Water Utility Operator I/II at City of Port… · Port…

Open Until Filled

Water Utility Operator I $27.88 - $36.23 Water Utility Operator II $30.14 - $39.19

Water Utility Operator I/II- Under general supervision of assigned supervisory or management staff, performs work in the operation and maintenance of the City and Port Hueneme Water Agency (PHWA) water facilities including water treatment, production and distribution in a professional, timely and safe manner; informs supervisors on status of projects and working conditions; may assist in the training of less experienced personnel; assists other divisions and departments as directed; and performs related work as required.

Incumbents assigned to this class may be assigned to perform a wide variety of semi-skilled to skilled tasks in one of three areas: water distribution operations, water treatment facilities, or water production facilities.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS

Water Utility Operator I – This is the entry level class in the Water Utility Operator series performing routine and less complex water utility operator duties while learning City policies and procedures. Positions at this level are not expected to function with the same amount of program knowledge or skill level as positions allocated to the Water Utility Operator II level and exercise less independent discretion and judgment in matters related to work procedures and methods. Work is usually supervised while in progress and fits an established structure or pattern. Exceptions or changes in procedures are explained in detail as they arise. Advancement to the “II” level is based on demonstrated proficiency in performing the full range of assigned duties, possession of required certifications, and is at the discretion of higher level supervisory or management staff.

Water Utility Operator II – This is the full journey level class within the Water Utility Operator series. Employees within this class are distinguished from the Water Utility Operator I by the performance of the full range of duties as assigned including the more complex water utility operator duties and providing training to less experienced Water Utility Operators. Employees at this level receive only occasional instruction or assistance as new or unusual situations arise, and are fully aware of the operating procedures and policies of the work unit. Positions in this class are flexibly staffed and are generally filled by advancement from the Water Utility Operator I level, or when filled from the outside, require prior experience. Advancement to the “II” level is based on management judgment and/or certification or testing that validates the performance of the full range of job duties. This classification is distinguished from the next higher classification of Water Utility Operator Lead which provides lead direction to assigned staff.

The following duties are typical for this classification. Incumbents may not perform all of the listed duties and/or may be required to perform additional or different duties from those set forth below to address business needs and changing business practices.

Water Utility Operator I/II

1. Operates and maintains the PHWA water treatment facilities, including record keeping, monitoring and operating the MMI/SCADA system, sampling and lab tests, adjusting and operating feed water supply and chemical feed pumps, receiving chemical deliveries, lubricating equipment, removing corrosion and painting surfaces as needed to maintain a long life of the equipment; ensures safe working conditions are maintained and participates in specialized training.
2. Operates and maintains the City and PHWA water distribution facilities; installs, maintains, and repairs or assists in the repair or installation of water services, main breaks, service lines, meter settings, mains, pumps, valves, and hydrants; performs city-wide valve turning; ensures safe working conditions are followed; cleans mains by flushing water system; makes skilled fittings and connections; drills and taps mains; paints, lays pipe, inspects for leaks and makes repairs; takes meter reading and adjusts equipment.
3. Assist in the construction of water systems and conducts or assists in the performance of carpentry, pipe fitting, valve repair, and cement/asphalt work.
4. Operates and maintains the City and PHWA water production facilities; takes water quality samples and/or coordinates sample collection with a laboratory; replaces and adjusts packing in groundwater wells; maintains or operates associated equipment; removes corrosion and paints surfaces as needed to maintain a long life of the equipment; repairs or replaces valves; maintains booster pump stations and water storage tanks and associated appurtenances.
5. Flushes and repairs fire hydrants and dead-end blow off valves.
6. Collects samples, in accordance with applicable regulations and procedures, for bacteriological, chemical, and general physical analysis, radiological, and other water quality samples and tests as required; coordinates sample collection with a laboratory as needed; maintains proper records and helps maintain files and reports.
7. Reads and records meter readings; takes care of problems in the field such as meter change-outs; performs calibration tests; advises the City’s Finance Department of out-of-sequence, unlisted meters; coordinates with various members of the public to resolve problems and provide other services as appropriate.
8. Contacts customers regarding high bills and field tests meter; checks on customer complaints regarding water pressures, water quality and flow; performs leak tests to ascertain apparent leakage in customer lines; informs customer of test results; advises customer of problems with their water facilities; makes repairs as needed in conjunction with the city water system; maintains good customer relations with the public.
9. Installs, relocates, reads, and disconnects construction water meters; performs service turn-on and turn-off; maintains appropriate records such as the Vacancy and Delinquency Lists.
10. Locates underground water mains and service lines.
11. Evaluates and sets up traffic control measures as required during distribution system maintenance and repair.
12. Works routinely with other divisions including refuse division customer service and specials collection, wastewater division sewer lateral repair, and storm water drain protection.
13. Performs shift work as applicable and performs standby or call-out responsibilities.
14. Performs related duties as assigned.

