Utility Operator II

Grays Harbor County•Pacific Beach, WA

5d•Onsite

About The Position

The Utility Operator II performs skilled operational and maintenance tasks for water and wastewater systems. Duties vary according to workload and may include operating and inspecting treatment plant and pump station equipment, water quality monitoring and laboratory testing, sludge dewatering and hauling, utility construction and repairs, meter installation and maintenance, valve work, chemical-feed adjustments, and building and equipment maintenance. The position may also perform duties normally associated with positions at or below this classification as workload and staffing require. This is an Essential Personnel position. The employee may be called to work during weather closures and emergencies, serves in a rotating on-call capacity, and responds to urgent system problems. The role assists Lead Operators with construction, maintenance, and operation of utility systems and performs work requiring less technical education, experience, and professional certification than Lead Operator positions. Work takes place in offices and field locations, often for extended periods in dirty or uncomfortable conditions and in all types of weather. The employee must reside within a 60-minute response time of the Pacific Beach duty station. Work may involve confined spaces, hazardous gases and other exposures, lifting and carrying up to 50 pounds, travel between facilities, wearing protective equipment, working alone, and evening or weekend hours.

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, and Defensive Driving certifications.
Required Washington State Wastewater Operator Certification, Group I.
Required Washington State Water Distribution Manager, Level I.
Required Washington State Water Treatment Operator, Level I.
Required Washington State Class A Commercial Driver’s License with tanker endorsement.
Knowledge of and ability to use manual and power hand tools.
Knowledge of federal, state, and local environmental regulations applicable to water and wastewater, and knowledge of County policies and procedures.
Ability to train and direct other employees’ work in the assigned skill area.
Ability to operate and maintain water and wastewater facilities and equipment, and rebuild and maintain pumps.
Ability to perform standard process controls and testing methods used in water and wastewater treatment.
Ability to interpret complex technical data, calculate algebraic equations for process control and performance measures, analyze data, diagnose equipment malfunctions, take corrective action, and make recommendations.
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with coworkers and supervisors, and work courteously and effectively with governmental agencies and the public.
Ability to communicate effectively verbally and in writing, work independently, organize workload, and maintain accurate records.
Ability to reside within a 60-minute response time of the Pacific Beach duty station.
Ability to meet the physical requirements of the position, including climbing, balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, reaching, standing, mobility, pushing, pulling, lifting, fingering, grasping, feeling, talking, hearing, seeing, repetitive motion, and digging.
Ability to work in confined spaces and potentially be exposed to hazardous gases, chemicals, raw sewage, dust, smoke, and fumes; lift and carry up to 50 pounds; and wear required protective equipment.

Nice To Haves

Washington State Wastewater Operator Certification, Group II.
Washington State Water Distribution Manager, Level II.

Responsibilities

Operate, inspect, and adjust motors, aerators, clarifiers, pumps, belt presses, blowers, chemical tanks, and related mechanical equipment.
Monitor water quality, maintain records, and take follow-up action as needed to comply with state and federal drinking water requirements.
Monitor and record operational data and report problems to a supervisor.
Clean and paint buildings, equipment, and grounds, and perform minor maintenance.
Assist Lead Operators with construction, rebuilding, and maintenance of water and wastewater systems.
Read, install, maintain, and test water meters.
Collect samples; calibrate meters; perform laboratory tests; clean laboratory apparatus; record data for monitoring and process-control reports; and share results for process-control changes.
Operate, monitor, and adjust sludge feed pumps, gravity belt thickener, and polymer systems; dewater sludge and haul it off-site for disposal.
Diagnose problems with and rebuild grinder pumps.
Determine utility-line locations using appropriate sources before excavation.
Follow safety regulations, emergency procedures, and departmental policies and plans.
Assist other operators to ensure work is performed efficiently and accurately in accordance with applicable guidelines, procedures, and regulations.
Operate heavy equipment; clean and check equipment and tools after use; and perform routine inspections and preventive maintenance on assigned equipment.
Attend training to maintain licenses and stay informed about regulations and technologies.
Provide status updates and report problems and recommendations to the Chief Operator.
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, and other malfunctions.
Perform other duties and projects assigned by the Chief Operator.