Utility Systems Operator III / II

Application Information:
Application materials (application, cover letter, resume, and supplemental questions) must be completed by the deadline to be considered for the position. Position closes January 27, 2025, at 8pm.

This position requires applicants to pass a pre-employment exam. We have partnered with Lower Columbia College (LCC) in Longview, WA, to administer our exams. Applicants must take the NCRC work keys exam no later than January 30, 2024.

***To register for a testing time go to www.registerblast.com/lowercolumbia or call the Testing Center directly at 360-442-2353. Select City of Longview Employment Testing and select the Public Works and Facilities Maintenance exam. The exam cost is $60.00. Applicants will need a Level 3 or higher in each section to be considered. Test scores are good for 5 years.

***Financial assistance is available through LCC. Inquire and apply with the LCC Testing Center. If you have already taken this exam, within the 5 year time period, please attach the scores to this application.

***Employees who were hired without pre-employment testing in their current classification will be able to apply to other positions within their classification without having to take the pre-employment test.  

Position Information:
This position is responsible for performing sewer and water utility operations and maintenance tasks that could include but are not limited to: operating dump trucks and construction tools and equipment, including obtaining training and experience on excavators, back-hoes, and other heavy equipment; changing meters; cleaning sewer and water lines and pump stations; locating utilities; conducting water quality tests; repairing and replacing valves and hydrants.  

This position is represented by the EBA.  Refer to the City's website www.mylongview.com to view the current labor agreement.  City employees shall reside within a thirty (30) minute driving response time under normal driving conditions to ensure emergency response. 

This position is considered safety sensitive. The candidate selected for this position will be subject to passing a pre-employment physical, criminal background check and drug screen: including cannabis. 

1. Performs maintenance on various utilities equipment/parts including hydrants, valves, water mains, taps, and sewer mains; operates a variety of equipment, controls, valves, and pumps, implementing adjustments as appropriate based on output and performance readings.
2. Operates equipment and performs labor necessary for maintenance of water/sewer infrastructure (e.g. service trucks, dump trucks, excavators, pipeline video inspection cameras, back-hoes, crane trucks) and performs traffic control.
3. Cleans sewer mains repairs water and sewer main leaks by applying clamps or replacing pipe as needed.
4. Assists in the installation, operation, and maintenance of water distribution facilities, digging trenches, installation and repair of water services; assists in hydrant flushing and reservoir cleaning and maintenance.  
5. Assists in the installation, operation, and repair of sanitary sewers, sewer connections, sewage pumps and pumping facilities.  
6. Marks the location of City-owned underground pipelines, conduits, and wiring in compliance with state law. 
7. Performs pump station and reservoir maintenance; ensures proper operation of pump stations through site visits and troubleshooting.
8. Collects samples and perform tests to ensure water quality standards are met.
9. Assists and operates mobile equipment in the inspection, high pressure cleaning and sealing of sanitary sewers and manholes.     
10. Cleans the Utility Operations Center shop facility and vehicles.
11. Uses personal computers and software such as Word, Excel, and the division's maintenance management system software.
12. Performs other duties as required.

Utility Systems Operator III

• Completion of high school or equivalent.  
• One year experience constructing, installing, operating, or maintaining drinking water distribution, wastewater collection, or other underground utility pipelines, conduit, facilities or equipment. 
• Possess and maintain a valid unrestricted Driver’s License, except for corrected vision.
• Possess and maintain a valid Class B Commercial Driver's License endorsed with Tanker and Airbrake endorsements or obtain within ninety (90) calendar days or as scheduled.  
• First Aid/CPR Certified Card or obtain within ninety (90) calendar days or as scheduled.
• Traffic Control Flagging Card or obtain within ninety (90) calendar days or as scheduled.
• Forklift Operator Certification or obtain within ninety (90) calendar days or as scheduled.
• WDS Certification or obtain within one (1) calendar year.
• Possess and maintain a valid Class A Commercial Driver’s License as assigned.
• Must pass Level 3 of each of the 2 ACT/Work Keys – Applied Math and Applied Technology Tests through Lower Columbia College (LCC) or provide passing certificates or current employees of the City of Longview must have passed the City of Longview General Skills Exam. 

 
Utility Systems Operator II

• Must meet all the requirements of a Utility Systems Operator III AND one year after completion in the step progression for Utility Systems Operator III AND successful performance review ANDthe possess and maintain the following certifications:
  1. Water Distribution Manager I Certification
  2. Wastewater Collection Specialist I or obtain within 12 months.
  3. Cross Connection Control Specialist Certification
  4. Backflow Assembly Tester Certification as assigned by the City

Required Knowledge and Skills:

• Water and sewer system operation, maintenance, and repair.
• Water quality sampling techniques.
• Basic electrical systems, and reservoir and pumping station controls, and telemetering.  
• Pumps and pump controls and the ability to repair them.  
• Cross connection control.
• Hydraulic principles.
• Applicable tools, equipment, and materials of the trade.
• Chemical handling procedures.
• Collecting water samples.
• Utilizing tools and equipment of the trade.
• Reading meters.
• Performing routine maintenance and repair functions on equipment and facilities.
• Operating collection devices.
• Operate heavy equipment including crane trucks, backhoe, bulldozers, and trenchers.  
• Operate both hand and power tools, and inspection equipment.  
• Work in confined spaces and use proper respiratory protection.  
• Ability to assist crew leader in daily operations.
• Perform mathematical calculations.
• Safe work practices.
• Must possess good field of vision, depth, and color perception, near, mid-range and far vision.  
• Communicate effectively both written and verbal.
• Must be able to communicate in English with employees and use two-way radio.
• Deal courteously and tactfully with the public and other city employees.  
• Communication, interpersonal skills as applied to interaction with coworkers, supervisor, the general public, etc. sufficient to exchange or convey information and to receive work direction.

Salary : $57,696 - $78,732