Utility Operator I

Grays Harbor County•Pacific Beach, WA

About The Position

The Utility Operator I performs entry-level operations, water quality analysis, and maintenance tasks for water and wastewater systems. Work is assigned according to day-to-day priorities and can include plant and pump station checks, chemical-feed adjustments, equipment and facility cleaning, water quality monitoring, water meter installation, maintenance and reading, and maintenance of buildings, grounds, and equipment. The employee participates in training and skills development. This position is not classified as Essential Personnel. The role assists higher-classification personnel with operating and maintaining water and wastewater systems and with construction and maintenance of treatment, collection, and distribution facilities. It involves operating valves, gates, motors, pumps, engines, generators, and heavy equipment; collecting samples and conducting routine laboratory analysis; maintaining operational records; and reporting problems to a supervisor. The employee may serve in a rotating on-call capacity and respond to emergencies. Other duties may be assigned by Chief Operators. Work takes place in both office and field settings, often for extended periods in dirty or uncomfortable conditions and in varied weather and temperatures. The position requires residence within a 60-minute response time of the Pacific Beach duty station and extensive travel to facilities during the workday. The employee may work alone, in confined spaces, and around hazardous gases, chemicals, raw sewage, dust, smoke, and fumes; may need to wear protective equipment; and may lift and carry up to 50 pounds. Emergency on-call duty may be required 24 hours a day, including evening and weekend work. Minimum qualifications include a high school diploma or GED and experience, education, or an equivalent combination that satisfies the position’s knowledge, skills, and abilities. Candidates must be able to pass a medical evaluation for respirator use and obtain and maintain First Aid, CPR, Defensive Driving, and the required operator certifications. A valid Washington State driver’s license without serious or frequent violations is required. A Class A CDL with tanker endorsement is highly desirable. Washington State Wastewater Operator Certification Group I, Water Distribution Manager Level I, and Water Treatment Operator Level I must be obtained within 24 months of employment.

Requirements

High school diploma or GED equivalent.
Experience, education, or an equivalent combination that satisfies the position’s knowledge, skills, and abilities.
Ability to pass a medical evaluation establishing fitness to use a respirator.
Ability to obtain and maintain First Aid, CPR, Defensive Driving, and required position certifications.
Valid Washington State driver’s license with no serious or frequent violations.
Obtain Washington State Wastewater Operator Certification Group I within 24 months of employment.
Obtain Washington State Water Distribution Manager Level I within 24 months of employment.
Obtain Washington State Water Treatment Operator Level I within 24 months of employment.
Knowledge of and ability to use manual and power hand tools.
Ability to comprehend federal, state, and local environmental regulations applicable to wastewater, as well as County policies and procedures.
Ability to operate and maintain wastewater treatment facilities and equipment, rebuild and maintain grinder pumps, and perform standard wastewater treatment process controls and testing methods.
Ability to analyze data, diagnose equipment malfunctions, reach conclusions, take corrective action, or recommend plans of action.
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with coworkers and supervisors and work effectively and courteously with governmental agencies and the public.
Ability to communicate effectively verbally and in writing, work independently, organize workload, and maintain accurate records.
Ability to perform the listed physical activities, including climbing, balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, reaching, standing, mobility, pushing, pulling, lifting, fingering, grasping, feeling, talking, hearing, seeing, repetitive motion, and digging.
Must reside within a 60-minute response time of the Pacific Beach duty station.
May need to lift and carry up to 50 pounds, work in confined spaces, and work around hazardous gases, chemicals, raw sewage, dust, smoke, and fumes.

Nice To Haves

Class A CDL with tanker endorsement.

Responsibilities

Assist higher-classification personnel in operating and maintaining motors, pumps, and related water and wastewater system equipment.
Operate valves and gates and start or stop motors, pumps, engines, and generators as directed to control flow and treatment processes.
Hose down and clean tanks, equipment, and structures.
Repair and rebuild grinder pumps.
Clean and paint buildings, equipment, and grounds and perform minor maintenance.
Collect samples and perform routine laboratory analysis.
Assist higher-classification personnel with construction, rebuilding, and maintenance of the wastewater treatment plant, wastewater collection system, and water distribution system.
Monitor and record operational data and report problems to a supervisor.
Operate heavy equipment; clean and check tools and equipment after use; perform routine inspections and preventative maintenance on assigned equipment.
Attend training to work toward required licenses and stay informed about regulations and technologies.
May serve in a rotating on-call capacity, follow emergency call-out and customer-contact procedures, and respond to emergencies such as broken pipes, equipment failures, or other malfunctions.
Perform other duties and projects as assigned by the Chief Operators.