Job Details

Job Title: Water Operator I

Employer: City of Meridian          

Department: Public Works, Water Division           

Reports To: Field Services Supervisor, Water Maintenance Supervisor or Water Operations Manager

Open Date: 4/10/2024   

First Review/Close Date: 4/22/2024         

Salary Range: $23.89 per hour, DOE

To Apply Please Visit: https://apps.meridiancity.org/jobs/

Job Summary:

The Water Operator I`s primary responsibilities are to demonstrate and perform a variety of skilled and semi-skilled tasks in the operation, installation, maintenance and repair of the City of Meridian`s potable and reclaimed water distribution systems. This classification performs a full range of basic and intermediate activities that include, but are not limited to operation, installation, maintenance and repair of the City of Meridian`s potable and recycled water distribution systems, handling customer related issues, and performing needed customer service activities for Meridian Utility Billing Services (MUBS). Continually strives to maintain and improve operations and accuracy. The incumbent must perform work safely, efficiently, and accurately, occasionally under adverse conditions. Provide assistance and support to the Meridian Utility Billing Services (MUBS) and other Departments when needed. Expected to exercise initiative and independent judgment both individually, and as part of a team, in assisting with maintenance, operations, projects and technical related activities of the Water Division. Works under the direction of the Field Services Supervisor, Water Maintenance Supervisor, or Lead Construction Operator Lead Construction Operator. 

Essential Duties & Responsibilities:

• Provide excellent customer service to both internal and external customers;
• Perform troubleshooting, installations, repairs, testing and replacements of water mains, services, fire hydrants, meters and related water distribution system facilities and equipment; 
• Operate a variety of equipment, machinery and tools used in department projects and activities, which may include a utility truck, dump truck, backhoe, vacuum excavator, forklift and / or other related equipment and hand tools; 
• Perform specialized, skilled, semi-skilled, and general maintenance and operations work to water operation, production, distribution and treatment system and programs including, but not limited to repair, new installation, preventative maintenance, troubleshooting equipment failures, water sampling, line locates and service request completion; Assist other crews, departments and others with regular maintenance and special projects when required;
• Effectively and courteously communicates with supervisor, employees, other departments, public, outside agencies, or other individuals or groups as needed;
• Operate handheld reading devices, accurately reads and records usage, responds to customer requests to City  related water  issues, performs connections and disconnections of services, performs leak tests, re-reading of meters, generates work orders for field corrections and follows through;
• Perform standardized water quality tests as required under drinking water rules and regulations; 
• Operate a personal computer, SCADA, meter reading equipment and related software;
• Perform general cleaning / maintenance tasks necessary to keep facilities, vehicles, equipment, and tools in operable condition; reports faulty equipment; 
• Continuously strive to protect water quality, decrease turnaround times, and streamline work processes; work cooperatively and jointly to maintain compliance and provide safe and compliant high quality drinking water and seamless customer service; 
• Communicate with supervisor, employees, other departments and agencies to coordinate work activities, collaborate, exchange information, or resolve problems; lead by example demonstrating City CARE values and promoting teamwork;
• Prepare and maintain work records, including work/service orders, according to asset management program and service order software; capture data and maintain accuracy through timely collection; ensure deadlines are met and adjustments/recommend changes as needed;  
• Maintain through and accurate records and computer entries in Division and other department data bases, understand and follow written and verbal instructions, regulations and policies, read and interpret blueprints of water distribution system, service orders, maintenance manuals and other related literature; 
• Maintain and ensure work environment is in alignment and in compliance with the City`s Standard Operating Policies, Safety Policies and other related policies / procedures in regards to safety prevention; works in a safe manner and reports unsafe activities, conditions and faulty equipment; communicate effectively with customers, supervisor, employees, other departments, vendors, and agencies to coordinate work activities, collaborate, exchange information, or resolve problems; lead by example demonstrating City CARE values and promoting teamwork;
• When required, assist administration by answering questions or office phones;
• Position is subject to callback, overtime, weekend/holiday emergency call outs and on-call duty;
• Perform other duties as assigned; 
• Position subject to cross-training in other sections of the Water Division, as deemed necessary. 

