What are the responsibilities and job description for the Apprentice Water Operator/Maintainer position at City of Kalamazoo, MI?
This is an entry level training position. Work involves acquiring knowledge and skill in the operation and maintenance of the municipal water system. An employee in this classification works under the direct supervision of Water Division supervisory staff and/or under the direction of higher classification personnel within the Water Division. As skill and knowledge is acquired, employee will be assigned shift operation or maintenance responsibilities.
Promotion to the Water Operations and Maintenance I classification is contingent upon successful completion of the probationary period, successful completion of the D-3 and S-4 tests resulting in certification by the Michigan Department of Public Health, and successful completion of an in-house Operations and Maintenance Level I competency test. The Water Operations and Maintenance Apprentice will be allowed to remain in this classification for a maximum of three years in order to advance to the Water Operations and Maintenance classification.
Employee must, as a condition of continued employment, pass the D-3 and S-4 Waterworks System Operator Certification offered by the Michigan Department of Public Health after they are determined eligible to take the exam. The employee will be given two opportunities to pass the test, if their first score equals or exceeds eighty percent of the passing score for the test.
Promotion to the Water Operations and Maintenance I classification is contingent upon successful completion of the probationary period, successful completion of the D-3 and S-4 tests resulting in certification by the Michigan Department of Public Health, and successful completion of an in-house Operations and Maintenance Level I competency test. The Water Operations and Maintenance Apprentice will be allowed to remain in this classification for a maximum of three years in order to advance to the Water Operations and Maintenance classification.
Employee must, as a condition of continued employment, pass the D-3 and S-4 Waterworks System Operator Certification offered by the Michigan Department of Public Health after they are determined eligible to take the exam. The employee will be given two opportunities to pass the test, if their first score equals or exceeds eighty percent of the passing score for the test.
Examples of Duties
- Works with Water Division personnel to learn distribution, pumping, storage, treatment, operations, and maintenance procedures which are part of the operation and maintenance of the municipal water system;
- Assists in operating and monitoring the water supply SCADA system to assure proper operation of the ware system;
- Assists in maintaining operation and maintenance records;
- Learns to and assists in the inspecting, monitoring, and servicing of treatment/pumping facilities; analyzes problems, makes repairs and/or refers repairs to appropriate personnel, works with staff called in to do work;
- Learns principles and procedures related to making emergency start-up and shut-down;
- Learns to identify and respond to potential or identified problems in pumping by analysis of SCADA system information and visual inspection; responds to customer calls concerning the public water supply system.
Essential Qualifications
- Good knowledge of occupational hazards and safety procedures;
- Good knowledge of math and science;
- Some knowledge of the functions and servicing requirements of mechanical and electrical equipment;
- Some knowledge of mechanical maintenance and repair practices;
- Preferably some knowledge of hydraulics and of the basic procedures and processes of water pumping, storage, treatment, and distribution;
- Some skills in the operation of tools and equipment related to the water industry; some skill in keeping records and communication in written form; some computer skills;
- Good mechanical ability.
Acceptable Training and Experience
- Completion of a high school diploma or G.E.D.
- Some experience in mechanical and electrical equipment operation and maintenance;
- Completion of standard high school course work in math, biology, chemistry, or the related sciences, plus ability to pass in-house competency test;
- And/or any equivalent combination of experience and training which provides the essential knowledge, skills, and abilities.
The City of Kalamazoo is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to creating a diverse, equitable and inclusive organization where different perspectives and experiences are welcomed and encouraged. Studies have shown that women and people of color, are less likely to apply for jobs unless they meet all of the qualifications listed. The City of Kalamazoo is most interested in finding the best candidate for the job, and that candidate may be one from a less traditional background. If you have transferable experience, please tell us about it. This approach will give each current and potential employee the opportunity to learn, grow and contribute to the City of Kalamazoo.
The benefits for this position are negotiated between the City of Kalamazoo and the Amercian Federation of State, County and Municipal Employee (AFSCME) group.
For a summary of City of Kalamazoo benefits in AFSCME positions, please visit our website: www.kalamazoocity.org/benefits
Please note: These benefits are subject to change.