Utility Operator I

GENERAL

PURPOSE:

Under general direction, Utility Operator I performs a variety of semi-skilled and skilled technical and maintenance work in the operation, maintenance, and repair of Water and/or Wastewater Treatment Plant (WTP and/or WWTP) facilities and systems.

Works under the general supervision of the Utility Operator III and/or Public Works Director or their designee.

Exercises general supervisor over Operator-In-Training and general maintenance workers.

• Assists in the operation of valves and other related controls to distribute flow through unit process and application of chlorine and chemicals to the water and/or wastewater systems.
• Monitors control equipment such as pumps, motors, valves, blowers, sludge collectors, heat exchangers, sludge thickeners and other related process equipment.
• Reads meters, gauges, and other instrumentation.
• Assist in water digs, water line break repairs, sewer inspections, and sewer plugs.
• Assist in the monthly city-wide water meter reading.
• Adjusts or alters chemical treatment of the plant as necessary.
• Collects samples for observation and analysis from unit processes.
• Performs daily and weekly laboratory analysis as needed for process adjustments and performance indicators.
• Performs preventative maintenance to equipment, such as routine service, lubrication and cleaning of process equipment and machinery.
• Operates a wide variety of tools and equipment used in minor mechanical repair and operation of process equipment.
• Assists in minor repairs to all process equipment as needed.
• Performs buildings and grounds maintenance, which may involve weed control, gardening, and janitorial services.
• Assists in the preventative maintenance of equipment.
• Performs routine preventative maintenance tasks.
• Oils, greases, and cleans equipment as directed.
• Performs heavy manual labor and ground maintenance work.
• Refurbishes equipment and structures.
• Operates city vehicles and equipment to perform job.
• Drives and operates heavy trucks and specialized vehicular equipment.
• Assists in reading monthly water meters.
• Performs related duties as required.

• Serves on various employee or other committees as assigned.
• Maintains the drawings and schematics of electrical and other systems in the treatment plant.
• Monitors performance of electrical systems, circuits or equipment of the treatment plant.
• Pager duty (off hours callout, weekend rounds) is required based on meeting position requirements.

• Learn the operations of various equipment.
• Perform minor repairs on pumps, valves, and other equipment.
• Perform heavy manual labor and ground maintenance work.
• Develop and maintain effective working relationships.
• Communicate effectively in written and oral form.
• Basic principles and procedures of water and/or wastewater treatment, with specific emphasis on procedures involved in operations and maintenance of percolation ponds and secondary treatment plants.
• Methods, materials, and equipment used in the operation and maintenance of a water and/or wastewater treatment facility.
• Basic laboratory procedures and analysis.
• Safe work practices.
• Basic computer skills and knowledge of SCADA systems.
• Perform routine mathematical calculations.
• Follow oral and written directions.
• Operate forklifts and other related equipment.

Any combination of experience and education that could likely provide the required knowledge and abilities would be qualifying. A typical way to obtain the knowledge and abilities would be:

• Graduation from high school education or GED equivalent, and college or technical training in biology, environmental science, chemistry, or a closely related field, and
• Basic Computer skills and knowledge of SCADA systems.
• Two (2) years of experience in a wastewater utility, or
• Any equivalent combination of education and experience.

Motor vehicle, generators, pumps, gauges, common hand and power tools, shovels, wrenches, detection devices, mobile radio, phone, calculator, and a variety of lab equipment, computer and computer program systems related to Water and/or WWTP operations.

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. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to use hands to finger, handle, feel or operate objects, tools, or controls and reach with hands and arms.

The employee frequently is required to stand, walk; talk and hear; sit; climb or balance; stoop or kneel. The employee is occasionally required to crouch or crawl; and smell. Work hours are based on seasonal conditions. Flexible work hours or shifts are possible (5-day work week) with weekend hours. The employee must frequently lift and/or…