Utility Operator II

This position is posted until filled and applications will be reviewed upon receipt

JOB SUMMARY

The Utility Operator II performs operational tasks and maintenance activities related to the operation of the water and wastewater systems.

Duties depend on day-to-day priorities and may involve: treatment plant checks; pump station checks; laboratory analysis for process control and required testing; sludge de-watering for off-site disposal; water quality monitoring; piping and pipe repairs; water meter installation, maintenance, and reading; valve repair, maintenance and installation; adjustment of chemical feeds; cleaning of equipment and facilities; and building and equipment maintenance.

Employees in this position may be required to perform portions or all of the duties normally falling under positions within or below this classification depending on current workload and staffing requirements. Other duties may be assigned as required.

This position is classified as Essential Personnel and may be called upon to work during weather closures and emergencies.ESSENTIAL DUTIES

1.Operates, inspects and adjusts motors, aerators, clarifiers, pumps, belt press, blowers, chemical tanks and related mechanical equipment.

2.Perform water quality monitoring, maintain adequate records, and take follow-up action, if needed to comply with state and federal drinking water requirements.

3.Monitors and records necessary operational data and reports problems to supervisor.

4.Cleans, paints, and performs minor maintenance of buildings, equipment, and grounds.

5.Assists the Lead Operators to construct, rebuild, and maintain the water and wastewater systems.

6.Reads water meters, installs water meters; performs water meter maintenance and testing.

7.Collect samples, calibrates meters and performs laboratory tests, cleans up laboratory apparatus. Records data to produce monitoring and process control reports. Disseminates test results for process control changes.

8.Operates, monitors and adjusts sludge feed pumps, gravity belt thickener, and polymer system to properly de-water sludge for disposal. Hauls sludge off-site.

9.Rebuilds and diagnoses problems on grinder pumps.

10.Determines the locations of utility lines from the appropriate sources prior to excavation.

11.Complies with safety regulations and emergency procedures and planning as detailed in departmental policies and procedures.

12.Provides assistance to other operators to assure that work is performed efficiently and accurately to meet appropriate guidelines, procedures, and regulations.

13.Operates a variety of heavy equipment; ensures proper maintenance of equipment and tools by cleaning and checking equipment and tools after use; performs routine inspections and preventative maintenance on assigned equipment.

14.Attends training needed to maintain licenses and to be informed of new regulations and technologies.

15.Provides status updates and reports problems to Chief Operator and provides recommendations.

16.Serves in a rotating "on call" capacity; follows emergency call-out and customer contact procedures; respond to emergencies such as broken pipes, equipment failures or other malfunctions requiring immediate attention.

17.Perform other duties and projects as assigned by the Chief Operator.

DISTINGUISHING FEATURES:

Positions in the Utility Operator II classification are distinguished by the responsibility for performing skilled level water and wastewater operator tasks, assisting higher classification staff in the construction and operation of the Utility, and for performing work that requires less technical education, experience, and professional certification than the Lead Operators.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

This position typically requires:

Climbing

Balancing

Stooping, kneeling

Crouching

Reaching

Standing

Mobility

Pushing

Pulling

Lifting

Fingering

Grasping

Feeling

Talking

Hearing

Seeing

Repetitive motion

Digging

WORKING CONDITIONS

1.Work is performed both in the office and in the field for extended periods under dirty and uncomfortable situations and in all types of weather and temperature conditions.

2.Requires residency within a 60-minute response time of the Pacific Beach duty station.

3.May lift and carry up to 50 pounds; work in confined spaces; have exposure to hazardous gases, chemicals, raw sewage, dust, smoke, fumes, etc.

4.May be required to be on call for emergencies 24-hours a day and may be required to work evening and weekend hours. May be required to work alone.

5.Require extensive travel to facilities throughout the working day. May be required to travel for training purposes and commute to other departments or government agencies.

6.May perform duties while wearing required protective equipment.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

1.Knowledge of and the ability to use manual and power hand tools.

2.Knowledge of federal, state, and local environmental regulations applicable to water and wastewater.

3.Knowledge of County policies and procedures.

4.Ability to train and direct the work activities of other employees in the skill area as assigned.

5.Ability to operate and maintain water and wastewater facilities and equipment.

6.Ability to rebuild and perform maintenance on pumps.

7.Ability to perform standard process controls and testing methods commonly used in water and wastewater treatment.

8.Ability to comprehend and interpret complex technical data and calculate algebraic equations for process control and related performance measures. Able to analyze data and diagnose equipment malfunctions, arrive to conclusions, take correction action or make recommendations of plans of action.

9.Ability to establish and maintain effective working relations with coworkers, and supervisors.

10.Ability to work effectively and courteously with governmental agencies and the public.

11.Ability to communicate effectively verbally and in writing.

12.Ability to work independently and organize workload.

13.Ability to maintain accurate records.EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

Minimum Qualifications:

• High school diploma or GED equivalent.
• Experience, education or equivalent combination of education and experience which satisfies the knowledge, skills, and abilities of the positions.
• Ability to pass a medical evaluation to declare fitness to use a respirator.
• Ability to obtain and maintain First Aid, CPR, Defensive Driving certifications, and the certifications listed below.

Licenses & Certifications Required:

• Washington State Wastewater Operator Certification - Group I

Group II certification is highly desirable.

• Washington State Water Distribution Manager - Level I

Level II certification is highly desirable.

• Washington State Water Treatment Operator - Level I
• Washington State Class A Commercial Driver's License with tanker endorsementThe statements contained herein reflect general details describing the principal functions of this job, the level of knowledge and skills typically required, and the scope of responsibility. They are not an all-inclusive listing of work requirements. Individuals may perform other duties as assigned, including work in other functional areas to cover absences or relief, to equalize peak work periods, or otherwise to balance the workload.

GRAYS HARBOR COUNTY IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER