Wastewater Operator I

Liberty Utilities•Goodyear, AZ

About The Position

The Wastewater Operator I performs semi-skilled to skilled work maintaining and operating water and wastewater infrastructure and facilities. Work includes water wells, chemical feeder equipment, pumps, motors, telemetry sensory equipment, treated water storage facilities, water distribution pipelines, sanitary sewers, pumping equipment, and water and wastewater treatment plant equipment and operations. The position performs moderate to difficult technical and mechanical work in the operation and maintenance of treatment and conveyance facilities. The operator may occasionally direct peers or other employees in routine work but has no supervisory responsibility. The role follows company safety policies and applicable OHSA regulations, responds to operational emergencies as needed, assists customers with water quality, delivery, odor, vector-control, and treatment concerns, and provides technical or physical support to operations staff, contractors, and developers. Site-specific training, on-call work, and shifts that may include nights and weekends may be required. In wastewater collection, the operator helps improve processes and use of utility resources, maintains communication with internal and external customers, follows safety and regulatory requirements, and prepares required records and reports. The role performs routine and emergency operational, maintenance, construction, and repair work on collection infrastructure and equipment, including VAC trucks and CCTV. Duties also include inspecting collection infrastructure, lift stations, aquifer recharge facilities, and equipment; recording readings; adjusting equipment and controls; maintaining lift stations; collecting samples; conducting fats, oils, and grease inspections and industrial pretreatment activities; and locating and marking utilities. The operator may perform other assigned duties. The position requires practical technical knowledge of utility systems, wells, pumps, motors, chlorine generators, plumbing principles, and utility-improvement materials and methods. Employees generally work from general instructions, using analytical judgment and some discretion, with work involving discretion typically reviewed before finalization. Arizona locations require an ADEQ Grade I Operator License in the relevant area of concentration. A valid state driver’s license is required; a CDL with appropriate classification or endorsements may also be required.

Requirements

Ability to read maps, manuals, work orders, and blueprints.
Ability to perform general mathematical calculations and apply common water calculations.
Ability to write work orders, memos, letters, and reports and maintain accurate daily records.
Ability to complete repairs and tasks in a timely manner.
Ability to work closely with coworkers and follow instructions for regular system maintenance.
Specialized knowledge of wells, pumps, motors, and chlorine generators.
Knowledge of plumbing principles and the ability to complete system repairs or make decisions regarding repairs.
A high degree of knowledge of plumbing materials and methods as related to utility improvements.
Appropriate certification is required.
For Arizona locations, an ADEQ Grade I Operator License in the applicable concentration, such as wastewater treatment, water distribution, collections, or water treatment, is required.
A valid state driver’s license is required.
A CDL with appropriate classification or endorsements may be required.

Responsibilities

Maintain and operate water and wastewater infrastructure, treatment facilities, conveyance facilities, and related equipment.
Perform routine and emergency operational, maintenance, construction, and repair work on wastewater collection infrastructure and equipment, including VAC trucks and CCTV.
Inspect wastewater collection infrastructure, lift stations, aquifer recharge facilities, and related equipment; record readings and maintain required records and reports.
Adjust equipment and operational controls to regulate system flow, maximize lift-station efficiency, protect public health, and maintain system stability.
Obtain samples and conduct fats, oils, and grease sewer inspections to assess compliance with company standards; maintain industrial pretreatment as required by regulations and company standards.
Identify and mark utility locations using plans, archives, field measurements, line tracing, and markers such as paint, flags, or stakes.
Follow applicable safety standards, policies, procedures, and regulatory requirements, and prepare and submit required records and reports.
Communicate operational updates and important developments to the immediate supervisor and maintain communication with coworkers, contractors, residents, and other utility departments.
Assist customers with concerns related to water quality, delivery, odors, vector control, and treatment.
Provide technical or physical assistance to operations personnel, contractors, and developers; may provide routine direction to coworkers in the absence of a Senior Operator or Supervisor.
Respond to operational emergencies as needed and perform on-call or shift work, potentially including nights and weekends.
Work cooperatively to improve processes, reduce turnaround times, and use utility resources efficiently and cost-effectively.
Perform other duties as assigned.