What are the responsibilities and job description for the Utility Worker I position at Nooksack Indian Tribe?
Department: Water Department
Reports To: Water Department Director
Job Status: Regular Full Time
Type: Non-Exempt (Hourly)
Grade: G
JOB SUMMARY:
Under the direction and supervision of the Water Department Director, operates and maintains the facilities of the water system; inspects and performs repair work on water facilities and equipment; monitors and maintains water sources, storage tanks, and keeps various records pertaining to water system operations, dams, reservoirs and watershed. Conducts water quality testing as necessary, and maintains all required records.
MAJOR TASKS AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Supply safe water to all consumers receiving water from Nooksack Tribal water systems.
- Perform various maintenance and upkeep activities, to ensure on-going operation of all Tribally owned and/or maintained water and wastewater systems.
- Record the daily water usage from each well supply, and take all required tests, samples, and readings.
- Periodically check water levels in the well supplies for both static and pumping water levels.
- Establish and maintain an up-to-date general plan of the water system showing the location of valves, hydrants, storage tanks, water mains, and their size, pumps, wells, and pumping facilities.
- Establish and maintain a routine hydrant flushing program with appropriate records for all hydrants in the NIT water systems.
- Establish and maintain a yearly valve operation program with a record keeping system.
- Operate and maintain NIT utility systems, and perform various processes and functions to keep systems functioning consistently in a safe and effective manner.
- Carry out all maintenance requirements per manufacturer’s specifications and requirements concerning the wells, pumps, controls, flow meters, etc.
- Carry out the meter reading programs according to schedule.
- Visually observe the physical condition of all water utility structures (i.e., pump houses, hydrants, elevated storage tank), and make repairs, or requests for replacement or maintenance, as needed.
- Supervise and/or observe construction of all new mains, service lines, and/or modifications to the water supply systems.
OTHER DUTIES:
Because of the Tribe's commitment to community service and the well-being of its members, each employee may be expected to perform a wide range of office and field duties from time to time. Such duties may or may not be related to their regular responsibilities.
PREFERENCE:
Indian Preference Policy applies to this and all positions with the Nooksack Indian Tribe.MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
The following qualifications are required for the incumbent to have, in order to be considered for the position.
REQUIRED EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE, AND TRAINING FOR POSITION:
- High School Diploma or GED
- OSHA 10 is required, or is required to be attained within 12 months of hire.
- CPR/AED training and certification is required, or is required to be attained within 12 months of hire for any position, and is required to be kept current and valid during tenure of employment. Water Distribution Specialist certification or some comparable operator certification, such as ITCA Water Operator Level 1, is preferred, or must be attained within 12 months of hire.
REQUIRED SKILLS/KNOWLEDGE/ABILITIES POSITION:
- Familiarity with Safe Drinking Water Act requirements and Washington State Department of Health requirements for Class A Community and Non-Community Drinking Water Systems.
- Principles and practices of water system operations as would be acquired through certification, testing, and on-going training and education.
- Skilled working on computer with specific knowledge working with Microsoft Suite programs.
- Knowledge and experience operating principles of valves, pumps, motors, and various types of electrical and electronic equipment.
- Knowledge of and ability to work safely and effectively at all times.
- The ability to appropriately use hand and power tools used in the maintenance and repair of various parts of water system.
- Ability to operate, repair and maintain water system facilities and equipment.
- Ability to read and interpret gauges and other recording devices reflecting water system operations.
- Ability to perform various laboratory tests and document the results of same.
- Ability to diagnose operating problems and take effective course of action. Ability to work weekends and holidays, and to respond to emergency calls during off-duty hours.
REQUIRED CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT:
- Must pass alcohol/drug test at time of hire and throughout employment. Must pass criminal background check at time of hire and periodically thereafter.
REQUIRED LICENSES OR CERTIFICATIONS:
Must have and maintain throughout employment a valid Washington State Driver’s License and meet the insurability requirements of the Tribe. (Must Provide Driving Abstract at time of hire).PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS ( The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.):
- Ability to lift items of up to 75 pounds to level of waist.
- Small motor skills.
- Sense of touch and smell.
- Ability to hear and give oral instructions.
- Walking on hard and uneven surfaces.
- Working on ladders and scaffolding; climbing ladder of up to 48 feet in height.
- Frequent bending, squatting and kneeling.
- Ability to read instructions and write information on reports. Able to work out in the field in inclement weather when needed or when responding to emergency situations.
DESIRED SKILLS/KNOWLEDGE/ABILITIES POSITION
The following qualifications are preferred/helpful for the incumbent who has these skills/knowledge or abilities for this position.
- Previous experience working in water distribution or plumbing systems
- Current and valid certifications related to experience or training in operation of water system components
Bachelor’s degree preferred but not required for this role.
