Public Utilities Operator I

Allendale, Township of•Allendale, MI

2d•Onsite

About The Position

Allendale Charter Township is hiring a full-time Public Utilities Operator I to perform operation, maintenance, and repair tasks involving equipment and machinery in the Water Distribution System and Water Resource Recovery Facility. The position works with a team of approximately 5–8 public utilities employees at the plant in Allendale, Michigan, and at offsite locations as needed. Within prescribed limits, operational and laboratory work is performed with considerable independence and without close supervision. Licensing is available through the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy. The regular schedule is 7:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., with required overtime for a rotating weekend shift and on-call emergency responsibilities. Employees must live within a 25-mile radius of Allendale Charter Township facilities for on-call duties. Work is generally outdoors in all weather conditions. The role requires the ability to operate maintenance equipment, use hand tools, and lift and carry up to 50 pounds. Minimal travel may be required for conferences and training seminars. The Township offers hourly wage increases for employees who obtain specified Michigan water distribution or wastewater treatment operator certifications. Employment is at will. A job offer may be contingent on successful completion of a medical examination and appropriate background checks, which may include providing body substance samples.

Requirements

At least two years of college credit, including math, biology, and chemistry courses with a lab component, or equivalent.
Valid Michigan motor vehicle operator’s license.
Obtain a Michigan S-4 Water Distribution Certificate and Michigan Wastewater Treatment Operator Class D Certificate through the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy within five years of hire.
Ability to use computers, with working knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite.
Ability to work independently and comprehend blueprints.
Ability to follow safety procedures.
Ability to communicate effectively by telephone, text, and in public settings.
Good powers of observation and mechanical aptitude.
Basic reading and writing skills, including knowledge of spelling, punctuation, and grammar.
Ability to collaborate and communicate with other employees, and to apply logic, intuition, analysis, research, organization, and judgment.
Desire to continue learning wastewater treatment and water distribution principles.
Ability to operate equipment used in facility maintenance, use hand tools, and lift and carry 50 pounds.
Willingness to work outdoors in all weather conditions, work required overtime, and participate in rotating weekend and on-call schedules.
Must live within 25 miles of Allendale Charter Township facilities for on-call responsibilities.

Nice To Haves

Previous public utility experience is desired.

Responsibilities

Operate public utilities systems and maintain motors, pumps, treatment systems, vehicles, and equipment at the water resource recovery facility, collection system, and distribution system.
Collect samples and perform laboratory analysis, calculations, and recordkeeping.
Operate and maintain meter stations, lift stations, water storage tanks, mains, and services.
Inspect and assist with repairs to drinking water and sewerage transmission mains and services.
Perform general maintenance of the facility and grounds.
Work a rotating weekend schedule and be on call for emergencies.
Install and repair water meters, exercise and flush hydrants, and exercise valves.
Read water meters and work variable hours for water meter retrofitting.
Communicate equipment and sample status to the Public Utilities team.
Monitor a control station, levels, and other instruments, making necessary adjustments through a Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) interface.