Lead Water Operator

Grays Harbor County•Pacific Beach, WA

About The Position

The Lead Water Operator coordinates and performs operational and maintenance work for the water utility system. The incumbent may serve as operator in responsible charge of the water utility system and cross connection control program when the Water Chief Operator is absent. Work varies with daily priorities and may include water quality monitoring; water piping and repairs; hydrant and standpipe repairs; water meter installation, maintenance, and testing; valve work; pump and pumphouse maintenance; and water storage tank maintenance. Depending on workload and staffing, the employee may perform duties normally assigned to positions within or below this classification. This is an essential personnel position and may be called upon to work during weather closures and emergencies. The role provides training and leadership, analyzes program effectiveness and recommends changes, and assists with developing short- and long-range goals and measures. The position supervises technical staff assigned to projects within its scope of responsibility. Work takes place both in an office and in the field, often for extended periods in dirty or uncomfortable conditions and in all weather and temperature conditions. The employee must reside within 60 minutes of the Pacific Beach duty station. Duties may involve lifting and carrying up to 50 pounds, working in confined spaces, exposure to hazardous gases, chemicals, raw sewage, dust, smoke, and fumes, wearing protective equipment, working alone, and extensive travel to facilities. The employee may be on call for emergencies 24 hours a day and may work evenings and weekends.

Requirements

High school diploma or GED equivalent.
Experience, education, or an equivalent combination that satisfies the position's knowledge, skills, and abilities.
Ability to pass a medical evaluation establishing fitness to use a respirator.
Ability to obtain and maintain First Aid, CPR, and Defensive Driving certifications.
Washington State Water Treatment Operator Level I certification.
Washington State Cross Connect Specialist Level I certification within 12 months of employment.
Washington State Water Distribution Manager Level II certification.
Washington State Class A Commercial Driver's License with tanker endorsement.
Knowledge of and ability to use manual and power hand tools.
Knowledge of federal, state, and local environmental regulations applicable to public health practices and water industry standards, and knowledge of County policies and procedures.
Ability to train and direct other employees' work activities in the assigned skill area.
Ability to operate and maintain water system facilities and equipment, and rebuild and maintain pumps.
Ability to perform standard testing methods used in water facilities.
Ability to interpret complex technical data, calculate algebraic equations for process control and performance measures, analyze data, diagnose equipment malfunctions, take corrective action, and recommend plans of action.
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with coworkers and supervisors and work courteously with governmental agencies and the public.
Ability to communicate effectively verbally and in writing, work independently, organize workload, and maintain accurate records.
Ability to meet the residency requirement of living within 60 minutes of the Pacific Beach duty station.
Ability to meet the physical and working-condition demands of the position, including potential lifting and carrying up to 50 pounds, confined-space work, exposure to hazardous materials, and use of required protective equipment.

Nice To Haves

Washington State Backflow Assembly Tester (BAT) certification.

Responsibilities

Perform functions necessary for successful public water system operation in accordance with public health practices and water industry standards.
Monitor water quality, maintain records, and take follow-up action to meet state and federal drinking water requirements.
Perform cross connection control program work, maintain records, and take follow-up action to meet state and federal drinking water requirements.
Read, install, maintain, and test water meters.
Perform utility hookups for new construction and assist with estimates for residential and commercial hookups and improvements.
Install, maintain, and repair pumps, valves, hydrants, reservoirs, and other water system components.
Determine water line locations from appropriate sources before excavation.
Cut, fit, lay, repair, tap, clean, and flush water mains, pipes, gates, and fittings for main and service repairs and installations.
Assist in shutting off broken sections of water mains and shut off customer water service when required.
Maintain grounds and buildings; order parts; and inventory parts, tools, and facilities.
Operate heavy equipment and clean, check, inspect, and perform preventative maintenance on assigned equipment and tools.
Prepare reports, standard operating procedures, manuals, and other assigned documents.
Attend training to maintain licenses and stay informed about regulations and technologies.
Provide status updates, report problems, and make recommendations to the Water Chief Operator.
Serve in a rotating on-call capacity, follow emergency call-out and customer contact procedures, and respond to urgent system problems.
Train and provide leadership to staff, analyze program effectiveness, recommend changes, assist with goals and measurements, and supervise technical staff assigned to projects.
Perform other duties and projects as assigned by the Water Chief Operator.