Water Services Operator II, III, or IV

Job Description Position Summary

Under general direction of Water Services Supervisor, performs water maintenance work for the City of St. George, including repairs to mains, hydrants, valves, and wells. This is skilled water maintenance and construction work requiring working knowledge of methods and materials used in water system maintenance and repair.

• Places barricades, signs, and traffic cones around work sites to protect operators and public. Locates and marks water lines using computer, electronic locator, or metal detector.
• Excavates trenches and installs shoring, tests for hazardous soil conditions and atmospheres, and detects hazardous atmospheres and corrects before confined space entry. Conducts safety inspections, follows safety rules for waterworks facilities, and conducts tailgate safety meetings.
• Lays, connects, flushes, cleans, tests, repairs, taps into, and disinfects culinary and irrigation water mains. Troubleshoots to locate the causes of water quality complaints and discusses with the public their concerns regarding water.
• Reads and updates water distribution system maps and as-built plans per City specifications and codes. Helps in building and developing springs in accordance to state and federal regulations.
• Operates and maintains well pumps, hydro‑pneumatic pressure tanks, storage tanks, pressure regulating valves, and air relief valves.
• Protects water mains and storage facilities from electrolysis corrosion effects. Troubleshoots cathodic protection equipment.
• Collects and transports water samples and tests for chlorine residuals. Calculates mix rate for cleaning and disinfecting storage tanks and reservoirs; calculates dosage rates; and safely loads and unloads chlorine cylinders and other dry and liquid chemicals, herbicides, and rodenticides.
• Observes pump motors to detect unusual noises, vibrations, or excessive heat; troubleshoots and corrects minor electrical and mechanical equipment problems; starts up or shuts down pumps as necessary to regulate system flows and pressure; adjusts valves to regulate tanks and reservoirs; adjusts and cleans pump seals, packing glands, and mechanical seals; and repairs and overhauls pumps, motors, chlorinators, coolers, and control valves.
• Keeps daily records and prepares daily reports. Estimates and justifies requests for supplies and equipment.
• Performs general maintenance duties, including carpentry, plumbing, asphalt repairs, and concrete and block construction. Operates and maintains light and heavy equipment.
• Reads and repairs residential, commercial, and irrigation meters; sets and replaces meter yokes and boxes; installs and replaces services; installs and repairs fire hydrants; and notifies property users of service interruptions.
• Performs other related duties as required.

Required to push, pull, or lift very heavy weights in excess of 100 lbs. occasionally, and/or up to 50 lbs. of force frequently, and/or in excess of 20 lbs. of force constantly to move objects. Significant standing, walking, or sitting uncomfortably for extended periods. Physical demands include climbing, balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, crawling, reaching, handling, fingering, and feeling. Exposure to atmospheric conditions such as fumes, noxious odors, dusts, mists, gases, and poor ventilation that affects the respiratory system, eyes, or the skin;

constant or intermittent sounds or a pitch or level sufficient to cause marked distraction or possible hearing loss; hot, cold, wet, humid, or windy conditions caused by weather; health and occupational hazards such as chlorine, pesticides, herbicides, asbestos, confined spaces, rattlesnakes, spiders, and endangered species; and stress as a result of human behavior.

• Employees in this classification are required to be on periodic standby or to respond to emergencies.
• Employees in this classification are required to pass a respiratory physical test.

Education:

High school diploma or equivalent.

Experience:

Experience related to duties listed for this position is preferred.

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