Water System Operator Lead

GENERAL PURPOSE

Under the direction of the Water Distribution Supervisor, the Water System Lead Operator is responsible for leading daily field operations of the municipal water distribution system. This includes the oversight of water mains, service lines, valves, tanks, pressure zones, wells, and related infrastructure. The Lead Operator assists in coordinating crews, monitoring system performance, responding to emergencies, and ensuring the delivery of safe and reliable water throughout a fast-growing community.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED

Works under the direct guidance and direction of the Water Supervisor and Public Utilities Manager/Director.

SUPERVISION EXERCISED

Lead-level supervisory oversight.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Daily Operations Support:

• Perform routine monitoring and operation of water distribution systems, including pressure zones, tanks, wells, and valves.
• Monitor SCADA systems and report irregularities to the Water Distribution Supervisor.
• Assist with daily system adjustments to maintain stable water pressure and flow across the system.
• Assist the Water Distribution Supervisor with reviewing, prioritizing, and assigning daily work orders to field staff; ensure timely completion and proper documentation.

Crew Leadership & Field Coordination:

• Act as a lead worker for assigned field crews, providing direction and technical support during maintenance, repairs, and installations.
• Coordinate and execute daily work assignments as directed by the Water Distribution Supervisor.
• Monitor work order progress and help coordinate staff deployment and resource allocation for maintenance, repairs, and system projects.
• Serve as the field lead during emergency call-outs or after-hours incidents, escalating to the Supervisor as needed.

Maintenance & Repair Tasks:

• Perform and oversee the maintenance of valves, hydrants, meters, pumps, and pressure-reducing valves (PRVs).
• Assist with diagnosing and repairing main breaks, leaks, pressure issues, and system malfunctions.
• Ensure proper documentation of field work, including work orders, service logs, flushing records, and as-builts.
• Trouble shoots various issues as the arise related to well house and booster station activity, leak responses, blue stake issues; "no water" calls, water quality issues, etc.; monitors flows and tank levels; initiates starting and stopping of wells as needed; apprises supervisor of emergency and mitigating actions.
• Flush dead-end lines and assist with unidirectional flushing programs as scheduled.

Communication & Coordination:

• Serve as a point of contact between field crews and the Water Distribution Supervisor, relaying updates, field conditions, and concerns.
• Coordinate with contractors, inspectors, and developers on job site needs and field verifications.
• Notify affected departments or residents of planned or emergency service disruptions, under the direction of the Supervisor.

Emergency & After-Hours Response:

• Participate in the on-call rotation for after-hours system issues and emergency response.
• Troubleshoot and mitigate emergency situations such as line breaks, tank overflows, and low-pressure incidents, keeping the Supervisor informed.
• Prepare incident reports and logs following any emergency response.

Training & Mentoring:

• Provide hands-on training and guidance to less experienced water operators and maintenance staff.
• Support cross-training efforts to improve crew versatility and readiness.
• Promote adherence to safety protocols and standard operating procedures.

System Monitoring & Reporting:

• Maintain field logs, equipment checklists, and system performance data as required.
• Assist with compiling information for operational reports and audits.
• Report on equipment or infrastructure deficiencies to the Supervisor for further action.

Support for Capital Projects & Growth:

• Assist with system inspections and tie-ins related to new developments and infrastructure projects.
• Support the Supervisor in identifying operational impacts or needs related to city growth.
• Ensure field integration of new facilities (PRVs, lines, valves, meters) aligns with system standards.

Safety & Compliance:

• Follow all city safety protocols, including confined space, trenching, traffic control, and chemical handling procedures.
• Ensure proper use of PPE and adherence to safe work practices in all field operations.
• Maintain active certifications and training as required for job responsibilities.

Other Duties Assigned: All other duties that the Water Manager and Water Supervisor deem fit to help the growth of Eagle Mountain City or other departments, as necessary. Serve as a member of utilities maintenance crew as needed.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

1. Education and Experience:
2. Graduation from high school or equivalent.

AND

1. Eight (8) years of experience performing the above or closely related duties; two (2) years of which must have included direct responsible charge DRC.

OR

1. An equivalent combination of education and experience.

1. Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

Considerable knowledge of construction requirements for water distribution and pumping systems; hazards and precautions associated with trench work and waterline construction; state or federal regulations governing installation and maintenance of water systems; water quality laws; water sampling methods and regulations; interpersonal communication skills; city water distribution system network, lines and locations; basic hand and power tools required to install and maintain pipe line; traffic control and diversion; typical water line problems. Working knowledge of tools and equipment required to lay and repair water lines; care of required tools and equipment; city policies and procedures; laws, ordinances and regulations governing culinary water purification and distribution; use of respirators; OSHA safety standards. Some knowledge of basic bacteriology; general laboratory processes and procedures, chemistry, and microbiology.

Skill in the operation SCADA equipment and alarms; the operation of heavy mechanized equipment as required by the position, i.e., computer, GIS tools, backhoe, excavator, vac truck, skid steer, air compressor, tap machine, saws, jack hammer, chipping hammer, valve exerciser, jumping jack, Pogo Stick, paint sprayer, dump truck, pumps, chain saw, plasma cutter, torches, etc.

Ability to adapt to emergencies or unusual situations; tolerate weather extremes in the work place; analyze water system(s), identify problems and determine optimum solutions; make accurate decisions in emergency situations where consequences of error could be costly; communicate effectively and in writing perform strenuous manual labor; develop working relationships with supervisors, co-workers and the public. Ability to lift 75 lbs.

1. Special Qualifications:

Must be an unrestricted certified Water Distribution Operator IV.

Must work on a rotating twenty-four (24) hour seven-day (7) stand-by or on call.

Must possess a class "A" commercial driver's license (CDL).

Must be a certified flagger.

Must be confined space certified.

Must be forklift certified.

Must know basic functions of Microsoft Excel, Microsoft Word, OpenGov, and other water specific software.

1. Work Environment:

Employees in this position normally work in an outdoor environment, subject to changing and seasonal weather extremes. Frequently, tasks require a variety of physical activities, generally involving muscular strain, related to walking, standing, stooping, sitting, reaching, and lifting; daily potential for hazardous exposure to electrical shock; daily exposure to moving parts and equipment such as pumps, motors, heavy equipment, etc.; daily or regular exposure to traffic hazards working in the public right-of-way; daily or regular exposure to hazards associated with trench work and confined space operations; daily or regular exposure to various chemicals, i.e., chlorine. Talking, hearing and seeing is essential to performing the required job functions. Common eye, hand, finger dexterity exists. Mental application utilizes memory for details, verbal instructions, emotional stability and discriminating thinking.