Water Pump Operator

About the role

The Water Pump Operator is responsible for maintaining the equipment of the Municipal Water Distribution System through the performance of a variety of semiskilled and skilled Water Utility operation and maintenance tasks. This position is highly responsible and requires the use of judgment in the planning and carrying out of daily work activities.

Responsibilities

• Check pumping stations daily and perform operational adjustments and minor maintenance activities.
• Keep pumping stations clean and orderly.
• Keep records on maintenance activities of the pumping station up to date and organized.
• Check the SCADA system daily and make adjustments as needed to optimize system pumpage.
• Consult on items that need to be ordered to keep pumping stations operational.
• Participate in the collection of all required WDNR water samples.
• Assists in the contracting of major repair and maintenance activities for wells and pumps.
• Assists in the resolution of customer inquiries regarding water quality, taste, odor, pressure, etc.
• Follow all safety regulations, policies, and procedures; reports all unsafe conditions and acts to supervisor; reports all accidents to the supervisor immediately whenever possible; follows recognized safe work practices.
• Performs other special projects and other job duties as assigned or required during regular and non-business hours.

Requirements

• A High School diploma or equivalent is required.
• Minimum of five (5) years of previous work experience in the operation and maintenance of a comparable water utility water well and pumping operation.
• DNR distribution and groundwater certifications are required. Knowledge of the principles and practices of water pumping and water well equipment operation. SCADA knowledge required.
• A valid, state-issued driver’s license at time of hire is required.

Qualifications

• Additional college or technical course work in a related field in water resources is desirable.

Competencies

• Knowledge of general principles and practices of water well construction and pumping.
• General knowledge to evaluate and repair pumping station components including chemical feed systems.
• Advanced knowledge of SCADA systems.
• Demonstrated knowledge of water pumping practices and procedures.
• General knowledge of City geography and the location of City utilities.
• General knowledge of the operation and maintenance requirements of assigned equipment.
• General knowledge of computers and related software used in analyzing data and preparing reports.
• Skill in effective pumping system analysis for pressure and flow optimization.
• Skill in the use of SCADA evaluation for system improvements.
• Organizational and time management skills to prioritize duties and accomplish a high volume of work product while adapting to constant changes in priority.
• Exceptional communication skills, both verbally and in writing, paired with a strong customer service background, and effective interpersonal skills.
• Collaboration skills to effectively work with others to achieve common goals through communication, teamwork, and problem-solving.
• Critical thinking skills to effectively analyze situations and solve complex or technical problems in a timely manner.
• Advance level of technical proficiency skills, including computer applications and software such as Microsoft Office and Adobe Acrobat.
• Ability to compose routine correspondence and routine reports in a clear, concise, logical, and effective manner, utilizing proper grammar, spelling, punctuation, sentence structure, and tone.
• Ability to perform basic mathematical calculations, including the ability to add, subtract, multiply, and divide in all units of measure, using whole numbers, common fractions, and decimals, and to compute percentages.
• Ability to effectively train new employees in pumping system components.
• Must be able to perform strenuous labor for extended periods of time under varying weather conditions, and to do so in a safe manner.
• Ability to prepare and maintain accurate, detailed, computerized records and reports.
• Ability to learn and apply new technology.
• Ability and skill to operate City trucks, vehicles, and equipment is a safe manner.
• Ability to work without direct supervision and within the boundaries of areas of responsibility.
• Ability to make decisions according to applicable laws, regulations, established procedures, and the directives of the City Manager and City Council.
• Ability to comply with all safety policies, practices, and procedures, and report all unsafe activities or conditions to supervisor.
• Must be able to work a varied schedule including nights and weekends.
• Ability to maintain a valid, state-issued driver’s license.

Behaviors

• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with Department, Division, and Office Heads, City employees, other governmental agencies, customers, and the general public.
• Exhibit exceptional professionalism, tact, and decorum in all areas of work duties.
• Strong ethics base built upon integrity, honesty, initiative, and respect; maintain strict confidentiality.
• Interact positively with a diverse group of individuals, and work effectively both as part of a team and independently.
• Embrace and actively promote an inclusive and equitable work environment.
• Conduct all business and working relationships in an accurate, fair, equitable and highly ethical manner.
• Work with the public in a fair and consistent manner, maintaining objectivity and excluding personal bias while performing job duties.
• Reliable, timely, and proactive in the completion of duties, meeting deadlines and responding to inquiries.
• Work with others in a positive and supportive manner to solve problems, generate ideas, and accomplish division and City goals.