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Home / Join OCWA / Career Path

Career Path

It’s important to us to provide exciting and challenging work to our employees.  At OCWA, we hire a diverse and inclusive workforce largely made up of individuals who require licenses or a skilled trade.  We invest in our employees by providing training and opportunities across the province.

Scholarship Program

OCWA is excited to offer scholarships for post-secondary students! OCWA’s scholarships focus on providing opportunities for students in an environmental program or Trade including scholarships for those in underrepresented groups.

This includes three (3) $3,500 scholarships now available for Indigenous Peoples, Women, and Underrepresented Groups (racialized, persons with disability, LGBTQ2+) and one (1) general scholarship available to all students.  Applicants must be enrolled in or entering an Environmental Studies, Environmental Engineer or Trades field co-op program at an approved Ontario university or college.

OCWA actively supports educational initiatives and mentoring through various programs and awards with Ontario colleges and universities. We help connect students to co-ops, job placements, and internships. This scholarship is a financial award that also provides career-building through a co-op work term.

How to Become a Water and Wastewater Operator

To get hired as an Operator (or Trainee), you need to obtain your Operator in Training (OIT) certificate.  Read the Guide on how to obtain your Operator in Training Certificate (367KB).

There are a few minimum requirements before you can obtain your OIT certificate:

  • High school diploma (OSSD) or equivalent
  • Pass Operator-in-Training (OIT) examination
  • For Drinking Water OITs: Drinking Water Operators Entry Level Course (if course is not completed, a temporary 16-month OIT certificate will be issued)

The OIT certificate is the first step to your career pathway into the water and wastewater industry.  For more information about OIT Certificate Exam Schedules, forms and guidance documents please visit the OWWCO website or the MECP website.

Once you obtain your OIT certification, you are able to progress to higher certificate levels 1 through 4.

This involves:

  • relevant work experience
  • further education
  • successful completion of the MECP certification exam for each level

Learn more about the different certificate levels and upgrading certificates.

Download our Career Brochure

Download PDF
Co-operative Education

We provide co-op students with paid practical work experience in the water and wastewater industry as well as in our Corporate Office.  Many of our co-op students end up becoming full-time employees who grow their careers at OCWA.

Operational co-op roles are posted on our Job Opportunities page, while other Co-op placements are posted at various educational institutions across Ontario. Check for co-op job postings with your school’s career centre and respective co-op office.

Summer Students

We hire students for summer positions every year in different areas such as water and wastewater, compliance, administration, asset management, human resources, finance, communications and more.  We hire regular summer students and we also hire through our “Summer Experience Program.” To learn more about Ontario Public Service (OPS) and OCWA summer student opportunities, visit the OPS careers website.

Our People

Our people make the difference! The dedication and passion our employees have for the work they do every day and the communities they serve is what makes us stand out as the leading water and wastewater provider in Ontario. Meet some of our team members.

Learn More

Job Opportunities

Be a part of an organization with an exceptional group of individuals – team members who inspire each other every day to think and perform beyond expected boundaries. Apply today!

Job Opportunities