Lead Water Operator

Job Summary

Under the direction of the Utilities Superintendent, the Lead Water Systems Operator performs a variety of semi-skilled and skilled assignments in the construction, installation, testing, maintenance, and repair of City Public Water Supply (PWS), water distribution systems, storage tanks, and pumping facilities. Provides support to other departments within Public Works as assigned and responds to and investigates citizen inquiries.

SUPERVISION

RECEIVES direct supervision from the Utilities Superintendent

EXERCISES supervision as assigned by Utilities Superintendent

Essential Job Functions

Essential functions, as defined under the Americans with Disabilities Act, may include any of the following representative duties, knowledge, and skills. This is not a comprehensive listing of all functions and duties performed by incumbents of this class; employees may be assigned duties which are not listed below; reasonable accommodations will be made as required. The job description does not constitute an employment agreement and is subject to change at any time by the employer. Essential duties and responsibilities may include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Maintain Water Systems
• Perform general maintenance checks and make simple repairs to the City's water systems.
• Report any complicated or large repairs to the Utilities Superintendent to be assigned to the utilities maintenance crews.
• Operate tapping machines, jackhammers, air hammers, sewer rooter, compactors and pipe cutting equipment.
• Operate a variety of equipment including backhoes, front-end loaders, tractors and dump trucks in routine situations.
• Trace and locate water lines; read and locate water lines by maps.
• Maintain a variety of records and information.
• Performs routine maintenance and repair on pump stations, ensures various work sites are restored following completion of work.
• Responds tactfully to questions and comments from the public and delegates to appropriate staff.
• Maintenance/Safety
• Troubleshoot and identify water and flow problems.
• Operate tapping machines, jackhammers, air hammers, sewer rooter, compactors and pipe cutting equipment.
• Operate a variety of equipment including backhoes, front-end loaders, tractors and dump trucks in routine situations. Install, repair and remove complex residential and commercial water meters.
• Read and locate water lines and mains from maps.
• Check and record flow data from flow meters located throughout the City; interpret the meaning of various indicators and make appropriate adjustments as necessary.
• Clear stopped up water lines; operate hydro jet as appropriate.
• Maintain, repair and install fire hydrants.
• Repair and replace sidewalks, curbs and streets when installations and repairs are complete.
• Maintain safety regulations including wearing appropriate clothing, erecting proper barricades and signage and using proper equipment and tools.
• Performs routine inspections of assigned areas to detect any necessary repairs or hazardous conditions.
• Inspects, cleans and maintains equipment and tools in safe operating order.
• Organizes tools, equipment, and supplies necessary to complete assignments.
• Safety/Equipment Maintenance
• Maintain safety regulations including ensuring all personnel wear appropriate clothing, erecting proper barricades and signage.
• Perform safety inspections of equipment and enforce safety rules and practices on the work site.
• Inspect, clean, and maintain equipment and tools used to ensure they are in safe operating order.
• Perform routine inspections of assigned areas to detect any necessary repairs or hazardous conditions.
• Utilize proper safety precautions related to all work performed.
• Other Duties
• May be required to assist in the setup, teardown, and cleanup for special events and meetings.
• May be required to work on-call, evenings, or weekends.
• Assist in other departmental operations when needed.
• Regular and consistent attendance at the assigned work hours is essential.
• Create a harmonious work environment.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.
• Foster a positive, collaborative, and harmonious work environment, discouraging negative behavior.
  
  

Minimum Qualifications

Education, Training and Experience Guidelines:

A High School diploma or equivalent is required. A minimum of two (2) years’ experience in heavy equipment operation and construction experience. Possess or obtain a class D TCEQ certification in water/wastewater within 1 year and possess or obtain a class C TCEQ certification in water/wastewater within a 2-year period. Must be able to attain a a Class B CDL preferably with tanker endorsement within 6 months of hire or transfer into position.

Knowledge Of

• General maintenance and repair techniques for common tools and equipment used in general construction and maintenance work, and their basic safety precautions and procedures.
• Operation and maintenance of power and hand tools.
• Safe handling techniques of hazardous chemicals and materials.
• Safe working practices pertaining to sewer facilities and equipment.
  
  

Skills And Abilities

• Perform a variety of repair and maintenance tasks involving water and sewer collection systems.
• Operate a variety of construction and maintenance equipment in a safe and effective manner.
• Plan and organize materials as necessary to complete work orders or daily assignments.
• Work cooperatively with other departments.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.
• Resolve customer complaints and concerns when asked.
• Follow all City policies and procedures.
• Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.
• Be punctual and regular in attendance.
  
  

LICENSES AND/OR CERTIFICATIONS

• Must be able to obtain a Class D Water license within one (1) year from the date of hire or date moved to the position.
• Must possess and maintain a valid Class C Texas driver’s license.
• May require higher driver’s license classification after employment at the City’s expense.
• May be required to obtain certification or licensure specific to area of assignment after date of employment at the City’s expense.
  
  

PHYSICAL DEMANDS / ENVIRONMENTAL FACTORS AND CONDITIONS

• Work is performed in a construction site/outdoor environment.
• May be subject to walking on uneven or unstable terrain.
• May be subject to repetitive motion and heavy manual labor such as digging, repairing water/sewer pumps, transporting, delivering and picking up debris, or other required equipment.
• May be confined to small spaces.
• Daily physical labor that includes entering enclosed spaces, climbing ladders, lifting heavy equipment, digging potholes, and operating other equipment and other physically exerting activities on a daily basis.
• May be subject to standing, sitting, bending, kneeling, lifting, carrying, reaching, pulling, and crouching.
• Maybe subject to working extended hours and responding to emergencies on an on-call basis.
• May be subject to exposure to extreme weather conditions, loud noises, hazardous chemicals and fumes, infectious diseases, air and water borne pathogens, and poisonous insects, spiders, and snakes or wild animals common to water, wastewater and underground utilities.
• May be exposed to moving traffic.
• Must be able to work in stressful situations.
• Must be able to lift up to 85 pounds.