Water Utility Operator I

Town Of Pecos City•Pecos, TX

13d•Onsite

About The Position

In a team environment or independently, the Water Utility Operator I performs semi-skilled and skilled technical and maintenance work involving the operation, maintenance, and repair of water distribution and sewer collection facilities and systems. The position reports to a Utilities Crew Leader or higher and is under the general supervision of the Utilities Superintendent. It does not supervise other employees. The operator helps install and repair water and sewer mains and related infrastructure, including valves, lateral lines, hydrants, meters, service taps, cleanouts, manholes, and service lines. Duties include excavation, pipe placement and alignment, testing installations, maintaining public safety around work sites, and inspecting new water lines. The operator also overhauls, repairs, and tests fire hydrants; collects samples and chlorination readings; and performs routine equipment inspections, cleaning, and preventive maintenance. Work must follow applicable laws, regulations, procedures, and safety standards. The role involves outdoor work in varying weather and exposure to traffic, moving mechanical parts, wet or humid conditions, chemicals, and other job-site hazards. Candidates with job offers must complete a pre-employment drug screening and background check. The Town of Pecos City is a drug-free workplace.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent.
Valid Texas Class C driver's license.
Ability to communicate effectively verbally and in writing, understand and carry out written and oral instructions, and maintain effective working relationships with coworkers, other departments, and the public.
Ability to use logic and reasoning to evaluate job orders, identify potential problems, establish priorities, and assess work-site safety.
Critical-thinking, problem-solving, organizational, time-management, and mechanical skills.
Ability to share workload, maintain team balance, and acquire skills in equipment and procedures.
Must obtain a TCEQ "D" Public Water System Operator License within two years of hire, or a TCEQ "D" Wastewater Treatment License within one year of hire.
Ability to meet the stated physical demands, including occasional lifting up to 25 pounds and lifting or carrying up to 100 pounds with assistance.
Must complete a pre-employment drug screening and background check if offered the job.

Nice To Haves

One year of water and sewer utility experience is preferred.
Equivalent combinations of education, experience, and training that provide the required knowledge, skills, and abilities may be considered.

Responsibilities

Install and repair main water and sewer lines, including excavating to grade and laying and aligning pipe.
Use tapping equipment to install valves, lateral water and sewer lines, blowoffs, hydrants, meters, service taps, cleanouts, manholes, and service lines and taps.
Block off work areas and reroute traffic as needed, considering public safety and convenience.
Complete hookups and test installations according to established procedures.
Install, overhaul, repair, and test fire hydrants, including shutting off lines, disassembling and cleaning subsections, and replacing gaskets, seals, and seats.
Inspect new water lines at construction sites and take samples and chlorination readings.
Inspect, clean, and perform preventive maintenance on assigned equipment; refer defects or needed repairs to a supervisor.
Follow applicable federal, state, and local laws, rules, regulations, procedures, and safety standards.
Keep job sites, work areas, and tools clean; complete duties assigned by the supervisor and other duties as assigned.
Help train and orient new workers.
Attend work regularly and perform duties in work areas that may be occupied or exposed to vehicle traffic.
Operate heavy machinery and use a truck and trailer to transport equipment to and from worksites when needed.