Description
General Description:
Under general supervision, participates in the operations and maintenance work of MMU’s water system.
This position is classified as safety sensitive.
Organizational Relationships:
Reports to: Water Operations Manager
Receives work direction from: Water Foreman
Directly Supervises: None
Internal Communications: Department managers, department supervisors, and other utility staff.
External Communications: MMU customers, city departments, county departments, the general public, suppliers/vendors, local plumbers, and excavators.
Essential Functions:
The Water Operator is accountable for the safe and continuous operation of Marshall Municipal Utilities water distribution system and Water Treatment Plant which is the main source of City water supply.
The Water Operator will:
Monitor water levels in various storage tanks; set plant production accordingly.
Test and analyze water for hardness, alkalinity, pH, fluoride, iron, magnesium, and chlorine.
Fill chemical solution barrel, record daily operating data, make chemical feed adjustments, and press sludge.
Chlorinate wells, measure and record groundwater levels.
Excavate and replace hydrants, install extension kits, and flush out hydrants.
Install water main repair sleeve; tap water main for service connection; replace sections of water main and other components; utilize excavation shoring; exercise water main valves.
Maintain records of meter removals and replacements; install water meters; hook up remote radios; get meter readings and assist in inventory management tasks.
Maintain meters form 3/4” to 10”.
Record monthly production readings and monthly totals.
Maintain a maintenance schedule and perform maintenance on facilities including well and well houses and the water treatment plant as well as other items including but not limited to painting, plumbing, custodial duties and grounds maintenance.
Operate a variety of light and heavy equipment assigned to the department, as needed.
Serve as a ground person for electric department as needed.
Ensure that safety precautions and procedures are followed in various work activities.
Perform other duties as assigned by Supervisor or as apparent.
Requirements
Minimum Requirements:
Combination of training and experience that contributes to an adequate vocational/technical knowledge of water technology and/or water distribution construction.
Ability to secure a Class D water license within two years.
Maintain valid driver's license
A 20 minute on-call response time is mandatory.
Preferred knowledge, skills, and abilities:
Knowledge of water chemistry and hardness, hydraulics, pumps and math skills.
Knowledge of OSHA safety procedures and regulations.
Skill to operate a variety of tools and equipment.
Ability to recognize problems in water treatment process and adjust chemical factors as needed.
Ability to recognize maintenance problems through visual and audio check of equipment.
Ability to exert physical effort in all types of weather conditions.
Mechanical competence
Machines, tools and equipment used:
Computer, mobile device mapping tools, analytical equipment such as pH, alkalinity and hardness testing equipment, front end loader, valve wrenches, cut-off saw, hand wrenches and hand tools, pumps, mowers, sprayers, sludge press, dump truck, backhoe loader, meter testing equipment, locating equipment.
Working Conditions:
Work involves routine exposure to irritant/fumes, hazardous chemicals (chlorine/fluoride/phosphate/lime/soda ash), temperature extremes, vibrations, and noise. Potential exposure to infectious diseases with sewer line breaks. Physical ability is required to involve many types of movement such as lifting, bending/stooping, twisting/turning, and pushing/pulling. Large and fine motor skills are necessary as well as the full range of senses, except taste are used. Performs manual digging. Works at depths down to 30 feet and heights up to 140 feet. Position requires weekend work, on-call duty to include rotating holiday schedule, work beyond normal hours as well as work during call outs.
