Utilities Team Member - Sewer Focus

City of Mercer Island • Mercer Island, WA

12d • Onsite

About The Position

The Utilities Team Member operates and maintains the water, sanitary sewer, and storm drainage systems in compliance with applicable federal, state, and local standards. The focus of this position will be the sewer collection system, sewer pump stations, special and regular catch basins, force mains, generators, and SCADA/telemetry equipment. The Utilities Team Member also may be required to operate and maintain pressure reducing valves (PRVs), water mains and services, water valves, water booster pumping stations, water reservoirs, water meters and telemetry, and perform tasks related to water quality, leak detection, utility locating and utility security. Public Works Department employees operate in a team environment and must be able to work and communicate effectively with employees and residents.

Requirements

• High school education or GED
• At least three (3) years’ experience in the construction, mechanical, or electrical trades.
• CDL-B certification with tanker endorsement with current medical certificate or ability to obtain one within first year of employment.
• Washington State certification in first aid, traffic control, and flagging, Confined Space Entry, Shoring and Trench Safety, Pipeline Assessment Certification Program, Water Distribution Manager I and Wastewater Collection Systems Operator are needed within first year of employment.
• Valid WA State Driver’s License with a driving record free from frequent or serious violations.
• A three (3) year driving record abstract must be submitted prior to hire
• Good verbal communication skills in the English language (listening, giving feedback and speaking up) as well as effective interpersonal and customer relation skills are essential in a team environment.
• Legible written communications (directions and memos) is required, along with the ability to perform basic arithmetic calculations.
• Ability to operate a personal computer and utilize computer applications and software including Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel and Outlook 2007) and Geographic Information Services (GIS) layers.
• Knowledge of City codes, specifications and AWWA, Department of Health, & Department of Ecology standards sufficiently to inspect new and/or repaired water system appurtenances, structures, and components.
• Knowledge of operation and service of complex equipment and vehicles used in construction, repair and maintenance such as CCTV and combination jet vactor units
• Ability to operate heavy machinery (for example: backhoe, jetting machine, high velocity sewer cleaner and TV machine) and read design drawings, maps, etc.
• Ability to read blueprints, maps, codes, regulations, as-builts, etc.
• Ability to demonstrate skills in basic hydrology, basic engineering (flows, grades, pressures and interpret pressure zones) and create as-builts (interpret and add new information or updates).
• Ability to practice safety by wearing appropriate protective clothing, using safety equipment, and following good housekeeping and safety procedures.

Responsibilities

• Performs jetting on routine and as-needed basis with high-velocity sewer cleaner and root cutting attachment to clean and clear plugged sewer and storm lines.
• Identifies, assesses, and repairs breaks in sewer lines.
• Checks sewer pump station operation, telemetry, mechanical seals, and generators to ensure proper operation and maintenance.
• Inspects electrical and mechanical functions, lubricates and cleans equipment, removes blockages, repairs safety hazards and maintains generator fuel levels.
• Maintains manholes to improve personal access and eliminate inflow and infiltration by plugging holes, laying new shelf, raising to street grade, and grouting and sealing seams.
• Flushes special sewer catch basins and wet wells, accessible by land and boat, in order to prevent solid debris from going into the lake line.
• Operates SCADA/telemetry equipment for water and sewer to ensure proper operation of reservoir, pump stations and generator systems.
• Performs video inspections with CCTV equipment, locate and record all sewer mains and tees that require maintenance or are scheduled for capital improvements.
• Develops and records an on-going preventative maintenance program.
• Installs, replaces, upsizes, and/or repairs water services, mains, hydrants, PRV’s, pumps, motors, air vacs, blow off assemblies and other water and sewer system apparatus to meet City specifications and standards.
• Determines and adjusts daily water flows to maintain reservoir level, water quality, and meet water system demands.
• Maintains hydrants annually to ensure proper operation.
• Clears vegetation and cleans, paints, and records system pressures at the hydrants as needed.
• Adjusts and/or modifies pressure reducing valves for proper operation and maintenance.
• Inspects and replaces worn pressure reducing parts, clean up the inside of underground vaults and brush surrounding grounds.
• Inspects reservoir for proper operation of pumps and electrical apparatuses and inspect grounds for security. This includes maintaining recorders, and telemetry, obtaining readings for usage data, and performing chemical analysis for water quality.
• Determines need to repair or replace water meters based on inspection or field-testing.
• Replaces meter and/or take faulty meter into shop for repair, further testing or salvage
• Inventories and maps location of air vacs, blow offs and gate valves for proper functioning and accessibility.
• Investigates and performs routine testing and/or annual or necessary flushing of water mains to ensure a high level of water quality of the public water system.
• Coordinates repairs to existing installations of hydrants, water mains and other water and sewer system apparatus to meet City specifications, codes and AWWA standards.
• Ability to drive a City vehicle.
• Must have regular and predictable work attendance to fulfill the essential functions of the job.
• Other duties as required.

Benefits

• Drug and alcohol testing may be waived for job candidates if records are made available by another employer who tested the candidate in the last 6 months.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: High school or GED