The following generally describes the knowledge and ability required to enter the job and/or be learned within a short period of time in order to successfully perform the assigned duties.

Water Utility Operator I /II

Knowledge of:

Operations, services, and activities of water utility systems.

Safe work practices and precautions regarding water treatment, distribution and production facilities, including but not limited to mains, water pressure, meters, chemicals, confined spaces, hydrants, and valves.

Construction skills.

Pipe laying, pipe fitting, concrete, and asphalt work.

Tools and equipment used in the installation, maintenance, and repair of water mains, services, meters, hydrants, and valves.

Chlorination procedures and the need to chlorinate water sampling techniques.

Mathematical principles related to the computation of flows and volumes in water treatment, production and distribution systems.

Principles and practices of confined spaces and trench safety.

Pertinent federal, state, and local laws, codes, and regulations related to water quality control.

Ability to:

Perform semi-skilled and skilled tasks involved in the maintenance, installation, and repair of the City’s water utility infrastructure including water treatment, distribution, and production facilities.

Provide minimal training to other employees as needed regarding repair, installation, and maintenance of water mains, services, hydrants, meters, and valves.

Inspect, and diagnose problems.

Read and interpret charts, gauges, plans, and drawings.

Maintain accurate records.

Use and maintain water atlas.

Skillfully and safely operate power-driven equipment used in water service work, such as backhoe, dump trucks, jackhammers, and related maintenance and construction equipment.

Repair, install, and remove water meters.

Prioritize work duties.

Safely handle hazardous chemicals.

Work in confined spaces.

Ensure safety around work areas in high traffic.

Understand and follow oral and written directions.

Exercise the judgment, decisiveness, and creativity in situations involving a variety of generally pre-defined duties that are often characterized by frequent change.

Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.

Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.

Education, License, and Certificate Requirements

Water Utility Operator I

Education:

Equivalent to the completion of the twelfth grade.

Experience:

One year experience and/or training involving the installation, repair, and maintenance of water distribution and production facilities.

License and Certificate:

         Possession of a valid California Driver License and satisfactory driving record.
         Possession of SWRCB Grade T-2 Water Treatment Plant Operator certificate and Grade D-2 Water Distribution Operator certificate.

Water Utility Operator II

Education/Training:

Equivalent to the completion of the twelfth grade supplemented by vocational/technical training in water production or water distribution.

Experience:

Two years' experience and/or training involving the installation, repair, and maintenance of water distribution and production facilities.

License and Certificates:

         Possession of a valid California Driver License and satisfactory driving record.
         Possession of SWRCB Grade T-2 Water Treatment Plant Operator certificate and Grade D-2 Water Distribution Operator certificate.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS WORKING ENVIRONMENT

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

Environment: Tasks may risk exposure to temperature extremes, strong odors, toxic or poisonous agents, smoke, dust, pollen, wetness and humidity, animals, disease and pathogens, electric currents, violence, noise extremes, vibrations, machinery, or traffic hazards.

Physical: Tasks involve the ability to exert heavy physical effort in heavy work, with greater emphasis on climbing and balancing, but typically also involving some combination of stooping, kneeling, crouching, and crawling, and the lifting, carrying, pushing, and/or pulling of moderately heavy objects and materials (20-50 pounds); may occasionally involve heavier objects and materials (up to 100 pounds).

Vision: See in the normal visual range with or without correction.

Hearing: Hear in the normal audio range with or without correction.