Job Specifications:

• High school graduate or equivalent; 
• One (1) year of progressive experience in the water production/treatment, water distribution, and customer service; or, any combination of experience, education sufficient to perform the essential duties of the position.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:

• Basic understanding of water system layout, hydraulic pressure and volume. Have the ability to troubleshoot intermediate system flow and pressure problems; ability to read and interpret maps and plans;
• Basic knowledge of water system infrastructure and equipment. Have the ability to assist and provide general guidance with the installation, maintenance, operation and repair of fire hydrants, water services, blow offs, valves, main lines and other related water system facilities;
• Basic knowledge of pumps, wells, chlorinators and Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) systems; have ability to assist in operation and maintenance of related equipment;
• Basic knowledge of water meter operations, installations, testing and selection; have ability to install, repair, replace, test and troubleshoot water meters and related equipment;
• Basic knowledge of water meter reading and programming equipment; have ability to assist in reading and programing water meters;
• Basic understanding of line locating and one-call rules. Have ability to perform line locations;
• Basic understanding of disinfection processes and equipment including adjustment and maintenance on injection pumps. Have ability to assist and provide general guidance in the troubleshooting and repair of disinfection equipment;
• Basic knowledge of water regulations and water quality sampling. Have ability to monitor water quality and assist with water sampling;
• Basic knowledge of cross connection control and backflow prevention;
• Knowledge of safety standards and procedures, confined space entry, excavation, fire safety, lock out / tag out and trenching, PPE; have ability to identify and perform safe working practices; 
• Knowledge of emergency response procedures and disaster response; have ability follow and execute emergency assistance when called upon;
• Requires excellent public relation skills, work closely with the public and business community;
• Demonstrate excellent self-management qualities; 
• Ability to perform basic mathematical computations to perform dosage formulae, volume equations, pressure calculations, dosage and flow formulae;
• Ability to effectively communicate orally and written with management, supervisors co-workers and the public with respect in a pleasant, professional and courteous manner; 
• Understanding of and basic ability to effectively operate computers, software, line locators, GPS devices and related operating systems/platforms and equipment; 
• Display an attitude of cooperation and the ability to work well with others as a team;
• Ability to effectively communicate orally and written with management, supervisors and co-workers with respect and integrity in a pleasant, professional and courteous manner;
• Must be willing to take classes in related fields to keep skills and knowledge current with industry.

Licensing and Certification:

• Must hold the following State of Idaho licenses:
  • Class I Water Distribution Operators License within one (1) year of hire; 
  • Class I Water Treatment Operators License within eighteen (18) months of hire; 
• Must hold and maintain a valid State of Idaho driver`s license and safe driving record; must obtain and maintain a Class A Commercial Driver`s License within the State of Idaho within eighteen (18) months of hire; 
• Must be Incident Command System (ICS) 100, 200, & 700 certified within one year of hire;
• Must be able to attend and complete all required safety training requirements and certifications which may include but is not limited to: confined space entry, CPR/AED, ICS, fall protection, and flagger/traffic safety.

Work Environment and Physical Demands:

• While performing the duties of this job, the employee regularly works near or on moving mechanical equipment in outside weather conditions. The noise level often in the work environment is sometimes loud;
• Occasionally works in high precarious places and is frequently exposed to wet and/or humid conditions fumes or airborne particles, toxic or caustic chemicals, heavy machinery, vibration and biological hazards;
• Constantly requires driving a motor vehicle or maintenance equipment;
• Occasionally is exposed to risk of electrical shock;
• Routinely requires lifting and moving up to 50 pounds and occasionally lifts and/or moves more than 100 pounds;
• Must be capable of walking, climbing, and bending safely without undo strain.

Travel Requirements:

• Local travel is occasionally required via city vehicle;
• Some in state and out of state travel may be required for training.