Water Systems Operator 1/2/3/4 - Leak Crew

Job Summary

Performs a variety of skilled duties on an assigned field crew related to the construction, installation, maintenance, and repair of city water, irrigation, storm drain, or wastewater systems.

Responsibilities

• Supports operational efficiency and infrastructure upkeep across water, irrigation, storm drain, and wastewater systems to ensure reliable public service.
• Works under the general supervision of an assigned Water Systems Supervisor or Water Systems Lead Worker.
• Maintains storage tanks and performs connection and disconnection of services while locating shut-off valves and water leaks.
• Assists in placement, removal, and adjustment of pipe regulators and pilot valves.
• Repairs and reconstructs curbs, gutters, and streets to access and fix broken lines.
• Buils and modifies meter boxes as needed and maintains tools and equipment to ensure operational readiness.
• Corrects structural defects and eliminates infiltration and stopspages across drainage, wastewater, and storm drain systems.
• Daily maintenance and repair of specialized equipment including operation of jet trucks, power rodders, root cutters, jackhammers, compactors, rodding machines, and metal detectors to locate concealed manholes and raise them for street overlays.
• Participates in minor storm drain and wastewater collection system installation, tapping mains for service connections, and maintains electrical components on television inspection trucks.
• Thaws frozen pipes, coordinates meter readings, manages pump stations, and performs onsite troubleshooting as referrals require.

Minimum Qualifications

• Water Systems Operator 1: Graduation from high school, 1 year of experience.
• Water Systems Operator 2: Graduation from high school, Grade II Water Distribution Operator Certification, 1 year of experience.
• Water Systems Operator 3: Graduation from high school, Grade III Water Distribution Operator Certification, 2 years of experience.
• Water Systems Operator 4: Graduation from high school, Grade IV Water Distribution Operator Certification, 4 years of experience.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Working knowledge of operating basic manual and power tools, standard practices, methods, materials, and tools necessary for pipeline construction and repair activities, and pipe fitting procedures including classifications and types.
• Understanding of occupational hazards and safety precautions related to trench work construction, pipeline maintenance, and heavy equipment operation.
• Familiarity with water supply and distribution systems, hazards associated with water treatment chemicals, wastewater line chemical cleaning procedures and related hazards, as well as state and federal regulations governing installation and maintenance of water systems and water quality laws.
• Ability to operate various heavy equipment under varying conditions, perform minor repairs on assigned vehicles, and undertake heavy physical labor.
• Ability to read blueprints, perform basic mathematical computations related to meters, gauges, and related devices, and effectively communicate both verbally and in writing.
• Strong interpersonal skills to develop and maintain productive working relationships with coworkers, elected officials, local agencies, and the general public.
• Tolerance of weather extremes encountered in the work environment.

Special Qualifications

• Must become Water System Operator certified.
• Must possess a valid commercial driver's license.
• Must become confined space certified.
• Must be able to lift 50-75 pounds.
• Must be willing to work on-call duty and 24 hour standby.

Work Environment

• Primarily outdoors, subject to changing and seasonal weather conditions.
• Physical activities such as walking, standing, stooping, sitting, reaching, and lifting.
• Daily exposure to potential hazards including electrical shock, industrial wastes, raw sewage containing pathogens, moving machinery, traffic risks in public rights-of-way, and confined space operations.
• Sensory requirements including talking, hearing, and seeing.
• Mental application involving memory, verbal instructions, emotional stability, attention to detail, and problem-solving skills.