Water System Operator WDMI/WTMI

Nisqually Indian Tribe•Olympia, WA

5d•Onsite

About The Position

Under direct supervision of the Water Systems Specialist, the Water System Operator performs the full range of operations and maintenance for the Nisqually Indian Tribe’s drinking water facilities, distribution systems, and storm water infrastructure. The role involves operating, monitoring, maintaining, and troubleshooting facilities and processes to ensure compliance with applicable Environmental Protection Agency and other regulatory requirements. The employee is responsible for accurate, secure, and confidential records and for maintaining positive employee, customer, vendor, and community relations. Strong written and verbal communication, excellent customer service, regular attendance, and a neat, professional appearance are expected. The position supports continuous public works operations and emergency response. It requires irregular hours, including evenings, weekends, and rotating on-call shifts. The employee must maintain required certifications and participate in ongoing training on water treatment technology, safety, and regulatory requirements. The role may supervise lower-level technicians.

Requirements

High school diploma or two years of experience as a Water Systems Maintenance Technician, or equivalent experience directly related to the duties and responsibilities.
Hold and maintain a Water Distribution or Water Treatment 1 Certification in good standing.
Understand AWWA, ITCA, and OSHA safety protocols for confined-space entry and other safety standards.
Complete a small water system management program within 12 months of employment.
Possess a valid Washington State driver's license and maintain a driving record meeting the Tribe's vehicle-insurance requirements.
Successfully pass a pre-employment drug screen.
Be able to work with vulnerable populations, including adults and children.
Pass a State and National (FBI) criminal-history background check before employment.
Ability to support continuous 24/7/365 operations, including rotating on-call duties and after-hours response when required.
Knowledge of supplies, equipment, services ordering, and inventory control; customer-service standards; water sampling and emission-control testing in compliance with the Clean Water Act; and federal water-treatment regulations and standards.
Computer skills for technical and communication applications; effective oral and written communication; ability to provide technical training; apply mathematical formulae to technical problems; design, install, and program mechanical and electronic chemical-treatment equipment; analyze and interpret data; prepare evaluative reports; and solve technical problems.
Ability to organize resources and set priorities, understand and enforce safety procedures, improve water-delivery methods and procedures, manage disinfection and treatment of a complex distribution system, and interpret utility data to make service decisions.

Nice To Haves

Knowledge of the Nisqually Indian Tribe’s history, customs, and traditions, with the ability to demonstrate cultural sensitivity.
Experience working with Federally Recognized Tribes.
A Class B or higher Washington State driver's license, or ability to obtain one.

Responsibilities

Perform and oversee water sampling, testing, analysis, and chemical treatment for water treatment systems.
Provide task supervision, mentorship, and instruction to lower-level water technicians on projects as appropriate.
Review, analyze, and interpret water-quality data; prepare reports and recommendations; and maintain practices to determine or improve delivered water quality.
Collect and analyze potable-water samples to ensure regulatory compliance, and guide and train technical staff in sampling and relevant regulations.
Plan, design, and install chemical-treatment equipment and electronic programming for chemical-feed systems based on system requirements and control parameters.
Research federal water-quality laws, regulations, and programs and assess their potential impact on Tribal water systems.
Coordinate chemical-feed-system activities, including ordering and inventory, establishing chemical injection points, and overseeing hazardous chemical transfers and handling.
Inspect and monitor chemical-feed equipment, identify malfunctions, and perform or arrange necessary minor maintenance and repairs.
Oversee disinfection of the water distribution system, reservoir, and smaller potable-water lines during piping repairs or construction.
Coordinate water-system work orders and participate in the on-call program for emergencies.
Create, compose, and edit technical and administrative correspondence using computers and relevant software.
Prepare compliance reports and correspondence for government agencies and potentially serve as liaison to federal water-quality regulators.
Support maintenance personnel with scheduled maintenance and participate in hands-on training in routine preventive maintenance.
Oversee maintenance and quality control of the chemical-feed system.
Maintain required certifications and participate in ongoing training.
Perform other duties as assigned.