Water Operator I​/II; DOQ

DEFINITION

The City of Hanford is seeking to fill one (1) Water Operator vacancy in the Utilities and Engineering Department - Utilities Division. This position is to perform a variety of work in the maintenance of the City's water production and distribution systems; to assist with providing, maintaining, and repairing the City's potable water services; and to provide utilities maintenance support to an assigned supervisor.

This is the entry‑level class in the Water Operator series. Positions in this class typically have little or no directly related work experience and work under immediate supervision while learning job tasks. The Water Operator I class is distinguished from the II level by the performance of less than the full range of duties assigned to the II level. Incumbents work under immediate supervision while learning job tasks, progressing to general supervision as procedures and processes of assigned area of responsibility are learned.

This is the journey level class in the Water Operator series and is distinguished from the I level by the assignment of the full range of duties. Employees at this level receive only occasional instruction or assistance as new, unusual or unique situations arise and are fully aware of the operating procedures and policies within the work unit. Positions in this class are flexibly staffed and are normally filled by advancement from the I level.

This class is distinguished from the Senior Utilities Maintenance Worker in that the latter is responsible for providing technical and functional supervisor of assigned staff and performing the most complex utilities maintenance work.

• Duties may include, but are not limited to, the following:
• Perform preventative maintenance on equipment, machinery and control systems related to wells and other water sources for imported water transmission mains, pumping stations and storage facilities.
• Monitor water supply and pressure with telemetry (SCADA) equipment; adjust pumps and valves to maintain proper zone pressure.
• Repair and maintain structures for wells and booster stations; take meter readings, and perform well soundings and hydrant tests.
• Monitor and maintain chlorine levels; inject chlorine at well sites as needed.
• Take water samples and assist water quality staff as necessary.
• Handle complaints and answer questions from the public; respond to water quality complaints and perform water quality duties if required.
• Issue citations for water violations; collect money for payment of fines; shut off and restore water service.
• May participate in roadway and/or concrete patching in the repair of underground pipes and equipment as necessary.
• Perform routine maintenance work in the care of tools and supplies.
• Build and maintain positive working relationships with co‑workers, other City employees and the public using principles of good customer service.
• Foster an environment that embraces diversity, integrity, trust, and respect.
• Be an integral team player, which involves flexibility, cooperation, and communication.
• Perform related duties as assigned.

Knowledge of:

• Functions, characteristics, and proper care and use of tools, equipment and materials used in basic water supply systems and/or storm drainage pump stations and related facilities.
• Techniques for reading and recording of meters and related instruments.
• Safe work practices.

Ability to:

• Perform semi‑skilled preventative maintenance activities related to area of assignment.
• On a continuous basis, know and understand maintenance activities and observe safety rules. Intermittently, analyze problem equipment; identify safety hazards; locate equipment; interpret work orders; remember how to operate equipment; and explain jobs to other employees.
• Intermittently, sit while driving a piece of equipment; stand and walk while performing maintenance activities; bend and twist to adjust equipment; kneel and squat to review work; climb up on to heavy equipment to test or inspect systems; perform simple and power grasping, pushing, pulling, and fine manipulation; and lift or carry weight of 50…