Utility Operations & Maintenance Specialist

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This is skilled, technical work responsible for operation, maintenance, and repair of water treatment and transmission equipment in a water plant, pump station, wellfield, and/or recharge facility. This position is responsible for various duties related to production, pumping, and distribution systems to meet water drinking water system demands and water quality permit requirements for a plant that is being constructed at 2120 N.

Hoover in Wichita. Specific duties vary according to assigned location(s) and employees Competency Level and/or skills. Work is directed and reviewed by a supervisor.

• Operates and maintains plant equipment such as pumps, motors, chlorinating equipment, chemical feed systems, piping, flow meters, electromechanical equipment, and other components of a drinking water system.
• Operates and maintains water source components such as surface wells, water intakes, and gate valves.
• Operates and maintains water transmission components such as pipelines, air releases, vacuum breakers, and flow meters.
• Complies with established service and preventive maintenance programs to ensure efficient operation and prolonged useful life of equipment.
• Collects water samples and performs basic chemical tests.
• Reads and records measurements and performance data from operating equipment.
• Manually adjusts water transmission and treatment process equipment, such as valves and chemical feed systems, that are not controlled remotely.
• Monitors water levels in reservoirs and towers and makes appropriate pump changes.
• Recognizes equipment problems and assists higher level staff with troubleshooting and repairs.
• Records information about plant performance on log sheets or computer databases.
• Coordinates activities with Process Control personnel to assure that activities do not conflict with operational needs.
• Maintains inventory of chemicals and parts.
• May train or lead other employees on routine work.
• More complex work assignments will be required as employees attain higher levels of competency.
• The examples of work performed are not intended to be all-inclusive.
• The City of Wichita reserves the right to assign additional responsibilities as needed, including but not limited to tasks performed by IEC Specialists, Water Quality Specialists, and Process Control Specialists.

• Knowledge of the methods, tools, and materials used in mechanical and electromechanical systems.
• Knowledge of work hazards and ability to take necessary safety precautions.
• Ability to read and interpret technical manuals.
• Ability to use a computer to access, interpret and record information.
• Ability to climb stairs and ladders and work at heights of up to 45 feet and in equipment pits.
• Ability to walk variable distances multiple times per shift and to bend, twist, and reach as necessary to repair equipment.
• Ability to tolerate exposure to airborne environmental nuisances associated with open grounds, exposure to chemicals and fluids used in water treatment and in building/equipment maintenance, exposure to adverse weather conditions, and equipment and machinery noise (with the use of earplugs).
• Ability to lift and carry up to 40 pounds independently, and to lift and carry up to 120 pounds with assistance of another person.
• Ability to exert up to 100 pounds of pressure using tools that tighten, loosen, or cut.
• Ability to work outdoors in inclement weather.
• Ability to be available for after‑hour emergencies including on‑call duties.
• Ability to drive at night.
• Wellfield positions require ability to operate a bucket truck, digger truck, backhoe, well pulling rig, and other wellfield equipment.
• Ability to develop and maintain effective working relationships with other employees.
• Ability to communicate clearly and effectively, both orally and in writing.
• Ability to acquire and maintain a valid Kansas Class A Commercial Drivers License.
• An employee shall not pose a direct threat to the health or safety of other individuals in the workplace.

Please note that this position is part of a random drug testing pool, and employees are subject to random drug testing in accordance with company policies and applicable laws. Offers of employment are contingent upon passing a pre‑employment physical which includes drug screening, and upon satisfactory evaluation of the results of a criminal record check. Applicants have rights under Federal Employment Laws.