Water Distribution Operator I

WATER DISTRIBUTION OPERATOR 1 Salary - $57,033.60 - $72,800.00 Annually Location - Service Center, WA Job Type - Full-Time Department - Public Works Department Division - PW WATER DISTRIBUTION Opening Date - 06/18/2025 NATURE OF POSITION Performs apprentice operator duties of Group A, Class 3 Water Distribution System. Executes a variety of responsibilities in support of the maintenance, repair and construction of the City's water system. Assists work crews with departmental assignments such as meter maintenance and installation, fixing leaks, flushing, valve exercising and fire hydrant maintenance. Includes the performance of manual labor. SUPERVISION RECEIVED Supervision is provided by the Water Distribution Supervisor; general direction and oversight are provided by the Operator III and Lead Operator positions. ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES Employees of the City of Walla Walla are expected to model and foster the City's core values: Service - Integrity - Collaboration - Equity - Leadership - Community Provide exemplary customer service to all individuals; actively participate in maintaining a positive customer service environment. Perform support and assistance for heavy equipment operation; assist and participate in underground excavation, including confined space entry. Operates heavy equipment such as dump trucks and wheel loaders; and may receive training or operate backhoe and excavation equipment. Participate in responsibilities related to system maintenance including line flushing, fire hydrant installation and repair. Assist with meter installations including large meter installations; assist with new and existing service assignments including meter repairs and replacements. Perform duties for general water distribution operation involving water pumps ranging from hand pumps to industrial gas-powered units, valve exercising equipment, metal detectors and atmospheric testers. Collect, report and process utility data using electronic work order software in combination with GIS mapping. Ensure the adherence to safe work practices and procedures by operations personnel. Respond to public inquiries with tact and courtesy; provide information within the area of assignment; resolve complaints in an efficient and timely manner. Coordinate and respond to emergency calls for water distribution system operations and repairs. Participate in the inspection of the water distribution system. Respond to water customer inquiries and complaints; respond to service calls for main line breaks, service/meter leaks and system wide pressure and flow problems. May provide back-up services and/or assist other City Departments/Divisions. OTHER JOB FUNCTIONS Demonstrate punctual, regular, and reliable attendance, which is essential for successful job performance. Present a positive, professional image; maintain cooperative and effective working relationships; assure excellent customer service with internal and external customers. Execute assignments, projects and job responsibilities efficiently and within defined timeframes; work independently and effectively with little direction. Demonstrate good judgment and employ critical thinking to execute duties, identify issues, seek solutions, and recommend improvements in support of departmental goals. Provide assistance to staff and higher-level management; participate in resolving operational or interpersonal concerns; participate in training, meetings, and on committees as assigned. Respect the value of diversity in the workplace and the community. Perform other duties as assigned. KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES Ability to operate and maintain hand tools, power tools and a variety of specialized equipment. Utilize a variety of office equipment including desktop computers, copiers, scanners, and phones; utilize mobile devices including laptop computers and tablets for the purpose of asset management and job tracking. Knowledge of occupational hazards and standard safe work precautions; safety measures related to excavation; precautions related to work on or near a traffic right-of-way. Knowledge of applicable laws, codes, regulations; ability to follow policies and procedures. Demonstrate enthusiasm for continuous improvement and attentiveness to detail. Able to make use of technical and analytical skills; able to learn quickly. TOOLS AND EQUIPMENT USED A variety of hand tools, power tools, and specialized equipment including valve exercising equipment, water pumps, hand pumps, and industrial gas-powered pump units. Electronic devices and sensitive equipment such as atmospheric testers and metal detectors. Heavy equipment vehicles such as dump trucks, wheel loaders, back-hoes, and excavators. Standard office equipment such as desktop and laptop computers, copiers, scanners, and phones. PHYSICAL DEMANDS Walking, standing, bending, or crouching or kneeling down for extended periods of time; dexterity of hands and fingers to operate specialized equipment and execute repetitive hand movements; sitting for extended periods of time; seeing and hearing to identify information; speaking and writing to exchange information; pushing, pulling and lifting up to 75 pounds with assistance; operating assigned equipment and vehicles. WORK ENVIRONMENT Outdoor work environment exposed to seasonal conditions and inclement weather, including driving a vehicle to conduct work in all weather conditions. Work may be performed around and within the proximity of moving objects including vehicles and related traffic hazards; excavations and confined space; dissatisfied or aggressive individuals. REQUIRED MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS High school diploma, GED or equivalent; and State of Washington Department of Health Water Distribution Manager Level 1 OIT or the ability to obtain within 12 months. Water Distribution Manager Level 2 OIT certification or the ability to obtain within 36 months. Valid state driver's license and proof of good driving record; State Class A CDL with air brakes and tanker endorsement or the ability to obtain within 12 months. Any equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered that demonstrates possession of the required knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform the essential functions of the job. Upon meeting all required qualifications for this position and the Water Distribution Operator II position, this position will be promoted to Water Distribution Operator II. DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS Experience in the maintenance and repair of water or related systems and components. Bilingual in Spanish.