Water Distribution Valve Operator

Salt Lake City Corporation
$20 - $26Onsite

About The Position

This is a semi-skilled, preventive maintenance and machine operation position responsible for locating, maintaining, and operating water distribution valves. The role involves physical labor, record-keeping, and interaction with contractors and the public. Persons in this position are subject to callback and overtime.

Requirements

  • High School Diploma or GED equivalent.
  • Ability to interpret maps, charts, plats and similar information, and to operate light vehicles and hydraulic equipment.
  • Ability to lift valve covers and work safely in confined spaces.
  • Ability to deal courteously with the public under stressful situations.
  • Must pass Flagging certification course within 12 months.
  • Ability to operate light vehicles and hydraulic equipment.
  • Possession of a valid driver's license or driving privilege card.

Nice To Haves

  • Experience in water industry or related field.
  • Construction or general maintenance experience.
  • Experience in Wastewater or Stormwater.

Responsibilities

  • Locates valves with electronic location equipment.
  • Uses jackhammer to break out asphalt or concrete.
  • Uses air compressor or vacuum machine to remove mud and debris from valve boxes.
  • Works closely with water distribution and system maintenance employees to ensure proper function and good condition of valves.
  • Makes shutdowns in emergencies or as requested by contractors and engineers.
  • Maintains daily valve reports, which are input into computer data base.
  • Manually, or with the use of a computer operated hydraulic valve operating machine, systematically "exercises" (opens and closes) valves.
  • Uses computer printouts to decide which valves should be run each day.
  • Records conditions and locations of valves and notes any problems on daily computer printout.
  • Initiates work orders for needed repairs, and inspects valves after repairs have been made.
  • Ensures that any valves being run will not shut off flows to any pump station, well station or regulator station.
  • Checks with distribution department before opening system valves.
  • Notifies distribution department anytime 12-inch-or-larger valve must be closed.
  • Conducts system-wide flushing program by properly opening and flushing hydrants and wash-out valves throughout the system.
  • Records conditions and locations of hydrants or wash-out valves and notes any problems and initiates work order for needed repairs.
  • Notifies public when shutdowns will interrupt water services.
  • Cones off street traffic at valve locations.
  • Exercises extreme care and caution in carrying out duties where traffic hazards exist.
  • Uses air detectors to evaluate potential hazards before entering and during work in confined spaces which house valves.
  • Uses maps and locating devices to locate buried valves.
  • Makes accurate measurements of valve locations and posts on a permanent fixture, i.e., telephone poles, curbs, street sign posts.
  • Conducts pressure surveys to determine conditions of feeds throughout the system, by taking pressure readings from fire hydrants and comparing to readings from fire hydrants down the line.
  • Assists water distribution and other crews in performing maintenance and repairs on regulators, valves and other distribution equipment repairs.
  • Trains or assists in the training of new hires.
  • Removes snow from around Public Utilities properties.
  • Cleans with the direction from system operators, distribution tanks and reservoirs.
  • Performs all other duties as required.

Benefits

  • Health Insurance
  • Dental, Vision and Life Insurance
  • Paid vacation and personal leave
  • Six to Twelve weeks of paid parental leave from day 1 of employment
  • Retirement contributions toward a pension plan and/or 401(k)
  • A robust Employee Assistance Plan (EAP)
  • Up to $4,000 tuition reimbursement annually
  • Discounted supplemental benefits like pet insurance and legal services
  • HSA (with $1,000–$2,000 City contribution)
  • Wellness clinic for employees & families
  • 12 vacation days to start
  • 12 paid holidays + 1 personal holiday
  • Up to 80 hours personal leave annually
  • Bonus leave credit for eligible rehires & public sector transfers
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