Water Utility Operator I

About the Role

Perform a variety of semi-skilled and skilled technical and maintenance work in the operation, maintenance, and repair of water distribution and sewer collection facilities and systems, either in a team environment or while working independently.

Reports to a Utilities Crew Leader or Utilities Superintendent. This position does not supervise others.

Responsibilities

• Regular attendance with the ability to work in occupied environments, including areas with vehicle traffic.
• Operate heavy machinery and utilize trucks and trailers to transport equipment to and from worksites.
• As a crew member, install and repair main water and sewer lines, including:
  • Excavating to grade and laying/aligning pipe.
  • Using special tapping equipment to install valves, lateral water/sewer lines, blowoffs, hydrants, meters, service taps, cleanouts, manholes, and service lines.
  • Blocking off work areas and rerouting traffic for public safety.
  • Accomplishing hookups and testing installations according to established procedures.
• Install, overhaul, and repair fire hydrants, including:
  • Shutting off main lines or hydrant foot valves.
  • Disassembling, cleaning, and replacing gaskets, seals, and seats.
  • Reassembling and testing hydrants for proper operation.
• Inspect new water lines at construction sites, take samples, and record chlorination readings.
• Perform routine inspection, cleaning, and preventive maintenance on assigned equipment; report defects or needed repairs to supervisor.
• Perform work in accordance with all federal, state, and local laws, rules, and regulations, and within mandated safety standards.
• Complete all duties assigned by supervisor, maintain a clean job site and work area, and keep tools clean.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• High School Diploma or equivalent.
• Valid Texas Class C Driver’s License.
• One (1) year of water and sewer utility experience is preferred, or any equivalent combination of education, experience, and training that provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities.
• Must obtain a TCEQ "D" Public Water System Operator License within one (2) years of hire or a TCEQ "D" Wastewater Treatment License within one (1) year of hire.

Skills

• Judgment and Decision Making: Uses logic and reasoning to analyze job orders, identify potential problems, and establish priorities.
• Organizational and Time Management: Excellent skills in managing tasks and time effectively.
• Critical Thinking and Problem Solving: Strong mechanical skills and ability to assess work orders.
• Coordination of Work: Ability to share workloads, balance team efforts, and train new workers.
• Communication: Ability to communicate effectively verbally and in writing, follow instructions, and maintain effective working relationships with coworkers, other departments, and the public.
• Knowledge: Some knowledge of equipment, materials, methods, and procedures used in water distribution and sewer operations; basic knowledge of OSHA trenching and shoring requirements.

Tools and Equipment Used

• Large and heavy equipment (e.g., backhoe, front-end loader, dump truck).
• Motorized vehicles and equipment (e.g., tapping machine, tamper, plate compactor, pipe threader, jackhammer, acetylene torch, chain saw, trash pump, ditch compactor, air compressor, generators, compressors, pumps, gauges).
• Common hand and power tools (e.g., shovels, wrenches).
• Detection devices, mobile radio, phone, calculator, and other necessary equipment.

Physical Demands

• Frequently required to sit, stand, crawl, talk, hear, and use hands/fingers to handle or operate objects, tools, or controls.
• Must reach with hands and arms and occasionally lift up to 25 pounds; lift/carry up to 100 pounds with assistance.
• Specific vision abilities required: close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus.
• Work primarily performed while standing/walking on concrete floors.

Work Environment

• Work is generally performed outside, exposed to extreme heat in summer and cold in winter.
• Exposure to wet and/or humid conditions, moving mechanical parts, fumes, airborne particles, toxic or caustic chemicals, electrical shock, and vibration.
• Occasionally works in environments with risk of electrical shock.