Water Systems Operator II or III

General Statement of Duties Performs a variety of semi-skilled and skilled maintenance work, and operate a variety of equipment in the construction, operation, repair, maintenance, and replacement of City water distribution, storage and water treatment facilities and systems.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Maintains a variety of records relating to inspections, maintenance activities, water supply, consumption, system cleaning etc. Inspects meters, etc. at frequent intervals to insure that all aspects of the systems are functioning properly.
• Responds to complaints regarding water leaks, pressure loss or no water, etc.; evaluates situations and explains findings to, Foreman, Water Utility Supervisor, or Operations Supervisor.
• Contacts residents and business owners in areas affected by maintenance activities where service will be interrupted and explains when service will be shut off and how soon it will be turned back on.
• Determines the location of gas, telephone, power, television, water, wastewater and stormwater lines from the appropriate sources (call for locates, 811) prior to excavation. Locates City owned/operated underground water lines.
• Ensures the proper maintenance of equipment and tools by cleaning and checking equipment and tools after use.
• Drives trucks of various sizes and weights in the loading, hauling and unloading of various equipment, gravel and sand. Operates, backhoe/loader, vactor, tractors, mowers and loaders as assigned.
• Performs routine inspection and preventive maintenance on assigned equipment and refer defects or needed repairs to the Supervisor; cleans and checks equipment and tools after use.
• Performs required activities including cleaning of water mains, water main and pipe repair, laying and back-filling.
• Cuts, fits, lays, repairs, taps, cleans and flushes water mains, pipes, gates and fittings of mains and services and installs services, fire hydrants and drinking fountains; assists in shutting off broken sections of water mains.
• Operates equipment of the Public Works Department, including dump trucks, backhoe, tractor, mower, etc. in performing a variety of tasks in the water division of the Public Works Department.
• Repairs water meters on the work site including replacing the dials, the glass or other parts as needed.
• Reads water meters to determine monthly consumption for billing purposes.
• Assists in the maintenance and repair work at the water treatment plant and water pump stations.
• Assists in the training of employees to increase their skill in the areas of maintenance, construction and repair.
• Traverses assigned routes and takes readings of meter dials; records reading on meter cards or inputs data into hand-held microcomputer device to provide needed information for utility billing or other related action; notes any unusual change in consumption, location or malfunctions such as leaks or damaged meters.
• Inspects meters and connections for defects, damage and unauthorized connection or use; report finding to supervisor.
• Re-checks readings as needed to determine abnormal consumption patterns and analyzes possible cause for fluctuation or consumption. Calculates consumptions.
• Performs laboratory analysis of water to determine Ph and chlorine residual; prepares various chemical solutions; calculates CT and checks turbidity and fluoride levels.
• Operates, maintains and repairs malfunctions at the water treatment plant; repairs valves, pumps, chemical feed equipment, flow meters, turbidity meters, compressors and other controls and equipment.
• Collects samples and identifies concentrations of chemical, physical or biological characteristics of water in accordance with local, state and federal requirements; gathers and tests water samples for plant efficiency reports as required.
• Performs quality control tests on lab equipment and lab analysis; evaluates procedures and results for accuracy and determines appropriate methods. Collects total coliform samples throughout the water distribution system.
• Conducts inspections of plant equipment; assures that the plant operates within required standards; conducts inspections at source water intakes. Conducts field inspections and testing on water lines as required.
• Performs a variety of AMI related tasks, including inspection, installation, repair, tests and replaces AMI radios. Performs AMI software daily management and coordinates with finance and distribution crews for account updates and service orders. Maintains operation of collectors and equipment.
• Operates and maintains pump stations; cleans wet wells and operates pumps and valves to control and adjust flow and treatment process.
• Conducts inspections on back flow prevention devices in water systems.
• Trains operators in acceptable lab methods and procedures to assure accuracy of test results and all safety procedures.
• Provides rotational weekend duty and weekends on call to perform routine maintenance duties on the water treatment plant and respond to Public Works emergency calls.
• May assist engineers to ensure that construction and repair of water systems meet control requirements.
• Helps with managing the watershed to ensure water quality in compliance with all applicable regulations and quantity to meet the service needs of the community. Maintains required documentation and records.
• Helps with the installation, maintenance and removal of flashboards for summer storage. Operates and maintains all equipment involved.
• Performs duties related to utility billing service orders including, but not limited to, water turn on/shut off requests, leak detection, flow and pressure related concerns.
• Delivers excellent customer service to diverse audiences. Responds to customer service requests, questions and complaints. Maintains a positive customer service demeanor and delivers service in a respectful and patient manner.
• Employee may be required to work overtime at the discretion of the Water Utilities Supervisor.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Working knowledge of equipment, facilities, materials, methods and procedures used in water treatment plant maintenance and operation activities; working knowledge of laboratory procedures and practices; knowledge of occupational hazards and safety precautions involved in the work; knowledge of water works, chemistry, mathematics, hydraulics, microbiology and state regulations for drinking water.
• Skill in accurately reading treatment plant process meters, gauges, flow charts and legibly recording readings and test results; detecting flaws in equipment operations and performing preventative maintenance repairs on plant equipment; skill in performing chemical tests on water samples; skill in managing and troubleshooting  water meter and AMI systems; skill in operation of some of the listed tools and equipment listed below.
• Ability to prepare, organize and maintain water regulatory field and office data, reports and systems; ability to effectively communicate complex technical information, orally and in writing to contractors, developers, property owners, employees, consultants, other governmental agency representatives, City officials and the general public.

Minimum QualificationsEducation and Experience:

1. Graduation from a high school or GED, supplemented by two years of related technical or college training in water technology or a closely related field; and
2. Minimum of three (3) years related experience; or
3. Any equivalent combination of education and experience.

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS 

1. Must possess a valid State of Oregon driver license;
2. Must be physically capable of moving about on assigned work sites

Special QualificationsSPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

Commercial Driver License (Class B) required within 6 months of employment.  

Operator II: 

1. Certification from the State of Oregon as a Class II Water Treatment or Distribution Operator; and
2. Possession of a Grade I Water Treatment or Distribution Certificate from the State of Oregon.

Operator III:

1. Certification from the State of Oregon as a Class III Water Treatment or Distribution Operator; and
2. Possession of or ability to obtain within six months of employment a Grade II Water Treatment or Distribution Certificate from the State of Oregon.

To Apply: https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/dallasor/jobs/3693791/water-systems-operator-ii-or-iii