Wastewater/Water Operator   

Department: Utilities          Status: non-exempt          Reports to: Utilities Manager

Contact For Questions: Swen Peterson Email: spetterson@bbranch.org Phone: 541.595.1280

General Summary: The Black Butte Ranch Utilities Department provides potable water for domestic use on the Ranch and treats the wastewater generated on the Ranch to a non-polluting form.  The water and sewer systems department has miles of piping, electrical and mechanical equipment, several buildings and other facilities, and numerous vehicles.  The quality of the water and treated wastewater are highly regulated by various government agencies.  The Utilities personnel maintain all components of the water and wastewater systems and work to ensure that the stringent quality regulations are met.

Essential Functions/Major Responsibilities:

1. Perform wastewater treatment analysis daily or as required.
2. Check lift stations and well houses daily.
3. Dewater, stabilize and haul sludge.
4. Install and service pressure sewer tanks.
5. Maintain all sewer and water system lines, pumps, valves, buildings, vehicles and other facilities.
6. Move wheel lines and monitor effluent area.

Other Functions:

1. Inspect gravity hookups and make water and pressure sewer hookups.
2. Flush water lines annually.
3. Check air relief valves annually.
4. Flush gravity lines annually.
5. Clean sewer lines and remove roots as necessary.
6. Exercise water system main line valves.
7. Maintain all Black Butte Ranch fire hydrants.
8. Stake all sewer and water main valves for location under snow.
9. Test backflow devices.
10. Pump sewer pressure tanks annually.
11. Install, service and read water meters.

Specific Job Skills:

1. Working knowledge of wastewater treatment process controls and operations.
2. Ability to run basic wastewater laboratory tests and analysis.
3. Mechanical knowledge of pump and motors.
4. Basic electrical knowledge, basic knowledge of water and sewer line maintenance and repair.
5. Ability to drive large trucks and backhoe.
6. Ability to make complex mathematical computations.
7. Read maps and blueprints.
8. Physical ability to dig in rocky and compacted soil for extended periods of time in hot or extreme cold weather.
9. Lift 75 pounds.
10. Flexibility to work in small confined dark areas.

Education and/or Experience:

1. Prefer one-year college or technical school studying water/wastewater treatment.
2. Working knowledge of laboratory procedures and plant process controls.
3. Possess State of Oregon Level I Wastewater Treatment and Collection System Certification or ability to obtain certification within one year of employment.
4. Obtain water distribution certification(s).
5. Obtain backflow assembly tester certification within 6 months of hire.

Job Conditions:

1. Exposure to hazardous and/or toxic chemicals.
2. Exposure to explosive, oxygen deficient, or toxic gas atmospheres.
3. Exposure to areas and equipment contaminated with raw sewage and pathogenic organisms.
4. Work with hazardous machinery.
5. Work in confined spaces and trenches.
6. Work in wet dirty excavations.
7. Work in extreme hot and extreme cold conditions.
8. Work may be done in environment consisting of noise or poor lighting or fetid odors.
9. Work schedule may include working weekends and holidays.
10. Must be on 24-hour call, 7 days per week to respond to emergency situations.
11. May be required to work more than 8 hours per day of 40 hours per week.

Job Complexity/Supervisory Responsibility:

1. The broad range of skills and knowledge necessary to perform all phases of this position rank it as one of moderate to high complexity with great diversity of work situations.
2. The position requires some latitude in decision making, but these are usually             limited to emergency situations or problems that occur on weekends or                   holidays when an individual is alone on duty.  Policies and procedure are in               place that precludes individual decision-making.
3. Errors can have major impacts on costly equipment, property and even the             health of the public and employee.
4. Employee’s work receives a moderate amount of review and inspection. This is primarily limited to work which affects the quality of the wastewater effluent or water quality.
5. Supervision is limited to laborers (usually 1-2) on incumbent’s assigned projects.

Interpersonal Contacts: Infrequent contact with owners, guests or outside contractors.  Any communication that does occur is of a non-confidential and non-sensitive nature.