Utility Operator

General Overview of the Position

Under direct supervision, operator is to perform a variety of skilled mechanical operation, repair and maintenance of all components of the wastewater and water utility systems. Operates, inspects, and repairs all components of the water supply and wastewater systems, storage, distribution, customer services, lift and pumping stations, force mains, auxiliary power plants, customer laterals and metering, including new construction inspection and acceptance testing.

Examples of Essential Duties

• Perform skilled mechanical operation, inspection, maintenance and repair of water supply and wastewater systems, including service and booster pumps, auxiliary power and pumps, collection systems, including mains, laterals, and overflows.

• Perform skilled operation inspection, maintenance and repair of distribution system, including hydrants, valves, meters and services, manholes and vaults.

• Perform skilled mechanical operation, inspection, maintenance and repair of wastewater pumping stations, including controls and alarms, process piping, auxiliary power and pumping systems and force mains.

• Perform skilled operation, maintenance and repair of pump stations, reservoirs, towers, lift stations and wet wells.

• Perform reading, inspection, installation, operation and maintenance of meters.

• Performs duties for water and wastewater construction projects to ensure operational compliance with Utility standards, project plans and specifications, including acceptance testing and startup.

• Perform record keeping of operation, maintenance and repair work and activities.

• Comply with all safety procedures, including confined space entry.

• Provide input to Utility Supervisor in the planning, organizing and directing the various functions of the Division.

• Perform normal and special operation, maintenance and operational duties to ensure a safe water supply and wastewater collection systems in accordance with agency and utility standards and requirements.

• Cooperate with Utility employees and respond to emergencies or unusual situations as required or assigned.

• Performs trained review and analysis of operational, maintenance and repair data periodically and conveys trending information to Utility Supervisor.

• Under direction of Utility Supervisor, leads and directs new hires, staff helpers and assistants in performance of duties.

• Ability to communicate both verbally and in writing effectively, courteously and tactfully with staff, city officials and the public.

• Ability to read and interpret maps, constructions plans and As-Builts.

• Under direction of Supervisor, help and assist in the performance of duties.

• Participate in on-call rotation or as assigned.

• Performs other duties as assigned.

Knowledge Skills, and Abilities:

• Aptitude for mechanical work, including the ability to make simple mathematical calculations.

• Ability to acquire general knowledge of regulatory agency standards and requirements for meeting accepted water quality and safe drinking water standards; including working in confined spaces.

• Ability to use general and special equipment associated with water and wastewater, utility operation, maintenance and repair.

• Ability to drive and operate heavy trucks and other power equipment.

• Ability to be available for emergencies that necessitate working at any time outside of normal work hours, and willingness to attend special classes outside of normal work hours.

• Ability to evaluate normal operation and performance of water and wastewater system components, including input to assist Supervisor and Operators in planning, organizing and directing functions of the Division.

• Ability to successfully flow and assist in fulfilling the performance of job duties and to assist with utility task assignments.

Minimum Qualifications

• High School Diploma

• Valid Commercial Driver's License (ABCD-N) or ability to obtain within 6 months of hire

• Valid Wisconsin DNR Waterworks Operators License Grade D-1 or ability to obtain within 2 years of hire

• Background in general mechanical & relevant technical systems

Preferred Qualifications:

• Three (3) years of certified operator experience

• Mechanical and technical knowledge in two (2) or more of the following categories: Pumps; supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA) systems and controls (computer skills); pressure controls, air release and regulating valves, distribution system components; lift station and collection system components; auxiliary power and pumping components and water storage components.

Physical Requirements:

• Task involves medium work at least 60% of the time. Exerting up to 50 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 30 pounds of force frequently, and/or up to 10 pounds of force constantly to move objects and climb, balance, stoop, kneel, crouch, reach, stand, walk, push, pull, lift, finger or grasp.

• Task involves heavy work at least 20% of the time. Exerting up to 100 pounds of force occasionally and/or up to 50 pounds of force frequently, and/or up to 20 pounds of force constantly to move objects and climb, balance, stoop, kneel, crouch, reach, stand, walk, push, pull, lift, finger or grasp.

• Ability to withstand extreme periods of manual labor, including climbing water towers and descending into manholes, vaults and reservoirs, wet wells or lift stations.

Environmental Requirements:

• This position is substantially exposed to adverse environmental conditions both inside and outside including no effective protection from weather conditions at times; no protection from temperature changes at times and is subject to extreme cold temperatures for periods of more than one hour during the winter months.

• The worker is subject to noise causing the worker to shout in order to be heard above ambient noise levels.

• The worker is subject to vibration. Exposure to oscillating movements of the extremities or whole body.

• The worker is subject to hazards such as proximity to moving mechanical parts and moving vehicles.

• The worker is subject to atmospheric conditions.

• The worker is frequently in close quarters, crawl spaces, manholes, and other areas that could cause claustrophobia.

Sensory Requirements:

• The task requires visual acuity to operate motor vehicles and/or heavy equipment as well as viewing a computer terminal.