Description

Under the direction of the Utilities Manager and/or the Lead Operator, the Water and Wastewater Operator, performs technical, manual, and sometimes clerical work in the operation and maintenance of water and/or wastewater treatment and related equipment for the City.  This employee will use independent judgment, being fully aware of the operating procedures and policies of the work unit with minimal supervisory responsibility.

Requirements

Essential Duties And Responsibilities - Essential functions, as defined under the Americans with Disabilities Act, may include any of the following representative duties, knowledge, and skills. This is not a comprehensive listing of all functions and duties performed by incumbents of this class; employees may be assigned duties which are not listed below; reasonable accommodations will be made as required. The job description does not constitute an employment agreement and is subject to change at any time by the employer. Essential duties and responsibilities may include, but are not limited to, the following:
   Assists in operation of the treatment facilities and maintenance including taking samples, lab testing, analyzing, and monitoring samples
   Monitors, maintains, and repairs related equipment, wells, electrical panels, gauges, controllers, pumps, etc.
   Coordinates equipment repair or replacement such that plant effluent quality limits are maintained
   Works with Utility Superintendent to oversee the work of others contracted to work on plant components 
   Assists in treating wastewater and sewage for reuse
   Repairs valves, scales, control panels and other electrical problems
   Assists in overseeing and implementing the preventive maintenance program for all facilities
   Performs inspections and maintenance of the water and/or wastewater operation systems
   Assists in training field techs and maintenance techs
   Prepares work orders using a software work order system 
   Initiates requisitions for tools, materials, equipment, and services 
   Performs manual labor such as: mowing, operating small equipment, etc.
   May be required to work rotating shifts, and subject to on-call emergencies 
   Regular and consistent attendance for assigned work hours is essential 
   This position is considered essential during a natural or manmade disaster and/or a catastrophic event. This position may be required to provide service or perform duties for the benefit of the public and continuity of City operations. These may include services or duties different from those performed in the usual course and scope of this position

Physical Demands And Working Environment (The physical demands and environmental conditions described here 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 the essential functions.) Work requires sufficient physical strength, agility, dexterity, and hand-eye-foot coordination to perform all essential functions. Duties also require frequent sitting, walking, kneeling, squatting, pushing, pulling, twisting, and bending.  Work also requires employee to climb and work from ladders and supports up to heights of 45 feet. Work is performed primarily outdoors and exposes employee to potential hazards such as extreme weather conditions, dust, noise, and exhaust fumes.  Employee is also exposed to potential physical hazards when working off ladders and supports, and to potential chemical hazards when handling and applying chemicals.   Work requires the frequent use of safety clothing and equipment and compliance with safety rules and procedures.

Minimum Qualifications
Education, Training and Experience Guidelines:
Work requires possession of a high school diploma or GED equivalent, and two (2) years of experience in operations and maintenance of water systems and wastewater systems, or an equivalent combination of education, experience, and the following:

Knowledge of:
   City policies, procedures, and departmental practices.
   Tools, equipment, and methods used in operating, maintaining, and repairing wastewater treatment facilities.
   Mechanical, biological, and chemical processes involved in wastewater treatment and reuse.
   Safety hazards and protective practices, including confined space entry.
   Preventive maintenance practices for equipment and facilities.
   Work order systems and basic purchasing of tools, materials, and services.

Ability to:
   Work safely with raw sewage and chemicals using protective equipment.
   Identify equipment problems and coordinate repairs to keep systems running.
   Operate, maintain, and repair pumps, wells, valves, controllers, gauges, and electrical panels.
   Perform and interpret lab tests to adjust treatment processes.
   Read and troubleshoot water meters; respond to customer concerns.
   Use software to prepare and track work orders.
   Request tools, materials, and services as needed.
   Train and support field and maintenance staff.
   Work well with coworkers, contractors, and the public.
   Perform manual labor such as mowing and operating light equipment.
   Work in all weather, in confined spaces, and during rotating shifts or emergencies.
   Serve as an essential worker during disasters to support City operations.
   Follow instructions, perform basic calculations, and complete tasks with accuracy and reliability.

License, Certifications, and Other Requirements:
   Valid State of Texas Driver License
   Must pass a pre-employment drug screen, physical agility exam criminal background, and MVR check
   TCEQ class “C Operator’s” license at time of placement