PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT - WATER SYSTEM OPERATOR

Minimum Qualifications

Acceptable Experience and Education
High School Diploma or GED and two (2) years of experience in ground water distribution systems, including water line repair.

Certificates and Licenses Required
Must have or obtain by date of hire a valid driver's license applicable to job responsibilities, with a driving record acceptable to the County of El Paso

Possess and maintain a state of Texas Grade C ground water distribution systems license and a Customer Service Inspection certification.

Typical Duties

Essential Duties
Maintains and monitors water system on a daily basis for regulatory compliance;

Conducts inspections of facilities including pond areas, reports vandalism, and ensures vents are clear of debris;

Conducts inspections of water installations;

Sets up, tests, and inspects backflow prevention for County Facilities;

Prepares, maintains, and submits reports on tests;

Collects bacteriological water samples from around the county, performs daily chlorine residual tests and submits them for testing, enters and maintains data on samples and results; provides report as mandated by the state;

Monitors booster pump station and elevated water storage tank on a daily basis; obtains water samples to comply with requirements for water testing;

Flushes dead end water lines to control chlorine residue within the water system; documents amount of water flushed;

Conducts customer service inspections on new or existing services; conducts and records yearly inspections of backflow prevention assemblies on commercial accounts;

Responds to emergency calls involving County water systems;

Records and maintains all necessary reports, to include data entry on system repairs or problems associated with water systems;

Repairs water breaks, leaks, and replaces pumps as directed;

Operates light to heavy equipment to include use of a jack hammer;

As directed, assists with road maintenance duties; such as traffic control and painting lines;

Commits self to providing excellent customer service and demonstrates commitment through cooperative team and individual efforts; and

Creates a high quality work culture through participation in and emphasis on training and mentoring to develop leadership, management, and technical skills in self and all employees, including safety related training and skills.

Other Important Duties*
Performs such other related duties as may be assigned.

May work weekends, holidays and 24/7 on call;

As members of the County of El Paso Emergency Response System, all El Paso County employees are designated as Disaster Service Workers during a proclaimed emergency and may be required to train on emergency response and/or perform certain emergency services at the direction of their supervisor.

Job Summary

Summary of Position
The Water System Operator, under general supervision, maintains and operates the County's water distribution system; conducts standardized laboratory procedures; makes minor repairs to Water Treatment Plant equipment.

Additional Information

Minimum Requirements: Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
Knowledge of: Procedures and methods used in the operation and maintenance of a water treatment plant; plant equipment, such as valves, motors, pumps, filters, gauges, and chemical feeders; standardized laboratory methods and sampling procedures; English language, to interpret, read and write procedures; techniques for effective interpersonal communications; modern office procedures, methods and computer equipment to include Windows and Microsoft based products.
Skill/Ability to: inspect, operate and maintain water treatment equipment; perform water quality tests; work with various types of chlorine; maintain accurate written records; read, write, and perform mathematical calculations at the level required for successful job performance; operate heavy machinery and equipment; understand and carry out oral and written directions; learn the operation of personal computers and spreadsheet software applications for the inputting of data; operate personal computer using standard office operating software and general office equipment; prepare and maintain records; maintain filing systems; communicate effectively both orally and in writing; be dependable and self-motivate; establish and maintain effective working relationships with co-workers, superiors, and the general public; work under stressful conditions; work in extreme climates both in outdoor and indoor work environments; Pass a Criminal Background Check.
Each and every county position requires the following professional skills and abilities as key and necessary elements of performance:

• Demonstrate regular and reliable attendance;
• Work well with others and participate fully in a team oriented environment;
• Interface with other employees and customers in a courteous and respectful manner;
• Maintain strict confidentiality;
• Project positive support of their department and all county organizations at all times; and,
• Maintain and enhance the County's commitment to customer service excellence.