Water Systems Operator

DEFINITION:
Under general supervision, installs, inspects, cleans, repairs, and maintains water treatment and distribution system components and equipment for the City of San Luis.DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS:   
 
This is the entry to journey level classification responsible for providing complex operational and technical support for water/wastewater plant operations.   This position is distinguished from the Chief Operator position which serves as first-line supervisor and performs more complex technical duties, requires a higher level of State certification, and supervises staff.
 
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
 
The duties listed below represent the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them if the work is related or a logical assignment to this class.
 

• Operates specialized equipment, machines, and vehicles to install, clean, maintain, and repair water lines, fixtures, and equipment.
• Determines location of water lines, taps water and sewer lines, locates and manipulates valves, and installs water hydrants.
• Installs, adjusts, and tests flow, sampling, and metering equipment.
• Monitors water wells and , tests water chlorine, and collects/records daily meter readings.
• Maintains and monitors booster station, pumps, chlorinators, generators, pressure tanks, and related equipment.
• Collects, labels, and documents water samples for laboratory testing and performs simple tests on water.
• Installs water meters and fire hydrants.
• Flushes fire hydrants to facilitate water circulation and control mineral buildup.
• Applies and properly disposes of chemicals, pesticides, disinfectants, and oxidizing agents encountered in duties.
• Establishes and maintains appropriate work site traffic control/warning devices and measures.
• Responds to complaints on water leaks, water pressure, and meter readings.
• Performs operator-level servicing, adjustment, and maintenance of specialized tools, equipment, assigned vehicles, and machinery.
• Complies with all operational safety regulations by maintaining and using safety and personal protective equipment.
• Performs related duties as assigned.

 
EMPLOYMENT STANDARDS:
 
Knowledge of:

• Methods, materials, tools, and equipment used in installing and repairing water  mains and related fittings.
• Operation of water distribution systems.
• Heavy equipment operation and maintenance.
• Water sampling techniques.
• Occupational hazards and safety procedures.
• Use and proper disposal of disinfectants, oxidizing agents, pesticides, and hazardous materials.

Ability to:

• Understand and follow written and oral instructions.
• Install and repair water lines and related fixtures and equipment.
• Service, maintain, and adjust water equipment.
• Use mechanical tools and heavy equipment.
• Collect, label, and test water samples.
• Perform operator-level service and maintenance of assigned vehicles and equipment.

PHYSICAL AND MENTAL DEMANDS:
 
The physical and mental demands described here are representative of those that must be met by employees to successfully perform the essential functions of this class. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
 
Physical Demands
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit, walk and stand; talk and hear; use hands to finger, handle, feel or operate objects, tools or controls; reach with hands and arms; and perform repetitive movements of hands or wrists. The employee is frequently required to lift up to 10 pounds unaided.
 
Specific vision abilities required for this job include close vision and the ability to adjust focus.
 
Mental Demands
While performing the duties of this class, an employee uses written and oral communication skills; reads and interprets data, information and documents; analyzes and solves problems; uses math and mathematical reasoning; performs highly detailed work; deals with multiple concurrent tasks; and interacts with others encountered in the course of work, including frequent contact with customers and/or the public and dissatisfied/abusive individuals.
 
Work Environment:
The employee works in an office environment where the noise level is usually quiet. Certain positions within the classification may require availability to work flexible schedule.
 MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
 
Education, Training and Experience:
MUST HAVE a high school diploma or GED.  Arizona Water Treatment/Water Distribution certification (Grade 1) a plus or must obtain within six months of employment. English proficiency required.
 
LICENSES AND CERTIFICATES:
 
A valid driver license is required at the time of application.  A valid Arizona driver license is required at the time of appointment and must be maintained throughout employment.
 
Special Requirements:
 

• Commercial license (A or B) preferred.
• Backhoe and/or electrical experience preferred.
• 1 year general plumbing/pipeline work experience preferred.
• Bilingual in Spanish preferred.
• Residency within 25 miles of San Luis and within the US required, San Luis residency preferred.

• Must have the ability to pass an extensive background check including polygraph examination.

Salary : $16