Utility Operator

THIS RECRUITMENT IS OPEN TO ANY QUALIFIED APPLICANT WITH HIRING PREFERENCE GIVEN TO AFSCME MEMBERS.

THE DURATION OF THIS POSITION WILL BE CONTINGENT UPON THE TRANSFER OF THE VADER WATER SYSTEM AND THE ACQUISITION OF ADDITIONAL WATER SYSTEMS.

Under general supervision of the Operator in Charge, performs skilled work in the operation and maintenance of the water treatment plants in accordance with all safety regulations and procedures; responsible for the operation and maintenance of a variety of County-owned wastewater collection facilities and water systems to ensure the systems remain in compliance with local, state and federal requirements.

The following duties are the fundamental, crucial job duties performed by this position. This is not a comprehensive list of all tasks that may be assigned. Incumbent may be required to perform other duties as assigned and appropriate for the position.

• Operates and maintains water treatment and intake facilities in accordance with all county, state and federal safety procedures and regulations.
• Inspects, cleans, and performs routine maintenance; makes minor repairs, identifies and reports problems on the water system equipment, tools and facilities including the water treatment plant, intake pump facility, backwash lagoons, piping and appurtenances in the plant property.
• Samples, tests, verifies, charts, records and reports required water quality parameters (i.e. pH, turbidity, C12, temperature, total organics, bacterial, etc.) and processes at the frequency and applicable procedures to meet optimization goals to comply with state and federal drinking water regulations.
• Uses flow rates, meter readings and monitors to adjust chemical dosages, plant processes (i.e. filters, backwashes), flows and operations to meet optimization goals.
• Maintains laboratory equipment, processes, calibration, and certifications to validate water quality sampling.
• Monitors and adjusts pumps, motors and meters to mandated safety and service levels.
• Reads and records current data on site at individual service meters at regular intervals.
• Conducts fire flows and hydrant testing.
• Operates a variety of equipment and vehicles: pumps, mower, weed eater, chain saw, mixers, water meters, electronic equipment, hot tap machine, and general hand and power tools.
• Maintains the grounds, exterior and interior of the water treatment plant and intake facilities to maintain accessible, clean and sanitary conditions as directed.
• Interacts effectively and cooperatively with the public, co-workers, supervisors, vendors, contractors, and federal, state and local agencies.
• Responsible for directing staff or contractors to make necessary repairs or resolve problems with the system.
• Performs other duties and responsibilities as assigned.
• Operates a variety of heavy equipment: excavator, vac truck, backhoe, compactor, and 12-yard dump truck with trailer.
• Flagging, as needed.
• Serve on an on-call rotation to facilitate 24-hour response to emergency conditions within the County’s utility service areas. May respond to emergencies such as broken pipes, equipment failures or other malfunctions requiring immediate attention.
• Performs basic electrical wiring and carpentry.
• Detects and reports atypical conditions, such as damaged, malfunctioning and tampered meters, system leaks, high/low consumption, exposed wiring and other safety hazards.

Work is performed in indoor and outdoor environments; will be exposed to slippery or wet, muddy, rocky, and uneven surfaces, extreme temperatures and weather. The employee is regularly exposed to moving mechanical parts and frequently exposed to toxic or caustic chemicals. The noise level in the work environment is usually loud. Moderate physical demands may require frequent…