Water Production Operator

City of Las Cruces•Las Cruces, NM

About The Position

The Water Production Operator operates, maintains, and troubleshoots potable water production equipment and City of Las Cruces water systems, including the Griggs Walnut Water Treatment Plant (GWTP). The position monitors wells, booster stations, reservoirs, pumps, motors, valves, tanks, and chemical systems; maintains chlorine and polyphosphate systems; records operational data; and helps ensure compliance with state and federal regulations. The operator also responds to customer concerns, supports emergency coverage, trains workers, provides tours, and uses SCADA to control, monitor, and retrieve data from the City's water systems. This is a full-time, regular, non-exempt, union-represented position. Regular attendance is essential. The position is subject to drug testing under applicable regulations and City policies.

Requirements

Associate degree in Water Technology and four years of experience in water system operations; a combination of education, experience, and training may be applied under City policy.
Valid Class B commercial driver's license with hazardous materials endorsement.
Acceptable driving record under City of Las Cruces policies.
New Mexico Water Level IV Water Certification.
Obtain HAZWOPER certification within 12 months of hire.
Obtain NMDOT Supervisor Traffic Control certification within 18 months of hire.
Ability to use a self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA), work in confined spaces, and pass an annual confined-space physical.
Knowledge of water wells, booster pumps, pressure-sensitive and regulating valves, applicable state, EPA, and OSHA regulations, recordkeeping, safety practices, customer service, and problem resolution.
Ability to read blueprints and technical material; prepare technical writing and reports; maintain accurate records; operate computers and relevant software; and safely operate related tools, equipment, and motorized vehicles.
Ability to respond effectively to emergencies, manage competing tasks and deadlines, communicate effectively, and work independently or as part of a team.

Responsibilities

Operate, maintain, and troubleshoot potable water production equipment, including pumps, motors, gas chlorinators, valves, water tanks, and related plumbing.
Operate, maintain, and troubleshoot the Griggs Walnut Water Treatment Plant.
Maintain and operate chlorine and polyphosphate chemical systems at the treatment plant and water wells.
Conduct daily rounds of assigned wells, booster stations, and reservoirs; measure and record flow, pressure, chlorine dosages, gallons pumped, and well operating hours.
Monitor, troubleshoot, maintain, and repair chemical sites and water system equipment.
Diagnose operational problems, make corrective adjustments or recommendations, and assist in determining equipment or system failures and repair procedures.
Repair and maintain gas chlorinators, check chlorine residuals throughout the distribution system, and change and deliver chlorine cylinders.
Check, repair, and perform preventive maintenance on pressure-reducing and pressure-sustaining valves; manipulate valves to move water between zones or support tank levels as needed.
Collect water samples for the City's laboratory; mix chemicals; paint well plumbing components; pick up or deliver parts; and clean pump houses, plumbing, and system equipment.
Maintain accurate operational records and use SCADA to retrieve water data for state and federal records and reporting.
Provide guided and educational tours at wells, tanks, and booster stations for City officials, staff, and members of the public.
Respond to customer complaints regarding water problems, serve as rotating emergency standby, and train workers in water production operations.
Promote traffic, public, and crew safety and follow applicable safety regulations and procedures.