Water Operator I

SUMMARY

Under general supervision from the Water Superintendent, this position is specifically charged with the laying, maintenance and repair of water lines, taps, valves, and setting and maintenance of fire hydrants. The position is also responsible for ensuring an adequate, safe potable water supply from multiple sources for the consuming public. 

EXAMPLES OF DUTIES

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES include the following. Other duties may be assigned.

• Works effectively with other employees to repair or replace water mains or service lines;
• As part of a crew or alone, whose primary responsibility is to water line laying, maintenance and repair;                                                            
• Drive equipment to and from job sites (dump trailer backhoe, skidsteer etc.);
• Installs & repairs fire hydrants;
• Set up barricades, cones and other appropriate traffic control devices on public roadways when required, to protect employees and the public;
• Performs routine maintenance on vehicles, tools, and equipment;
• Sorts, reads, understands and follows written and oral job instructions;
• Writes reports by hand, and complete work orders using a tablet.
• Perform water service taps;
• Notifies public of interruption of services;
• May serve as Water Distribution Crew Leader in their absence when directed;    
• Serve on an on-call and standby crew for after-hours emergency work as required;
• Must arrive at work on time;
• Must maintain a regular and reliable level of attendance;

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

This job has no supervisory responsibilities.

TYPICAL QUALIFICATIONS

QUALIFICATIONS to perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Knowledge of safety regulations to work safely with equipment used in utility maintenance work; experience in working with various types of equipment including pumps, generators, backhoes, dump trucks, sewer jet machines, service trucks, wrenches, hand and power saws, hammers of various sizes, grinders, shovels, drain spades, drills and drill press; must have a working knowledge of hand tools, ability to work on water and wastewater lines without contaminating to public water supply; ability to follow written or oral instructions; ability to work with other crew members and members of the public; reads simple maps and drawings, picks up trash, keeps storage areas clean, orderly, and in safe working condition, and ability to work under adverse weather conditions.

SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION

EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE

High School Graduate or GED equivalent. Heavy equipment experience preferred.

CERTIFICATES AND LICENSES REQUIRED

• Water Operator Certification is a plus for the successful candidate. Obtaining a class C water license from the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) within 2 years of employment will be required.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a Texas Class A CDL within one year of employment.
• A Valid Class C Texas motor vehicle driver license and the ability to maintain a satisfactory driving record.

KNOWLEDGE OF 

The machines, equipment, material, and operating practices of modern water distribution, production and treatment. 

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions for this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to stand; walk; sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms; climb or balance; stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl; talk or hear; and taste or smell. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of the job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions

Must be able to withstand extreme cold and heat conditions. Must be able to work outdoors in all types of weather conditions, day or night. Works in confined spaces. Some exposure to mechanical, electrical, fume, odor, and toxic waste hazards.