What are the responsibilities and job description for the Water System Operator position at City of Tucson?
Posting Close Date
Applicants must submit their completed application by 02-28-2025 at 11 : 59 p.m. MST
ABOUT THIS JOB
Position Specific Summary :
The Water System Operator at the City of Tucson’s Water Department is responsible for operating, monitoring, and controlling water treatment facilities, distribution systems, and related equipment. The Water System Operator is responsible for identifying problems within the water system and making appropriate adjustments to ensure appropriate water supply, quality, and pressure.
Work is performed under the Supervision of the Water Plant Supervisor. This position does not supervise.
Duties and Responsibilities :
Utilizes(SCADA)tomonitorand operate the Potable Distribution System and Advanced Oxidation Process Plant.Analyzesthereportstodeterminethe required pumpage to meet daily demands.Operatesandmonitorsreservoirstoensureourstoragecapacity meets system demand.Monitorsandsustainspressurezonesensuringcustomershave satisfactory pressure.ExercisesandoperatespotablegroundwaterwellstosustainWater Quality (WQ) standards and meet daily system demands.RespondstoSCADAalarms bymakingproper adjustments in the distribution system.Assesses real-time data from online water quality monitoring instruments and adjusts the chemical injection dosage to comply withlocal, state, and federal regulations.Makes system adjustments to accommodate the preventative maintenance, waterquality sampling, and any miscellaneous work being performed by field staff.Operates and monitorsvarious wells, vessels, stations, and facilities to ensure proper flow and treatment. Utilizes the logs, notes, and various databases to document events and communicate with staff.Dispatches field crews to flush systems when chlorine residuals fall below or over action levels.
Drives to various locations to collect, test, and analyze water samples. Adjusts chemical feed rates to comply withlocal, state, and federal regulations.
Receivesandresolvesservicecallsfrominternalandexternalcustomers providing accurate and timely information.Generatesservicerequestswhenfieldstaffreportsactivitiesrequiring immediate attention.Communicateswithexternalutilitiestomonitorpoweroutages,track external project progress, and resolve field issues.Notifiesinternaldivisionsofscheduledandunscheduled water outages.Receivesandresolvesafter-hoursemergency phonecallsonnights, weekends, and holiday shifts.EntersrelevantinformationintoSCADAand site-specific databases ensuring documentation of events is available for staff.Notifiesappropriate parties of outages.
Performsallotherdutiesandtasksasassigned.Assistswithspecial projects and assignments. Representsthedepartmentatoffsiteeventswhenneeded.
Working Conditions :
Some exposure to light physical or environmental conditions (noise, dust, weather, etc.).
This unit operates 24 / 7, 365 days per year and individuals in this position will be required to work mandatory 12-hour rotating shifts, weekends, holidays and on-call shifts. This position is also classified as Safety Sensitive and is subject to pre-employment and random drug testing.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
Education
6 months post high school
Experience
Two (2) years of directly related experience
Equivalency
Any combination of relevant education and experience may be substituted on a year-for-year basis.
License / Certifications
Valid and unrestricted Arizona Class D Driver License - Arizona Department of Transportation - Motor Vehicle DivisionWater Distribution Grade 2 Certification - Arizona Department of Environmental Quality (ADEQ), Water Treatment Grade 2 Certification - Arizona Department of Environmental Quality (ADEQ)
Preferred Qualifications
The ideal candidates will possess the following :
ADEQ Water Treatment Grade 3 and ADEQ Water Distribution Grade 3 Certification or equivalent state certification.
1. Two (2) years’ experience in the water industry or related field.
2. One (1) year of experience working with SCADA or Telemetry Systems.
3. One (1) year of experience working with Sodium Hypochlorite, Hydrogen Peroxide, or disinfection chemicals.
Application and Special Instructions
As part of the online application process, all applicants are required to submit both an updated resume and cover letter at the time of application. Resumes and cover letters received after the application closing date will not be considered.
