What are the responsibilities and job description for the APPRENTICE/OPERATOR-WATER DISTRIBUTION position at City of Wellington KS?
Position SummaryUnder the supervision of the Water Distribution Supervisor, the Apprentice position performs skilled and semi-skilled labor in the maintenance and operation of a water distribution and transmission system, including elevated water towers. Work involves performing manual tasks and operating various mechanical and power tools, along with heavy equipment. Must have and maintain a valid Kansas Driver’s License. A Kansas Commercial Driver’s License - Class B is desirable within one year of employment. Essential Functions
Education/Licenses: High School diploma or G.E.D. equivalent. Valid Kansas Drivers License and be an insurable driver of the City of Wellington.
Technical Skills: Ability to proficiently and safely operate various pieces of mechanical and power tools and heavy equipment. Ability to follow oral and written instructions. Ability to deal tactfully with other persons and to communicate effectively and clearly in the English language, both orally and in writing. Ability to meet deadlines and work under some stressful conditions. Knowledge of and understanding of basic principles of water hydraulics.
Problem Solving: Frequent problem solving exists in this position. Typical problems include the locating of existing services, accomplishing the most efficient valving in the distribution system to produce desired results, and the correct measuring of pipes and fittings to accomplish necessary repairs. Solving problems you can’t see and finding the best route to a solution without seeing the problem. Establishing the safest means of working alongside other underground utilities.
Decision-Making: Limited decision making exists in this position. The Apprentice position follows the direction of experienced staff and/or follows standard procedures and guidelines.
Supervision: Works under the supervisor of the Water Distribution Supervisor and the overall supervision of the Assistant City Manager of Utilities.
Accountability: Employee is responsible for the efficient use of time and materials and is expected to use equipment and materials properly to prevent unwarranted damage or excessive consumption. The employee is responsible for reporting any problems immediately to supervisory personnel. This position is not responsible for budgetary control and does not directly participate in the annual budget process.
Personal Relations: Occasional contact with the general public and frequent contact with other city employees.
Working Conditions: Some hazardous working conditions may exist in this position relating to the operation of equipment, working in traffic, and in the variety of maintenance and repair tasks performed. Adverse weather conditions when performing outside work is a factor. Overtime work will occur during emergency situations or as directed by the Water Distribution Supervisor and rotational on-call time required as scheduled.
Physical Requirements: The employee is frequently required to walk, climb, kneel, stoop, sit, communicate, reach, and manipulate objects, tools, or controls. The position requires mobility, manual dexterity and ability to operate a motorized vehicle. Ability to lift, carry and/or move an object up to one hundred (100) pounds occasionally, and/or up to fifty (50) pounds frequently, and/or twenty-five (25) pounds regularly. Ability to distinguish colors and color changing in various water testing and treating procedures.
- Installs and maintains water distribution system including pipes, fire hydrants and valves, meters, meter pits and service connections;
- Performs maintenance and care of the elevated water towers;
- Responds to complaints (i.e. leaks, pressure loss, no water, odor), evaluates situation and completes remediation;
- Performs minor electrical and mechanical maintenance;
- Read meters, gauges, charts, etc… to maintain accurate records;
- Take and analyze water samples;
- Performs permit required confined space entries;
- Perform safe trenching and shoring techniques
- Determines the location of all utility lines from the appropriate sources prior to excavation;
- Performs all duties in conformance to appropriate safety and security standards
- Performs GPS data acquisition pertinent to the City’s water distribution system;
- Set-up and take-down appropriate traffic control signs and barricades;
- Maintains legible, accurate records of maintenance operations and daily assignments;
- Performs scheduled preventive maintenance and repair to department vehicles and equipment;
- Training for Operation of dump trucks, backhoe, excavator and other heavy equipment;
- Operates a jackhammer, tamper, hydraulic pumps, air compressor, thawing machine, pipe saw and various other equipment in the construction and repair of water distribution systems;
- Keeps work stations clean, orderly, and organized.
- Frequent contact with the general public. Must be able to tactfully answer questions or direct questions to upper management from the general public. Must be able to work well with co-workers.
- Respond to frequent call-backs and serve periods of on call status.
- Performs custodial work such as cleaning, painting, lawn mowing and snow removal;
- Assists other City departments as needed;
- Attends training, professional development and seminars related to essential job functions or future job functions as required;
- Performs other related duties and responsibilities as required and/or assigned.
Education/Licenses: High School diploma or G.E.D. equivalent. Valid Kansas Drivers License and be an insurable driver of the City of Wellington.
Technical Skills: Ability to proficiently and safely operate various pieces of mechanical and power tools and heavy equipment. Ability to follow oral and written instructions. Ability to deal tactfully with other persons and to communicate effectively and clearly in the English language, both orally and in writing. Ability to meet deadlines and work under some stressful conditions. Knowledge of and understanding of basic principles of water hydraulics.
Problem Solving: Frequent problem solving exists in this position. Typical problems include the locating of existing services, accomplishing the most efficient valving in the distribution system to produce desired results, and the correct measuring of pipes and fittings to accomplish necessary repairs. Solving problems you can’t see and finding the best route to a solution without seeing the problem. Establishing the safest means of working alongside other underground utilities.
Decision-Making: Limited decision making exists in this position. The Apprentice position follows the direction of experienced staff and/or follows standard procedures and guidelines.
Supervision: Works under the supervisor of the Water Distribution Supervisor and the overall supervision of the Assistant City Manager of Utilities.
Accountability: Employee is responsible for the efficient use of time and materials and is expected to use equipment and materials properly to prevent unwarranted damage or excessive consumption. The employee is responsible for reporting any problems immediately to supervisory personnel. This position is not responsible for budgetary control and does not directly participate in the annual budget process.
Personal Relations: Occasional contact with the general public and frequent contact with other city employees.
Working Conditions: Some hazardous working conditions may exist in this position relating to the operation of equipment, working in traffic, and in the variety of maintenance and repair tasks performed. Adverse weather conditions when performing outside work is a factor. Overtime work will occur during emergency situations or as directed by the Water Distribution Supervisor and rotational on-call time required as scheduled.
Physical Requirements: The employee is frequently required to walk, climb, kneel, stoop, sit, communicate, reach, and manipulate objects, tools, or controls. The position requires mobility, manual dexterity and ability to operate a motorized vehicle. Ability to lift, carry and/or move an object up to one hundred (100) pounds occasionally, and/or up to fifty (50) pounds frequently, and/or twenty-five (25) pounds regularly. Ability to distinguish colors and color changing in various water testing and treating procedures.
