Utilities Operator I / II

Thurston County•Olympia, WA

23h

About The Position

Thurston County Public Works is currently recruiting for one (1) Utilities Operator to join our dynamic, energetic, and innovative Water Resources team. Depending upon qualifications, the successful applicant will be placed either as a Utilities Operator I or Utilities Operator II. Essential functions may include, but are not limited to, the following: Assists in the operation of County utility systems including wastewater treatment plants, well heads, water distribution systems, reservoirs, water treatment facilities, sewer STEP tanks, sewer collection systems, community drain fields and other systems, ensuring compliance with local, state and federal environmental protection and health standards. Performs troubleshooting and general maintenance on pumps, motors, valves, pipes, tools, electrical/mechanical components and a variety of other equipment. Inspects utilities related construction projects for compliance with County development standards. Collects samples, performs laboratory tests, and records data to support regulatory compliance and operational needs. Serve on an on-call rotation to facilitate 24-hour response to emergency conditions within the County’s utility service areas. May respond to emergencies such as broken pipes, equipment failures or other malfunctions requiring immediate attention. Utilize various software tools including email, spreadsheets, SCADA software, and asset management software to communicate information, record data, and monitor various processes. Performs other duties as assigned. Essential Personnel: This position is considered to be an essential worker and may be required to work during non-business hours or closures in order to meet operational requirements and needs, such as maintaining utility system operation during extreme weather events or other upset conditions. WORKING CONDITIONS: Work Environment - Utilities Operators will spend most of their day at one of the County’s sewer treatment facilities and in the field. Schedule - This position will initially work a 9/80 schedule. In the future, the schedule may shift to a 4/10 or 9/80 schedule which may include weekend work. Travel Requirements - Occasional travel may be required to attend meetings or trainings and perform field work. Customer Interactions - Interacts in-person and via telephone with utility customers.

Requirements

High School Diploma/GED.
Must have and maintain valid Washington State Driver's License.
Must be able to operate a computer and applicable software to perform essential job functions of the position.
First Aid/CPR Certification (or one obtained within six (6) months of hire date).
Must complete county-provided trainings to include lock-out/tag-out procedures, confined space entry procedures, forklift operation, crane operation, and other certifications as required.
Utilities Operator I: Six (6) months experience relating to millwright, mechanical, plant maintenance, utility installation/construction, water treatment or collection, or other equivalent experience.
Utilities Operator I: Three (3) year limit at this level unless approved by Department Director.
Utilities Operator I: Maintenance of certifications is required; loss of certifications may result in loss of associated certification pay, and/or termination.
Utilities Operator II: Six (6) months experience relating to millwright, mechanical, plant maintenance, utility installation/construction, water treatment or collection, or other equivalent experience.
Utilities Operator II: Possession and maintenance of the following certifications: Water Distribution Manager (WDM) Level 1, Cross Connection Control Specialist (CCS), Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator (WWTPO) Group 2 with demonstrated and supervisor-documented ability to independently operate the Tamoshan and Olympic View wastewater and water system locations.
Utilities Operator II: Five (5) year limit at this level unless approved by Department Director.
Utilities Operator II: Maintenance of certifications is required; loss of certifications may result in loss of associated certification pay, demotion, and/or termination.

Nice To Haves

Knowledge of water distribution system operations and processes.
Knowledge of wastewater treatment facility and sewer collection operations and processes.
Knowledge of cross connection control.
Ability to utilize technical manuals, regulations, wiring diagrams, blueprints, and operating manuals.
Ability to perform troubleshooting and maintenance on a wide variety of pumps, motors, valves, pipes, tools, and electrical, mechanical and electronic equipment.
Ability to perform basic electrical wiring and carpentry.

Responsibilities

Assists in the operation of County utility systems including wastewater treatment plants, well heads, water distribution systems, reservoirs, water treatment facilities, sewer STEP tanks, sewer collection systems, community drain fields and other systems, ensuring compliance with local, state and federal environmental protection and health standards.
Performs troubleshooting and general maintenance on pumps, motors, valves, pipes, tools, electrical/mechanical components and a variety of other equipment.
Inspects utilities related construction projects for compliance with County development standards.
Collects samples, performs laboratory tests, and records data to support regulatory compliance and operational needs.
Serve on an on-call rotation to facilitate 24-hour response to emergency conditions within the County’s utility service areas. May respond to emergencies such as broken pipes, equipment failures or other malfunctions requiring immediate attention.
Utilize various software tools including email, spreadsheets, SCADA software, and asset management software to communicate information, record data, and monitor various processes.
Performs other duties as assigned.