Water System Operator

City of Tucson

2d•$22 - $33

About The Position

The Water System Operator at the City of Tucson’s Water Department operates, monitors, and controls water treatment facilities, distribution systems, and related equipment. The operator identifies system problems and makes adjustments to maintain appropriate water supply, quality, and pressure. The position works under the supervision of the Water Plant Supervisor and does not supervise other employees. The role uses SCADA to monitor and operate the potable distribution system and Advanced Oxidation Process Plant; analyzes reports to determine pumping needs; monitors reservoirs, pressure zones, groundwater wells, vessels, stations, and facilities; responds to alarms; and adjusts chemical injection and feed rates based on real-time water-quality data and regulatory requirements. The operator collects, tests, and analyzes water samples, coordinates system adjustments with field work, dispatches crews when chlorine residuals are outside action levels, documents events in logs and databases, and communicates with staff and external utilities. The operator also responds to internal and external service calls, generates service requests, communicates scheduled and unscheduled outages, and handles after-hours emergency calls. Other duties include assisting with special projects and representing the department at offsite events when needed. This is a safety-sensitive position subject to pre-employment and random drug testing. The unit operates 24/7, 365 days per year, and the position requires mandatory 12-hour rotating shifts, weekends, holidays, and on-call shifts. Working conditions may include light physical or environmental exposures such as noise, dust, and weather.

Requirements

At application, hold an ADEQ Water Treatment Grade 2 certification or equivalent out-of-state water certification.
At application, hold an ADEQ Water Distribution Grade 2 certification or equivalent out-of-state water certification.
Within 12 months of hire, obtain and maintain ADEQ Water Treatment Grade 3 certification.
Within 12 months of hire, obtain and maintain ADEQ Water Distribution Grade 3 certification.
Six months of post-high-school education.
Two years of relevant experience; relevant education and experience may be substituted on a year-for-year basis.
Valid and unrestricted Arizona Class D driver license.
Meet the position’s pre-employment medical testing requirements: basic physical, non-NIDA drug test, and respirator physical.
Submit an updated resume and cover letter with responses to the required application questions by the application closing date.

Nice To Haves

ADEQ Water Treatment Grade 3 and Water Distribution Grade 3 certifications or equivalent state certifications.
Two years of experience in the water industry or a related field.
One year of experience working with SCADA or telemetry systems.
One year of experience working with sodium hypochlorite, hydrogen peroxide, or disinfection chemicals.

Responsibilities

Use SCADA to monitor and operate the potable distribution system and Advanced Oxidation Process Plant.
Analyze reports to determine pumping needs and operate and monitor reservoirs to meet system demand.
Monitor pressure zones and operate potable groundwater wells to maintain water quality and meet daily demand.
Respond to SCADA alarms and make appropriate adjustments in the distribution system.
Assess real-time water-quality data and adjust chemical injection dosage and feed rates to comply with regulations.
Adjust systems to accommodate preventative maintenance, water-quality sampling, and other field work.
Operate and monitor wells, vessels, stations, and facilities to ensure proper flow and treatment.
Document events and communicate with staff using logs, notes, and databases.
Dispatch field crews to flush systems when chlorine residuals fall below or exceed action levels.
Drive to locations to collect, test, and analyze water samples.
Receive and resolve service calls from internal and external customers and provide accurate, timely information.
Generate service requests when reported field activities require immediate attention.
Communicate with external utilities about power outages, project progress, and field issues.
Notify internal divisions and appropriate parties about scheduled and unscheduled water outages.
Handle after-hours emergency phone calls on nights, weekends, and holiday shifts.
Assist with special projects and assignments and represent the department at offsite events when needed.
Perform other duties and tasks as assigned.

Benefits

Medical insurance
Dental insurance
Vision insurance
Life insurance
Disability coverage
Flexible Spending Account (FSA)
Pension plan
Optional Roth and pretax deferred compensation savings
38 paid days off in the first year for new hires, with time off increasing in subsequent years
Twelve weeks of paid parental leave
Tuition reimbursement
Student loan repayment
Off-the-job and on-the-job training
Paid volunteer hours
Employee resource groups