Sewer and Water Operator

Grand Traverse County Michigan•Bedford, MA

2d•Onsite

About The Position

The primary function of this job is to operate, repair, and maintain water distribution systems, pump stations, and sewer collection systems. Employees work as part of a team and are responsible for ensuring that the team meets its objectives. Employees must meet the minimum requirements, conditions of employment, and be able to successfully perform all essential duties and responsibilities with or without reasonable accommodations. Overtime may be required to complete the task within a specific time frame or in an emergency.

Requirements

High School Diploma or G.E.D., and completion of an approved certified technical training program
Six months experience in sewer and water system operation/maintenance preferred
Directly related education and training may substitute for experience if there is demonstrated knowledge, ability, and skills to perform the work
Possess and maintain a valid Michigan Operators License with CDL, Class B, including a tank truck and air brake endorsement within three months of employment, and must maintain eligibility to drive as per the County's Vehicle policy and the Michigan Department of Transportation regulations. Must be obtained no later than 12 months after hire.
D-4 Limited Treatment License issued by the State of Michigan and must be obtained within two years of employment
S-4 Distribution License issued by the State of Michigan and must be obtained within two years of employment.
A background check may be required initially and periodically for an individual hired, transferred, reclassified, promoted, or currently working in this job. Appointment to or continued employment in this job is contingent upon a satisfactory background check which may include but is not limited to: confirmation of a persons’ identity; review of criminal conviction records; verification of educational degree, license, or certificate required for the position; review of Department of Motor Vehicles records; Department of Justice fingerprint scan; and/or drug and alcohol testing as required and allowable by law. A satisfactory background check is defined as the absence of a criminal history record which bears a demonstrable relationship to the applicant's or employee's suitability to perform the required duties and responsibilities of the position.
May be required to serve in an “on-call” capacity
Proficiency in English grammar, spelling, punctuation, and simple mathematical functions such as addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, percentages, ratios, etc.
Knowledge of the proper industrial safety practices with special regard to gaseous manholes working below grade or in confined places, high voltage areas and/or areas involving heat, offensive odors and dampness, including the practical application of first aid techniques
Knowledge of practices and procedures governing the construction and maintenance of sanitary sewers, sewage pump stations, water pumping facilities, water mains, and related facilities
Skill in performing on-site inspections
Interpersonal skills necessary to develop and maintain effective and appropriate working relationships with customers, co-workers, and representatives of other agencies
Must be able to work under adverse conditions, such as small spaces, deep underground or climbing water towers, and in human sewage
Ability to read and interpret plans, diagrams, drawings, prints, schematics, etc.
Ability to work under pressure during an emergency
Ability to work independently
Ability to think analytically and apply sound judgment, solve problems, make effective decisions, and act with integrity
Ability to use sound judgment to detect unusual, harmful, or emergency situations and act accordingly
Ability to comprehend, process and apply both verbal and written skills appropriate to the job
Ability to consistently demonstrate sound ethics and judgment
Ability to maintain the confidentiality of information and professional boundaries
Ability to use County resources effectively and efficiently

Responsibilities

Locates and marks existing underground water and sewer pipelines, service leads, valves, and manholes.
Installs, services, repairs, and tests water meters.
Operates, installs, repairs, and maintains water services, which includes: activating service; repairing valve boxes; tapping water mains; checking water stations; inspecting the work of contractors; monitoring chlorine residuals; collecting bacteria samples; preparing lead sheets; checking sewer stations; inspecting sewer lines, grease traps, and manholes; repairing manholes; and, performing other related activities.
Repairs hydrants, water mains, and water service lines.
Inspects cross connections in homes and businesses to identify potable water lines incorrectly plumbed to mitigate the possibility of pollutants entering the water distribution system.
Cleans sewer wet wells, repairs broken sewer lines, and jets and vectors plugged sewer lines.
Inspects and cleans sewers and wet wells.
Operates portable generators, gate valves and other applicable equipment.
Oversees the work of contractors involved in excavating near public water and sewer utilities.
Maintains records, logs, and related items associated with daily activities, such as as-built drawings and work orders.
Monitors and maintains appropriate levels of supplies and materials in support of unit operations and activities.
Provides comprehensive customer service, including delivery of accurate, prompt, and courteous assistance on complex policies, guidelines, and standard practices to internal and external customers, both verbally and in writing.

Benefits

Medical: The County offers employees a high-deductible plan through Priority Health. To help cover the cost of the deductible, Grand Traverse County will deposit a contribution amount up to $2,000 into an employee Health Savings Account every year. You may also direct deposit funds into this account every pay period.
Vision: The County provides a no cost plan for employees. We also offer an enhanced plan through EyeMed.
Dental: Our dental insurance provider is Delta Dental. You will pay no costs or premium for diagnostic and cleaning services.
Wellness: Grand Traverse County is committed to creating a culture of health. We provide a variety of incentives and programs that allow you to live a healthy lifestyle.
Employee Recognition: We highly value our employees, which we show by providing our employees awards and recognition throughout the year, and on anniversary dates.
Tuition Reimbursement: Employees are reimbursed up to $5,250 annually for enrollment in courses at an accredited college, university, or trade school.
Vacation: Grand Traverse County provides a generous amount of vacation days to benefitted employees so you can spend time with family and friends.
Holidays: The County gives you 12 days a year to celebrate holidays. Beyond these 12 days, you will receive additional floating holidays to use at your discretion.
Personal Leave: Employees receive up to 72 hours annually depending on contract, to use for appointments, take care of family needs and other personal reasons. Employees are paid every year for unused personal leave up to 40 hours.
Parental Leave: Employees may take up to 6 months of leave to begin at birth or date of adoption of their child.
Retirement: Grand Traverse County offers a defined contribution through MERS. The plan includes a generous match that fully vests after 6 years of employment.
457(b) Retirement Plans: The County also offers optional 457(b) deferred compensation and Roth retirement plans with matching contributions up to an approved amount, based on applicable contract provisions.
Life Insurance: Benefitted employees automatically receive life insurance.
Short Term Disability: The County provides a plan through Mutual of Omaha, which pays two thirds of your salary or wages for a maximum of 182 days.
Long Term Disability: The County provides a plan through Mutual of Omaha, which pays 60 percent of your salary or wages for a maximum of 24 months.