Water Operator III

SUMMARY:

Responsible for operating equipment to assist in the operations, maintenance, and repair of the city's water infrastructure.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

This class specification lists the major duties and requirements of the job and is not all-inclusive. Incumbent(s) may be expected to perform job-related duties other than those contained in this document and may be required to have specific job-related knowledge and skills.

Operator III:

• Assists in the installation and repair of water system components.
• Assists in the installation, maintenance, repair, and reading of water metering components.
• Assists in the collection of water samples.
• Performs preventative maintenance on related equipment.
• Calibrates various facility and field instrumentation.
• Operates plant SCADA (Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition) system.
• Assists customers with requests pertaining to water leaks and water shutoffs; answers and assists customers with questions and problems.
• May perform plumbing, carpentry, and concrete work.
• Flushes and de-chlorinates water mains.
• Repairs, replaces, and maintains fire hydrants, water lines, and sanitary sewer lines.
• Performs water service inspections and testing. Becomes a certified backflow/crossconnection tester, and performs these tests as needed.
• Installs and repairs valves and other system hardware, flushing, and inspects existing services.
• Repairs, replaces, and maintains fire hydrants, water lines, and sanitary sewer lines.
• Performs preventive maintenance on related equipment.
• Trains others to perform all water distribution tasks.
• Directs crew activities in emergency situations. i.e. water main breaks or Sewer Overflow Events.
• Establishes work plan and staffing for each phase of project. Confers with project staff to outline work plan and to assign duties, responsibilities, and scope of authority.
• Becomes the trained competent person for trench safety, scaffolding, confined spaces etc.
• Becomes a certified backflow/crossconnection tester, and performs these tests as needed.
• Understands and interprets cathodic protection readings and takes appropriate corrective actions as necessary.
• Serves on safety and other committees, as needed. Communicates committee activities to staff and supervision and represents staff feedback effectively in meetings.
• May act as lead person in absence of a Supervisor.
• Performs visual checks of facilities for equipment malfunctions and assists in repairing or correcting malfunctions.
• Maintains records and logs. Collects and records additional performance information.
• Assists in locating underground utilities.
• Performs building maintenance and janitorial duties.
• Assists with traffic safety devices and controls traffic at work sites.
• Responds to after-hours emergencies.
• Assists with special city events.
• May assist with snow removal operations.
• Promotes and supports the overall mission of the City by demonstrating courteous and cooperative behavior when interacting with public and staff; acts in a manner that promotes a harmonious and effective workplace environment.
• Other duties as assigned by Supervisor
• Installs and repairs valves and other system hardware, flushing, and inspects existing services.
• Flushes and de-chlorinates water mains.
• Repairs, replaces, and maintains fire hydrants, water lines, and sanitary sewer lines.
• Maintains sanitary sewer by jetting and root cutting to ensure proper flow in pipes and prevent pip restrictions and obstructions.
• Responds to and controls Sanitary Sewer Overflow events.
• Performs wastewater inspections and testing.
• Performs preventive maintenance on related equipment.
• Trains others to perform all water distribution tasks.
• Directs crew activities in emergency situations. i.e. water main breaks or Sewer Overflow Events.
• Establishes work plan and staffing for each phase of project. Confers with project staff to outline work plan and to assign duties, responsibilities, and scope of authority.
• Becomes the trained competent person for trench safety, scaffolding, confined spaces etc.
• Becomes a certified backflow/crossconnection tester, and performs these tests as needed.
• Understands and interprets cathodic protection readings and takes appropriate corrective actions as necessary.
• Serves on safety and other committees, as needed. Communicates committee activities to staff and supervision and represents staff feedback effectively in meetings.
• May act as lead person in absence of a Supervisor.

QUALIFICATIONS:

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.

Education and Experience:

High School Diploma/GED; AND three (3) years of water operations experience; OR an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience.

Required Certificates, Licenses, and Registrations:

Continued employment is contingent upon all required licenses and certificates being maintained in active status without suspension or revocation.

• Possession of, or ability to obtain within eighteen (18) months of date of hire, a South Dakota Department of Agriculture and Natural Resources Class III Water Distribution Operator's Certification.
• Possession of a South Dakota Class B Commercial Driver's License (CDL).

Preferred Knowledge and Skills

Preferred Knowledge:

• Knowledge of construction technology relating to installation and maintenance of water mains.
• Knowledge of the principles and practices used in the maintenance and operation of water distribution systems
• Knowledge of the materials, methods, techniques, and terminology used in maintenance and repair of water distribution system infrastructure.
• Knowledge of use and minor maintenance of commonly used hand and power tools and equipment.
• Knowledge of safe work methods and safety regulations pertaining to the work.
• Knowledge of advanced mathematic principles.
• Knowledge of record keeping practices.
• Knowledge of above ground and underground facilities maintenance and repair work.
• Knowledge of operation and capability of various trucks and light construction equipment.
• Knowledge of the techniques used in concrete construction, pouring and finishing.
• Knowledge of occupational hazards and safety practices including those associated with working in confined spaces.
• Knowledge of Federal, state, and local requirements and regulations pertaining to water treatment and distribution.
• Knowledge of standard traffic laws and ordinances, safety regulations, principles, practices, safety data sheets (SDS) and equipment related to the work.
• Knowledge of tools and equipment used in the trade.
• Knowledge of computer software and applications to perform work related to the industry.

Preferred Skills:

• Ability to safely use and maintain hand and power tools related to the work.
• Ability to make accurate arithmetic calculations.
• Ability to read and interpret plans, maps, and instructions.
• Ability to understand and follow oral and written directions.
• Ability to prepare basic records and reports of work performed.
• Ability to operate a wide variety of light and heavy motorized equipment.
• Ability to contribute effectively to the accomplishment of team or work unit goals, objectives, and activities.
• Ability to understand and follow oral and written directions.
• Ability to use Microsoft Office products such as Word, Excel, Outlook, etc.
• Ability to communicate clearly and concisely in both speech and writing and maintain effective working relationships.
• Ability to perform general maintenance work, individually or as a member of a crew, in various areas, depending upon the function.

PHYSICAL/MENTAL REQUIREMENTS:

The physical demands described herein are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of the job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Mobility to work in a typical shop, outdoors, or related maintenance setting, including operating typical trade test equipment, hand and power tools and standard office equipment; stamina to stand, walk and climb and to work in confined or awkward spaces for an extended period of time; strength to lift and maneuver materials and equipment weighing up to 100 pounds with proper equipment; vision to read printed materials; vision to read printed materials and a computer screen, and hearing and speech to communicate in person or over a radio or telephone.

WORKING ENVIRONMENT:

Work is performed primarily outdoors. Work is subject to exposure to hazardous chemicals, fuels, fumes, biohazards, noise, and electrical currents under adverse environmental conditions. This position is classified as "Essential Personnel."