Water utilities Operator

Job Title

Water Utility Operator

Department

Water Utility

Employment Status

Full Time

Exempt/Nonexempt Status

Nonexempt

Scope of Work

This position is responsible for operating and maintaining the City’s water treatment plant, water distribution and collection system and water resource recovery facility to ensure a safe, high quality water system.

Supervised by

Water Utility Director, Water Plant Manager, Water Resource Recovery Manager or Water Distribution/Sewer Collection Manager

Essential Job Functions

An employee in this position may be called upon to do any or all of the following essential functions. These examples do not include all of the duties which the employee may be expected to perform. To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential function satisfactorily.

• Participates in the maintenance, repair and operation of the City’s reverse osmosis iron removal plant and the City’s water and sewer conveyance systems.

• Installs, repairs and flushes water mains and lines, storm/sanitary sewer lines, catch basins, manholes, fire hydrants, and water meters.

• Operates plant machinery and equipment to control the wastewater treatment process, following all licensing standards and plant procedures.

• Operates backhoe, loader, excavator, dump truck, vactor/jetter truck and other heavy equipment

• Operates small power equipment

• Monitors equipment, control panels, gauges, meters, and charts.

• Adjusts valves and pumps to regulate flow and discharge.

• Collects samples and conducts lab tests.

• Prepares chemical solutions for testing and utilizes specialized laboratory equipment in the testing process.

• Performs quality control tests and adheres to quality assurance procedures.

• Cleans, calibrates, sets up laboratory equipment, records statistical data, charts test results, maintains records and completes related paperwork.

• Participates in the routine maintenance, repair or replacement of plant and pump station equipment and machinery.

• Conducts regular inspection of plant and pump stations.

• Completes repairs and records preventative maintenance and repair activities according to established procedures.

• Performs custodial and semi-skilled maintenance tasks on plant buildings and facilities.

• Cleans plant building and facilities, water tanks, iron removal filters, etc.

• Coordinates and completes new taps, hook-ups and shut offs.

• Maintains records of water system activities and completes monthly reports

• Maintains lab equipment and supplies.

• Prepares chemical solutions for testing and collects and tests water samples.

• Operates and repairs electric motors, pumps, values, etc.

• Continuously monitors plant performance.

• Adheres to all safety procedures while operating equipment, handling chemicals/hazardous materials or working in dangerous situations.

• Participates in safety training and attends safety meetings.

• Provides effective and efficient customer services and promotes and maintains responsive community relations.

• Follows safe work practices.

Other Job Functions

• Performs related duties as assigned.

Requirements of Work

A high school diploma (or equivalent) is required, including 2 years of experience in a technical field; or any equivalent combination of training and experience which provides the following knowledge, ability, and skills:

Knowledge of

• Safety procedures involved in water system operation and equipment.

• The tools and materials used in the maintenance, repair and construction of municipal water treatment equipment and facilities.

• The sampling and testing methods and procedures used in water system operations.

• Current public health guidelines, government regulations and professional standards for water treatment.

Ability to

• Accurately log and record information and complete records.

• Travel to other locations and respond to emergencies.

• Effectively communicate ideas and concepts orally and in writing.

• Establish and maintain effective working relationship and use good judgement.

• Assess situations, problem-solve, and work effectively under stress and deadlines.

Skill in

• The operation of basic water treatment plant equipment.

• Performing preventative maintenance and basic repairs on equipment, machinery, buildings, and facilities.

Necessary Special Requirements

State of Michigan Vehicle Operator’s License (CDL License required for distribution and collection)

State of Michigan D-4 or F4 Water Certification (D-2 or F-2 are preferred)

State of Michigan D Wastewater Certification (C is preferred)

State of Michigan S-4 Water Certification (S-2 is preferred)

Physical Demands

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• The employee is regularly required to use hands and fingers to handle, feel, or operate tools, equipment, and controls.

• The employee is frequently required to sit, stand, talk and hear; walk, climb, balance, stoop, kneel, crouch, enter confined spaces and smell.

• The employee must regularly lift and/or move up to 50 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 100 pounds.

• Specific vision abilities required by the job include close vision, color perception, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and the ability to adjust focus.

• The employee will often work in outside weather conditions.

• The employee is often exposed to wet and slippery surfaces and humid conditions, fumes, or airborne particles, toxic or caustic chemicals and elements, noise, and vibrations.

• The employee occasionally works near local and high-speed traffic areas, in construction trenches and other precarious places.

• The use of Personal Protective Equipment is required.