Water Operator I

Reports to: Chief Water Superintendent.

About the role

The Water Operator I is an entry-level position responsible for maintaining the Citys water distribution system and assisting in the operation of the water treatment plant. This role involves semi-skilled manual labor, routine maintenance, and ensuring safe, reliable, and clean water service to the community. Work is performed under supervision, with opportunities for training and advancement.

Responsibilities

• Participates in the maintenance, repair, operation, and cleanliness of the water treatment plant, water storage areas, and other related facilities within the distribution system.
• Performs various water activities including water taps, service line shut-offs/turn-ons, valve maintenance, assisting with water main break response, hydrant maintenance, hydrant flushing, reading meters, water meter installs, and line locating.
• Under supervision utilizes the water treatment and distribution plant computer systems (SCADA) for proper adjustments as needed.
• Reads all well meters, booster pump stations, and other daily flow meter recordings.
• Under supervision, assists in chemical deliveries, filling and proper mixing of water treatment chemical tanks, and all other chemical storage and delivery processes.
• Under supervision, assists in the collection of all necessary water samples, lab work, including daily, weekly, and monthly testing, with proper use of water treatment lab equipment.
• Participates in the new installation of water infrastructure and other elements within the distribution system.
• Operates departmental equipment, machinery, vehicles, and basic hand, power, and electric tools according to established guidelines.
• Performs snow removal and salt/sand application on streets, sidewalks, parking lots, and around public buildings either manually or using snow removal equipment as necessary for City wide snow removal efforts.
• Responsible for maintaining a safe work environment at all times; utilizes proper safety precautions related to all work performed.
• Establishes and maintains positive public relations with the general public, other employees, other governmental agencies, and municipal officials.
• Assists other City Departments and Public Works Divisions as needed.

Requirements

• Ability to learn the methods, techniques, materials, terminology, and tools used in maintaining water treatment and distribution systems.
• Ability to learn and apply federal, state, and local laws and regulations related to maintenance, repair, and operation activities of the Citys water systems.
• Ability to learn the principles and practices of record keeping.
• Ability to learn to accurately read and interpret technical sketches, blueprints, and instructional manuals.
• Ability to learn to operate vehicles, machinery, equipment, and tools pertaining to duties performed.
• Ability to learn and to apply occupational hazards and standard safety practices.
• Ability to learn and to apply techniques used in emergency and evacuation procedures.
• Ability to learn city responsibilities and ability to use independent judgment in the performance of duties.
• Ability to learn and apply the precautions necessary to work safely with and around automotive and mechanical equipment in order to promote a safe working environment.
• Ability to learn the geography of the Citys water district.
• Ability to learn how to use a computer for administrative duties, i.e. timekeeping, online training, etc.
• Ability to perform job duties efficiently while managing frequent interruptions.
• Ability to understand and follow both verbal and written instructions.
• Ability to communicate effectively, verbally and in writing, in English.
• Ability to deal with the general public in a courteous and tactful manner.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with the general public, other employees, and municipal officials.
• Ability to maintain regular and dependable attendance on the job, including attendance and job performance for possibly prolonged periods of time when called out on short notice due to weather conditions, emergencies and similar situations of public necessity.
• Ability to lift up to 50 lbs. on a regular basis and possess the coordination and manual dexterity necessary to operate hand and power tools and equipment utilized in the upkeep, repair and maintenance