Water Operator/Operator in Training

Water Operator in Training $71,323.20
Water Operator I Range $77,317.09 - $96,711.01
Water Operator II Range $93,543.34 - $117,009.98
Water Operator III Range $102,917.07 - $128,710.98

The water operator in training is an entry-level position participating in an intensive on-the-job training program to become a successful and certified drinking water operator.

The water operator 1 is an apprentice-level position that performs routine tasks common to the operation and maintenance of the water distribution system and well house production system.

The water operator 2 is a journey-level position that performs routine tasks common to the operation and maintenance of the water distribution system and well house production system.

The water operator 3 performs and leads operations and maintenance of all facets of the city’s public water system and its distribution system.

The job duties and responsibilities represented in this job description do not imply that these are the only duties to be performed. Employees will be required to follow any other job-related instructions and to undertake other projects consistent with the role as requested by a supervisor.

Water Operator/Operator in Training
 

• Performs maintenance on water production well, generator repair and maintenance, and other production well housekeeping and maintenance duties.
• Performs visual/operational inspections of various equipment used throughout the water production facility/booster pump stations.
• Performs meter-reading.
• Installs new meters, water mains, services, and fire hydrants.
• Operates and safely uses various hand and power tools.
• Operates equipment such as forklifts, portable generators, pumps, pressure washers and related equipment.
• Operates, maintains, repairs, and replaces water production equipment including, but not limited to tanks, pumps of various types, mains, water services, fire hydrants, valves, pressure-reducing and flow control valves, meters, and flushing.
• Stores, accounts for and safely handles hazardous chemicals per Safety Data Sheets and safety practices.
• May perform duties across all disciplines of the public works operations division.
• Uses a computer or tablet to effectively utilize the city’s asset management and maintenance program (Cartegraph).
• Accurately and legibly records equipment and instrument data on record sheets and computer.
• Participates in required continuing education and training programs related to public water systems.
• Maintains punctual and reliable attendance.

Water Operator 1, 2, 3
 

• Completes water sampling.
• Completes bi-annual water system flushing.
• Operates the city’s eductor truck.
• Purchases equipment/maintenance parts and supplies necessary for operation and maintenance of facilities.
• Accurately complete bi-weekly water service requests.
• May assist in training of lesser-experienced staff.
• Performs administrative work as assigned.

Water Operator 2, 3

• Reads production well and distribution system sample results, recognizes abnormalities, and notifies the field supervisor or the superintendent.
• Consults with the manufacturer's local representatives as well as the public works director, city engineer, public works superintendent, and field supervisor for the water department to resolve serious operational problems.
• Performs meter-reading and maintains water meters.
• Serves as a utility locator utilizing specialized equipment.
• Maintains the Fire Hydrant Maintenance program.

Water Operator 3

• Serves as lead in maintenance or operations repair projects.
• Serves as lead utility locator utilizing specialized equipment.
• May serve as the “certified operator in responsible charge” per WAC 246-292.
• Identifies and corrects any maintenance or operational problems observed.
• Performs advanced electrical and mechanical troubleshooting and repair using blueprints, diagrams, and schematics.
• Maintains and diagnoses issues with production well chlorine systems.
• Completes annual evaluation testing of pressure-reducing valves.
• Completes water sampling, reviews results, and recommends changes.
• Recommends distribution equipment/well house equipment repair or replacement.
• Performs or assists in water production site tours.

 
KEY COMPETENCIES
Knowledge of:

• Material, methods, practices, and techniques commonly used in construction, maintenance, and repair activities as related to water and road construction.
• General principles of water system operation, repair, and maintenance.
• Work hazards, safety standards and procedures, and OSHA/WISHA regulations.
• Asset management program, Cartegraph.
• Computer-based systems including telemetry systems, Supervisory Control Data Acquisition (SCADA) programs, and ability to adjust them with the supervision of public works superintendent’s, or their designee’s, supervision.
• Confined space entry practices.
• Utilization and care of materials and equipment.

Ability to:

• Communicate effectively with other employees and the public, individually and in groups, verbally in-person and by phone, and in writing.
• Interact with the public in an effective, customer-friendly manner and establish and maintain effective working relationships with members of the community, co-workers, and people from other organizations.
• Work independently and make appropriate decisions regarding work methods and priorities, while demonstrating a strong sense of personal ethics and professional judgment and discretion.
• Assist others to comply with standards and/or contract terms.
• Quickly adjust priorities as new issues and/or assignments arise.
• Show initiative in performing job functions.
• Meet project deadlines may require working more than forty hours per week.
• Wear protective clothing and equipment such as rain and snow gear, hard hat, hearing protection, respirators, boots, goggles, and gloves.

