Utility Systems Operator

Position Objectives:

General Statement of Duties

Performs responsible operational and maintenance functions in water distribution and wastewater collection systems.

 

Distinguishing Features of the Class

An employee in this class performs a variety of operational and maintenance duties designed to operate and maintain water distribution and sewer collection systems.  Work includes monitoring daily operations of systems through observation and mechanical readings. Duties include inspection, maintenance and repair of wells, meter reading, customer service, and maintenance and repairs to the system. Work involves operation of equipment, making water and sewer taps, installation of new services, maintenance and repair of lines, meters, valves and hydrants.  The employee is subject to on-call and call back work and to hazards associated with wastewater operations including working both inside and outside environments, in extreme hot and cold weather, and exposure to various hazards such as loud noises, moving mechanical parts, electrical current, chemicals, fumes, odors, dusts, mists, gases, poor ventilation, working in small spaces such as sewer pipes, and oils.  Workers may be required to wear respirators when working around chlorine tanks.  Work around wastewater is also subject to the final standards of OSHA on blood borne pathogens. Work is performed under regular supervision and reviewed by observation, conference, and reviewing records for adherence to operations standards, instructions, and safety practices.

 

Duties and Responsibilities

Essential Duties and Tasks

Records data from various meters, gauges and dials at wells; tests chlorine residual; logs daily, weekly, and monthly data; enters data into computer.

Installs, repairs, and replaces water meters, valves, hydrants and lines as necessary; connects and disconnects water service for moves, new customers, and non-payment; makes new taps as needed and installs new services; reads meters and locks out meters as needed.

Participates in maintenance and repair of wells mechanical and electronic equipment; repairs chlorinator, changes out pumps.

Locates and marks water and sewer lines for other utilities and contractors; collects samples according to standards; mows grass at departmental sites.

Monitors levels in elevated storage tanks; flow tests hydrants; exercises valves and hydrants; repairs and replaces valves and hydrants as needed; repairs water and sewer lines as needed.

Performs general preventive and scheduled maintenance; assists on major maintenance and repairs; sets up work safety zones and flags traffic.

Takes samples of water and wastewater and sends to contract laboratory.

Participates in the inspection of sewer lines using video taping and smoke testing.

Operates backhoe, dump truck, ditch witch, front end loader, mowers and other equipment as needed; performs minor maintenance and repair to assigned vehicles and equipment; maintains inventory of parts and supplies on assigned vehicle.

Operates computers to maintain records and inquire into customer data base.

Performs troubleshooting with the public; investigates and responds to complaints and problems.

Maintains records of work activities; completes requisitions.

 

Additional Job Duties

Performs related duties as required.                              

 

Recruitment and Selection Guidelines

Knowledges, Skills, and Abilities

Knowledge of the operating characteristics and maintenance requirement of water distribution and wastewater collection systems.

Working knowledge of applicable federal, state, and local laws, ordinances, and permitting requirements.

Knowledge of the occupational hazards of the work and of necessary safety precautions.

Working knowledge of electrical, mechanical, plumbing, carpentry, masonry, and other trades skills required in public utilities.

Working knowledge of the application of information technology to assigned tasks.

Skill in the use of assigned equipment.

Skill in customer service excellence, teamwork and collaborative conflict resolution.

Ability to detect flaws in the operation of mechanical equipment and to determine proper remedial measures.

Ability to perform routine laboratory analysis.

Ability to understand and follow moderately complex oral and written instructions.

Ability to read and record meters, dials, charts, and technical manuals and drawings accurately and to maintain records of work activities.

Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with peers and superiors.

 

Physical Requirements

Must be able to physically perform the basic life operational functions of climbing, balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, reaching, walking, pushing, pulling, lifting, grasping, and hearing.

Must be able to perform medium work exerting up to 50 pounds of force occasionally; and/or up to 20 pounds of force frequently; and/or up to 10 pounds of force constantly to move objects.

Must possess the visual acuity to read gauges, dials, and observe moving parts of machines, and to record and review written records.

 

Desirable Education and Experience

Graduation from high school and some experience in the operation and maintenance of a wastewater collection and/or water distribution system including operation of construction equipment; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

 

Special Requirements

May require ability to obtain grade I collection system operator certificate and/or grade C distribution system certification within twelve months.

Possession of a valid North Carolina commercial driver’s license.