Applications received that do not contain a resume and a cover letter with responses to the required questions listed below will be considered incomplete and will not be considered further in this recruitment process.
In your cover letter, please ensure to include responses to the following :
1. If you possess an ADEQ certification or equivalent state water certification in distribution or treatment, please include the level (numerical or alpha) and type of certifications you possess. List the certifying agency and your operator number or ID.
2. Please describe your experience in water treatment, wastewater treatment, or distribution systems operations or maintenance.
3. Please describe your experience working with SCADA or Telemetry Systems.
4. Describe your experience working with Sodium Hypochlorite, Hydrogen Peroxide, or disinfection chemicals.
5. Do you possess a valid and unrestricted driver’s license? Do you have at least two (2) years of driving experience? Have you had a DUI in the past two (2) years?
If you possess any of the preferred qualifications listed above, and wish to receive consideration for the experience the information must be verifiable in your resume and cover letter.
SAVE THE DATE : Interviews will be held March 14, 2025.
Required at the time of application :
1.Arizona Department of Environmental Quality (ADEQ) Water Treatment Grade 2 or equivalent out-of-state water certification
2.Arizona Department of Environmental Quality (ADEQ) Water Distribution Grade 2 or equivalent out-of-state water certification
Required within 12-months of hire as a condition of probation and must be maintained throughout employment in this position :
1.ADEQ Water Treatment Certification Grade 3
2.ADEQ Water Distribution Certification Grade 3
The following pre-employment medical tests apply to this position :
- Basic Physical
- Non-NIDA Drug Test
- Respirator Physical
Recruiter contact information : If you have any questions, please contact Roxie Escarcega at or (520) 837-2138.
POSITION DETAILS
Job Profile
J4053 - Water System Operator
To view the full job profile including classification specifications and physical demands click.
Compensation Grade
G105
Hourly Range
21.96 - 37.88 USD
The City of Tucson considers several factors when extending an offer, including but not limited to, the role and associated responsibilities, a candidate's work experience, education / training, key skills, and internal equity.
FLSA
Non-Exempt
Position Type
Regular
Time Type
Full time
Department
Water Utility
Department Link
Background Check : This position has been designated to require a criminal background check.
ABOUT US
Benefits : The City of Tucson offers a generous benefits package for benefit-eligible positions. The comprehensive, flexible, and affordable coverage is designed to optimize health and well-being, security and future, and peace of mind. Benefits begin with medical, dental, vision, life, disability, and FSA coverage, surpassing your standard 401(k) program by offering a rich pension plan plus optional Roth and pretax deferred compensation savings. With your well-being in mind, our paid time off program provides new hires with 38 paid days off in the first year of employment, with time off increasing steadily in subsequent years. We offer twelve weeks of paid parental leave, paid tuition reimbursement, student loan repayment, off- and on-the-job training, and opportunities to forge connections with peers and the community through employee resource groups and paid volunteer hours. You can learn more about our benefits at
Citizenship : The City of Tucson employs only U.S. citizens and lawfully authorized non-U.S. citizens. All new employees must show employment eligibility verification as required by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services.
The City of Tucson is an Equal Opportunity / Affirmative Action / Veterans / Disability Employer and does not discriminate based on race, color, religion, sex (including sexual orientation, gender identity, and pregnancy), national origin, veteran status, age, disability, genetic testing, or any other protected status. If you believe you have been a victim of discrimination, you may file a complaint with the City of Tucson's Office of Equal Opportunity Programs, U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) or Arizona Attorney General's Office of the Civil Rights Division (ACRD). .
The City of Tucson is committed to providing access and reasonable accommodation for individuals with disabilities or who require religious accommodation; please contact Human Resources at or 520-791-2619.
Recruiter Name
Roxie Escarcega
Recruiter Email
For general Human Resources questions please contact 520-791-4241.
Salary : $22 - $38