Skill in:

• Operating compressors, pneumatic tools, hand tools, paint equipment, power tools, and other tools and equipment used in water utility maintenance.
• Operating flatbed, light duty trucks, backhoe, street sweeper, dump truck, grader, skid steer, bucket truck, eductor truck, and other vehicles and heavy equipment as needed.

WORK ENVIRONMENT
The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. 
 
This job is performed primarily in an outdoor environment. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly exposed to discomforts such as adverse and sometimes extreme weather conditions. Work may involve moderate risks, discomfort, or unpleasantness such as dust, grease, mud, and moving vehicles or machines. The noise level in the work environment is moderate to high.
 
Schedule: Typical hours of work are Monday-Friday from 7am-3:30pm with a 30-minute meal break, though the employee may be called out on evenings, early mornings, and weekends. This position will need to respond with little or no notice to city emergencies and disasters and will likely work long and/or irregular hours during these times. The employee will also be part of the scheduled on-call rotation which will require weekend and occasional holiday work. Attendance at night meetings and community events may be required. This position is considered essential and will require an on-site presence. Alternative work arrangements may be available as decided by the public works superintendent following the probationary period.
 
Driving and Travel: Driving would typically be up to 30 hours a workweek within the city limits. Work requires traveling to a variety of locations to perform site work or to attend meetings. Travel is required to visit other work sites in the area and to attend meetings, trainings, and/or conferences as needed.

PHYSICAL CHARACTERISTICS 
The physical attributes described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.
 
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk, hear, and sit. The employee will use hands to finger, handle, feel, and keyboard; hand-eye coordination is necessary to operate various pieces of equipment. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus. 
 
The employee is occasionally required to stand for long periods of time; walk, including over rough and uneven surfaces; engage in considerable activity including climbing ladders, balancing, bending, kneeling, stooping, squatting, crouching, crawling, and reaching; and lift moderately heavy items. An average level of physical agility and dexterity is required.    OIT/Operator

Any combination of education, training, and experience that indicates the individual can successfully perform the job may be considered.
 

• High school diploma or GED.
• Experience working for a public works department at a government agency preferred.
• General experience with tools and equipment such as light duty or flat truck, shovel, rake, posthole digger, compactor, chainsaw etc.
• General experience with tools and equipment such as eductor truck, backhoe, dump truck preferred.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite.

CERTIFICATES AND LICENSES
The following certifications and licenses are required for the position (or must be obtained within the timeframe stated) and must be maintained for the duration of employment.
 

• State flagging card or ability to obtain within six months of hire.
• First Aid/CPR card or ability to obtain within six months of hire.
• A valid Washington State driver’s license (or ability to obtain one within 30 days of hire) and two years of driving experience

Operator 1, 2, 3 Only 

• Washington State Department of Health Water Distribution Manager Level 1 Certification or higher per WAC 246-292 or Cross Connection Control Certification or Backflow Assembly Tester Certification. (For Operator)
• Commercial Class A Washington State Driver’s License (CDL) with a Tanker endorsement or ability to obtain within 12 months following the end of probation.
• Forklift Operators License or ability to obtain within six months of hire.
• Crane Operators License or ability to obtain within six months of hire preferred.

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS

• A history of and ability to maintain safe and responsible driving that meets the city’s motor vehicle record minimum driving requirements.
• Ability to pass position relevant pre-employment screening.
• Ability to pass pre-employment medical exam and maintain a level of physical fitness necessary to perform the essential job functions.

At the City of Gig Harbor, our aim is to extend salary offers that fall within the range from the minimum to the midpoint. These offers will be determined by assessing the applicant's relevant experience in alignment with the requirements of the applied position at the city, alongside a comprehensive evaluation of pay rates for our existing employees engaged in comparable roles. 

• This position is classified as non-exempt and is eligible for overtime under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA).
• This position is covered under a collective bargaining agreement with Teamsters 117.  
• If you need assistance and/or a reasonable accommodation due to a disability during the application or the recruiting process, please contact Human Resources at hr@gigharborwa.gov. 
• To be considered you must submit and complete an online application through www.governmentjobs.com/careers/gigharbor that reflects all relevant education and experience which addresses how you meet the minimum and/or preferred qualifications for this position.
• Applications will be screened beginning March 6 with interviews scheduled March 19.

Salary : $71,323 - $128,710