Water Technician

WATER TECHNICIAN

 

 

Supervised By:         Water Plant Superintendent

Supervises:               No supervisory responsibility

 

 

Position Summary:

Under the direct supervision of the Water Plant Superintendent, operates and maintains the City’s water treatment plant and distribution system to provide safe drinking water to City residents and other system customers.  Assists with other Water Plant tasks as required by operational demands. 

 

 

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.

 

1.            Performs maintenance and repair tasks at the City’s water treatment plant. Completes a variety of routine and skilled maintenance and repair activities associated with water system equipment, machinery, and facilities to ensure a safe supply of potable water for human consumption, industrial use, and fire suppression.

 

2.            Performs custodial and semi-skilled maintenance tasks on plant buildings and facilities. Completes general grounds keeping assignments including mowing, trimming, planting, snow and ice removal and other activities as required.

 

3.            Maintains, repairs, and participates in construction projects related to the City’s water system including the installation, repair, and flushing of water mains and lines, fire hydrants, and water meters. 

 

4.            Monitors filter performance, back washing when effluent quality exceeds established parameters.

 

5.            Coordinates and completes new taps, hook-ups and shut-offs according to established procedures.

 

6.            Assists in maintaining accurate maps of the City’s utility infrastructure.  Responds to Miss Dig requests and stakes utility lines.

 

7.            Participates in a cross connection program.  Conducts inspections, processes and issues notifications, and follows up as necessary.  Maintains related records and completes requisite reports.

 

8.            Maintains lab facilities, equipment and supplies.  Inventories, orders and stores chemicals and other supplies used in the lab.  Regularly updates lab Quality Assurance Manual.

 

9.            Maintains complete records of water system activities.  Generates reports as required or requested.

 

10.          Receives and responds to basic water complaints, questions, and other service requests constructively.  Refers more complex issues to the Water Plant Superintendent and otherwise represents the department in a positive manner.

 

11.          Performs other water plants tasks, including lab work, as operational needs demand.  Participates in routine laboratory work, collects samples, completes lab tests, and other duties of a Water Operator as required.

 

12.          Adheres to all applicable safety procedures while operating equipment, handling chemicals or hazardous waste or working in dangerous situations.  Participates in safety training, attends safety meetings and participates in other meetings or committees as directed.

 

13.          Attends training programs and seminars to obtain continuing education credits necessary to maintain the appropriate licensing required by the City’s water plant.

 

14.          Responds to water systems emergency situations.  May be required to work outside of normal business hours in the event of an emergency.

 

15.       Performs related work as required.

 

 

Required Knowledge, Skills, Abilities and Minimum Qualifications:

The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skills, abilities and minimum qualifications necessary to perform the essential functions of the position.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the job.

 

·                     High school diploma or the equivalent.

 

·                     One or more years of experience in water system operations and maintenance.

 

·                     State of Michigan DEQ S-4 and F-4 certifications to be obtained within two years of hire and the ability to maintain certified throughout employment.

 

·                     State of Michigan Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) with the ability to obtain the appropriate endorsement(s), a satisfactory driving record, and the ability to maintain one throughout employment.

 

·                     Thorough knowledge of tools and materials used in the maintenance, repair, and construction of municipal water treatment and distribution equipment and facilities.

 

·                     Knowledge of safety procedures involved in water system operation and equipment.

 

·                     Knowledge of the sampling and testing methods and procedures used in water system operations and a basic knowledge of current public health guidelines, government regulations, and professional standards for water treatment.

 

·                     Skill in the operation of basic water treatment plant equipment, including manipulating valves, chemical feeds and related water system devices.

 

·                     Skill in performing preventive maintenance and basic repairs on plant equipment, machinery, buildings and facilities.

   

·                     Skill in evaluating the conditions of underground pipes and the ability to determine the pressure requirements of a water distribution system.

 

·                     Ability to read maps of utility mains, valves, and service lines.

 

·                     Ability to accurately log and record information, complete reports, and perform mathematical computations.

 

·                     Ability to communicate effectively and present ideas and concepts orally and in writing.

 

·                     Ability to establish effective working relationships and use good judgment, initiative and resourcefulness when dealing with employees, City officials, professional contacts, the media, and the public.

 

·                     Ability to exercise a high degree of diplomacy and work effectively under stress in contentious or confrontational situations.

 

·                     Ability to critically assess situations, problem-solve, and work effectively under stress, within deadlines and changes in work priorities.

 

·                     Ability to attend meetings outside of normal business hours, travel to other locations, and respond to emergencies on a 24-hour basis.

 

 

Physical Demands and Work Environment:

The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skills, abilities and minimum qualifications necessary to perform the essential functions of the position.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the job.

 

While performing the duties of this job, the employee frequently works in a water treatment plant or in the field completing hands-on operations and maintenance work. The employee is exposed to moving mechanical parts, adverse weather conditions, risk of electrical shock, vibration, fumes or airborne particles, and toxic or caustic chemicals. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move items of moderate to heavy weight. 

 

While performing the duties of this job, the employee may be exposed to treacherous terrain, requiring the employee to traverse uneven ground, climb up or crawl down to access the site, and may be exposed to fumes, dust, chemicals or other hazardous materials, loud machinery and equipment, and other dangers associated with maintenance activities or plant operations.  An employee in this position must have the strength, stamina and physical coordination needed to gain access to the work sites described above, observe and inspect work in progress, and operate hand and power tools.  The employee is occasionally exposed to loud noises, moving mechanical parts, dust or airborne particles, and fumes.  The noise level in the work environment is moderate, and can occasionally be very loud.