Utility Operator-Water Department

The Utility Operator performs semi-skilled duties related to the installation, maintenance, operation, and repair of the City potable water system. The position works on distribution pump stations, production wells, storage facilities, service lines, meters, infrastructure installation and replacement, routine maintenance, and responding to public inquiries and problems. This is an entry-level position and works directly under the supervision of the Utility Supervisor with direction from a certified water operator to ensure compliance with state and federal requirements. The position requires obtaining a Class B CDL with air brake and tanker endorsements and flagger certification within six months of hire. Some water line construction experience is preferred. This is an on-call position. The position works in a public building and outdoor environment with exposure to adverse weather conditions and hazards involving the use of power tools and light and heavy equipment.  

The requirements listed below are representative of the minimum knowledge, skill, and/or ability required for an individual to satisfactorily perform each essential duty satisfactorily and be successful in the position.
Knowledge of:

• Methods, materials, tools, and standard practices of installation, operation, maintenance, and repair of a publicwater system;
• Operation and maintenance of motor vehicles, hand tools, power tools and light construction equipment;
• Safety practices and procedures for working around heavy construction equipment;
• Operation of personal computer and laptop and related software applications;
• Public sector, government, or related environment and operations, including general municipal management terminology, codes, acts, and regulations.

Skill and Ability to:

• Learn and apply federal (EPA) and state (DEQ) water quality standards;
• Learn and apply federal (OSHA) regulations and City policies and procedures regarding safe work practices;
• Read and interpret meters, gauges, control panels, and testing and monitoring equipment;
• Operate and adjust manual and automated valve, pump, and control systems;
• Make visual inspections and adjust processes accordingly;
• Prepare written reports and maintain system performance records and routine records and files;
• Perform basic mathematical computations;
• Operate and maintain motor vehicles, hand tools, power tools and light construction equipment;
• Assist the public in a professional and courteous manner in stressful and emotional situations;
• Proficiently operate computers, software programs, such as Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, or similar office software to create documents and other materials, maintain information, and generate reports;
• Use English and speak clearly for understanding;
• Listen carefully to, understand, and effectively communicate through verbal, written, and electronic communication channels;
• Perform duties to supervisor's expectations;
• Follow verbal and written instructions;
• Work independently and exercise initiative, with general guidance and supervision;
• Maintain a professional demeanor at all times;
• Perform a wide variety of duties and responsibilities with accuracy and speed under the pressure of time-sensitive deadlines;
• Demonstrate integrity and ingenuity in the performance of assigned tasks and solving problems;
• Perform all duties in accordance with City policies and procedures with regard for personal safety and that of other employees and the public.

Physical Demands & Work Environment: 
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this classification.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of a job, on a case-by-case basis. 
 
While performing the duties of this classification, the employee is frequently required to stand, walk, sit, stoop, kneel, bend, climb and work on a ladder, use hands to manipulate and make adjustments to tools used in performing the essential functions of the classification, and reach with hands and arms.  The employee may work in confined spaces and excessively tall structures. The employee must frequently lift and/or move up to 90 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this classification include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus. Sufficient clarity of speech and hearing abilities required by this classification includes those which permit the employee to discern verbal instructions and communicate effectively in person and by telephone and to discern safety warnings such as alarms and emergency warning sounds, including vehicle backup warnings. While performing the duties of this classification, the employee works in a public building setting where the noise level in the work environment is usually moderate and an outdoor environment that includes exposure to power and construction equipment, street traffic, and inclement weather.