Water System Operator WDMI/WTMI

Nisqually Indian Tribe•Olympia, WA

7d•Onsite

About The Position

Under the direct supervision of the Water Systems Specialist, the Water System Operator performs operations and maintenance for the Nisqually Indian Tribe’s drinking water facilities, distribution systems, and storm water infrastructure. The role includes operating, monitoring, maintaining, and troubleshooting facilities and processes to support regulatory compliance. It also requires maintaining confidential, secure, and accurate records; promoting positive employee, customer, and community relations; and providing strong communication and customer service. Regular attendance and a professional appearance are expected. Later hours or weekend work may be needed for project deadlines, and the Public Works Department operates continuously, requiring irregular hours and rotating on-call shifts for operations and emergency response. The position independently performs or oversees water sampling, testing, analysis, and chemical treatment; interprets water quality data; prepares reports and recommendations; and supports compliance with applicable federal and other regulations. It coordinates chemical feed systems and related equipment, chemical inventory and transfers, system disinfection, work orders, preventive maintenance, and emergency response. The operator also prepares technical and administrative correspondence and compliance reports, may liaise with federal water quality authorities, and may provide task supervision, mentorship, and technical instruction to lower-level technicians. Candidates must have a high school diploma or equivalent and two years of relevant water systems maintenance experience or equivalent experience. They must hold and maintain a Water Distribution or Water Treatment 1 Certification, complete a small water system management program within 12 months of hire, possess a valid Washington State driver’s license, pass a pre-employment drug screen, and pass state and national criminal history checks. The role requires the ability to work with vulnerable populations and to support continuous operations, including rotating on-call duties and after-hours response. A Class B or higher Washington State driver’s license and experience with federally recognized tribes are preferred.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent.
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 applicable 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 minimum requirements of the Tribe’s vehicle insurance provider.
Successfully pass a pre-employment drug screen.
Ability 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.
Knowledge of customer service standards and procedures.
Knowledge and skills in water sampling and emission control testing in compliance with the Clean Water Act.
Knowledge of federal regulations and standards for water treatment systems.
Computer skills for technical and communication applications; effective oral and written communication; and ability to provide technical training.
Ability to use mathematical formulas to resolve technical problems; design, install, and program mechanical and electronic chemical treatment equipment; analyze and interpret data; and prepare evaluative summary reports.
Technical problem-solving skills in the area of specialty.
Ability to organize resources, establish priorities, read and enforce safety procedures, develop and implement improvements in water delivery methods, manage disinfection and treatment of a complex water distribution system, and interpret utility operational data to make service decisions.
Ability to meet the position’s physical demands, including standing and walking for more than six hours per day, using tools and machinery, working in cramped or awkward positions, and lifting or moving objects weighing up to 55 pounds or more.

Nice To Haves

Knowledge of the Nisqually Indian Tribe’s history, customs, and traditions, and 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

Operate, monitor, maintain, and troubleshoot drinking water facilities, distribution systems, and storm water infrastructure.
Independently perform or oversee water sampling, testing, analysis, and chemical treatment.
Review, analyze, and interpret water quality data; prepare reports and recommendations; and identify practices to maintain or improve delivered water quality.
Collect and analyze water samples to ensure potable water system compliance, and guide and train technical staff in sampling and applicable regulations.
Plan, design, and install chemical treatment equipment and electronic programming for chemical feed systems based on system requirements and control parameters.
Research current and developing federal water quality laws, regulations, and programs and assess their potential impact on tribal water systems.
Coordinate chemical feed systems, including ordering and maintaining inventory, setting up injection points, and overseeing hazardous chemical transfers.
Inspect and monitor chemical feed equipment, identify malfunctions, and perform minor maintenance and repairs as necessary.
Oversee disinfection of the water distribution system, reservoirs, and smaller potable water lines during piping repairs or construction.
Coordinate water-system work orders and participate in the on-call program for emergencies and operational support.
Create, compose, and edit technical and administrative correspondence using computers and relevant software.
Prepare compliance reports and correspondence for government agencies and, as needed, serve as a liaison to federal water quality regulatory authorities.
Support maintenance personnel with scheduled maintenance and participate in hands-on training in routine preventive maintenance tasks.
Oversee maintenance and quality control of all aspects of the chemical feed system.
Maintain required certifications and participate in ongoing training on water and wastewater treatment technology, safety standards, and regulatory requirements.
Provide task supervision, mentorship, and instruction to lower-level water technicians as appropriate.
Perform other duties as assigned.