Excellence in Customer Service, and Health and Safety
Utilities Kingston and the City of Kingston recognized our employees for their outstanding work in customer service excellence, and health and safety. Recipients of the annual TRIP awards that embody Teamwork, Respect, Integrity and Pride are nominated by other Utilities Kingston employees and chosen by a diverse panel of their peers.
In 2017, clerk Shannon Levee was the recipient of the Health and Safety award, while clerk Karen Timmerman accepted the award for Customer Service.
2017 TRIP award recipients: (left to right) Karen Timmerman and Shannon Levee.
Diverse Workforce Stimulates Innovation
Utilities Kingston has provided local residents with safe and reliable utility services for over 150 years. Our name and corporate structure have changed, but one thing has remained constant: the trust our community places in us.
Our employees continue to achieve excellence and innovation by working together within a unique multi-utility structure. Our model is made of interdependent work groups that are bound together by one collective mission: to manage, operate and maintain community infrastructure to deliver safe, reliable services and a personal customer experience.
Our employees have a diverse set of skills, knowledge and talents. They take pride in supporting a large network of infrastructure in water, sewer, gas, electricity, fibre and streetlights and traffic signals. Continuing education, training and collaboration between groups affords our employees an opportunity to improve our services through creativity and innovation.
242
Employees
44
Average Employee Age
13
Average Years of Service
Youth Employment - Ready, Set, Work!
Developing the next generation of skilled workers in Kingston is important to us. That’s why Utilities Kingston offers students the opportunity to enrich their academic studies by learning practical skills from some of the best in the utility industry. Student positions not only enhance the academic experience with hands-on experience, but help students develop skills for the post-education workforce.
Students at Utilities Kingston can expect insight into the knowledge and abilities required to work in the utility industry and an opportunity to grow professionally while earning a competitive wage. We support students in finding a meaningful and exciting career option at Utilities Kingston and in seeing the career opportunities available right here in Kingston.
We offer student opportunities, including internships and co-op placements in various positions, including in billing, conservation, communications, hydro and business services, information systems, service and gas operations, and water and wastewater operations.
In 2017, we provided opportunities for 17 students to gain meaningful career experience in a variety of departments at Utilities Kingston. Three co-op students also completed their placements with Utilities Kingston.
Summer students pose for a team photo at their 2017 orientation session.
Recruitment, Selection & Retention
From electricians to GIS technicians, gas operators and millwrights, certified accountants, professional engineers and certified human resources professionals – recruitment activities are diverse.
Utilities Kingston attracts and retains the best talent for our organization. In 2017, 11 employees left our employment through regular attrition and we welcomed eight employees to the organization.
Positions filled decreased by 12 per cent from 2016. Internally, we offered four employees new opportunities from within, further developing our in-house skill and talent. Additionally, nine employees were awarded permanent positions.
What We Do
Our employees are experts in many fields of specialties and trades. Get a glimpse into our multi-utility model and how various positions contribute to the organization, while maintaining and enhancing the city of Kingston.