Public Works - Waterworks

Position Type: 2 Temporary Full-Time Positions – Up to 12 Months (CUPE Local 2011)

Salary: This is a C.U.P.E. Local 2011 position with a wage of $36.68 per hour (2026 rate) and an excellent benefits package.

Posted Date: September 23, 2025

Closing Date: September 13, 2026

Last Modified: August 21, 2026, 4:19 pm

Status: Open

Description:

The District of Saanich is committed to fostering a healthy, inclusive, and connected community. With a focus on public service excellence and sustainability, Saanich is a great place to live, work, and build a future.

The Engineering Department is at the heart of designing, maintaining, and enhancing the District’s infrastructure and essential services. Within Public Works, the Waterworks Section delivers clean, safe drinking water to the community and maintains critical water infrastructure.

What you will do

As a Utility Operator I in the Waterworks section of Public Works, you will assist with the installation, maintenance, and repair of water distribution infrastructure.

Your impact (key responsibilities)

  • Assist with live tapping of watermains and the installation and maintenance of water distribution components.
  • Lay pipe to grade and assist with grade boards, laser levels, and related field layout activities.
  • Support the Water Meter Maintenance Project, including assigned field maintenance activities.
  • Assist with pipe bursting, welding and fusing, and compaction equipment; load, unload, mix, wheel, and shovel materials.
  • Maintain job sites and follow potable-water best management practices, environmental protocols, and safety procedures.

What we are looking for

We are especially interested in candidates who bring:

  • Pipefitting experience and an interest in water distribution work.
  • A safety-first approach, reliability, teamwork, versatility, and manual dexterity.
  • The physical strength, stamina, and coordination to perform heavy manual work in all types of weather.

Why Saanich

  • Competitive wages and excellent benefits
  • Generous pension plan
  • A high-performing team culture with room to grow

Requirements

  • Grade 12 graduation or equivalent.
  • One year of pipefitting experience in water or wastewater systems.
  • EOCP Operator in Training (OIT) certification in Water Distribution or Wastewater Collection is considered an asset.
  • Basic navigation skills using field-based GIS software.
  • Traffic Control Certificate and Occupational First Aid Level 1 Certification.
  • A valid Class 3 B.C. Driver’s Licence with air brake endorsement, as required; annual renewal of a Driver’s Abstract is required.
  • An equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered.

As part of this competition process, testing will be conducted.

The successful candidate will work Monday to Friday, 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. (40 hours per week). Only those under consideration will be contacted.

Important Information:

The District of Saanich is proud to once again be recognized as one of BC’s Top Employers for 2026. As an inclusive, supportive, and high‑performing organization, we are committed to fostering a workplace that reflects the diversity of the community we serve. We aim to attract and retain passionate, skilled individuals from all backgrounds, demographics, and life experiences, and we are dedicated to creating an environment where everyone can contribute and thrive. If you require an accommodation at any stage of the recruitment process, please contact accessibilityHR@saanich.ca in confidence. We are here to support your full participation.

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