Utilities Operator I

City of Altoona•Altoona, IA

6d•$26 - $34•Onsite

About The Position

Under the general supervision of the Utility Supervisor, this position performs and participates in semi-skilled work related to the operations and maintenance of Municipal Utilities facilities, including the water production, water distribution system, and sewer collection system. The role involves assisting with operations, maintenance, and repairs, recording data, identifying potential problems, assisting the public, completing routine maintenance and minor repairs, operating department equipment, responding to emergencies, and performing utility locating. The position also requires performing basic field tests, obtaining water samples, and assisting other city departments as directed.

Requirements

High School Diploma or equivalent GED.
Three (3) year of combined experience in the operation and maintenance of a water distribution system, a sewer collection system, or a water treatment facility; OR possess an equivalent amount of education and experience recognized by the Iowa Department of Natural Resources.
Ability to work independently with intermittent direct supervision.
Effective oral and written communication skills.
Effective interpersonal communication and listening skills including, but not limited to: tact, diplomacy and professionalism when dealing with members of the public and staff.
Ability to understand and carry out oral and written instructions.
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with other employees and the general public.
Problem-solving ability appropriate to the work activities.
Ability to perform routine mathematical computations accurately.
Ability to perform manual labor for extended periods of time often in inclement weather, confined spaces, and/or heights.
Perform job functions adhering to safety guidelines and policies set for by the administration and/or supervisor.
Knowledge of local, state and federal requirements for water treatment, water distribution, waste water collections, and storm water control.
Knowledge of water treatment, water distribution, waste water collections and storm water processes and facilities used by utility.
Valid Iowa Driver’s license
Required to obtain a Commercial Driver’s license within six (6) months of employment.
Required to possess a Grade 1 operator’s certificate issued by the State of Iowa in Water Treatment, Water Distribution, and Waste Water within first year of employment.
Within the first three (3) months of employment with the city, establish residency within an area which takes forty-five (45) minutes or less to drive to the department maintenance facility.
Successful applicant will be required to complete a background check and pass a medical examination which includes a drug and alcohol screening prior to beginning work.

Responsibilities

Assist other personnel as directed in the operation, maintenance, and repairs of the Municipal Utilities facilities, water distribution system, and sewer collection system.
Record readings from meters, gauges, lab data, and related controls and equipment to maintain proper pumping rates, flows, and treatment processes.
Recognize and evaluate potential operational or mechanical problems and advise operational staff and supervisor.
Assist the public with complaints, inquiries, and problems, and taking the appropriate actions necessary to correct them and advise the Utility Supervisor or Public Utilities Director when needed.
Complete routine maintenance and minor repairs of storm sewers, water mains, sanitary sewers, water treatment plants, waste water lift stations, pump stations, vehicles and equipment, including general cleaning, etc.
Assist with operation of department equipment, such as: JetVac, camera van, valve and hydrant exercise equipment.
Respond to water main breaks; water and sewer service calls; and other emergencies as directed.
Utility locating of all city-owned infrastructures including, but not limited to: water, sewer, storm sewer, fiber and traffic signals.
Perform basic field tests.
Obtain various water samples.
Assist other city departments as directed.
May perform other duties as assigned.