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:

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…