Water/Wastewater Operator 1

NW NaturalYuma, AZ
Onsite

About The Position

Under close supervision, this job classification performs a variety of skilled work tasks in the operation, maintenance and repair of the Foothills Utilities water or wastewater infrastructure systems under immediate direction of experienced Water/Wastewater Systems Technician I, II, III or supervisory personnel. Essential functions, as defined under the Americans with Disabilities Act, may include any of the following representative duties, knowledge, and skills. This is not a comprehensive listing of all functions and duties performed by incumbents of this class; employees may be assigned duties which are not listed below; reasonable accommodations will be made as required. The job description does not constitute an employment agreement and is subject to change at any time by the employer. Essential duties and responsibilities may include, but are not limited to, the following: Under immediate supervision of experienced operations personnel performs basic inspection, maintenance and repairs of water transmission/distribution or wastewater collection systems (Water Systems). Performs work in compliance with State and Federal environmental and water quality laws and regulations, and Foothills Utilities policies and standards; duties will vary according to job assignment and skill level. Follows all safety rules and regulations, sets up work zone and all equipment in safe operating conditions; notifies supervisor of maintenance and repair issues; reports unsafe conditions, accidents, injuries, security issues and illegal activities. Assists with the operation of assigned crews and vehicles to maintain day to day operations to conduct basic installations, trouble shooting and repairs; assists with walk-through inspections. Performs inspection and maintenance of equipment and components in the operation of the water or wastewater systems infrastructure; performs work in accordance with all quality standards. Operates a variety of hand tools and mechanized equipment; may operate heavy equipment; utilizes work orders, log sheets, and electronic recording equipment; records data on spreadsheets. Assists senior level operators to resolve operational problems; cleans and maintains vehicles, tools and equipment; performs maintenance as directed. Work is performed at sites with moderate physical demands, requiring the ability to lift and move items weighing up to 50 pounds. The role may involve exposure to safety hazards, including extreme weather conditions (heat and cold), hazardous gases and chemicals, biological hazards, confined spaces, and potentially dangerous tools and equipment. Supports the relationship between Foothills Utilities and the general public by demonstrating courteous and cooperative behavior when interacting with citizens, visitors, and Foothills Utilities staff. As a business necessity and safety related concerns, the applicant must be able to speak English proficiently to communicate with customers and understand safety related construction issues. Maintains absolute confidentiality of work-related issues and Foothills Utilities information; performs other duties as required or assigned.

Requirements

  • High School Diploma or GED equivalent
  • One year of plumbing and/or construction experience in the water or wastewater field
  • Ability to demonstrate basic knowledge of the principles involved in the operation of water or wastewater systems
  • Knowledge of Foothills Utilities policies and procedures
  • Knowledge of methods, materials, tools and equipment used in the operation of water or wastewater systems
  • Knowledge of State and Federal laws and regulations governing water or wastewater systems and emergency response
  • Knowledge of safe work practices and occupational hazards
  • Basic operational practices and principles of water transmission and distribution systems operations with some knowledge of installations, troubleshooting, and repairs
  • OSHA guidelines related to water transmission/distribution system operations
  • Arizona 811 specifications and guidelines
  • Microsoft Windows Office products
  • Basic operational practices and principles of wastewater collection systems operations with some knowledge of troubleshooting and repairs
  • Vacuum jet cleaning operations
  • Assisted with Closed Circuit Television (CCTV) inspections
  • OSHA guidelines related to wastewater system operations
  • Arizona 811 specifications and guidelines
  • Microsoft Windows Office products
  • Skill in using and maintaining tools and equipment to perform maintenance and repair work
  • Skill in following safe work practices, and verbal and written instructions
  • Skill in performing basic Water Systems maintenance activities
  • Skill in identifying unsafe conditions and mechanical problems
  • Skill in establishing and maintaining cooperative working relationships with co-workers
  • Skill in operating a personal computer utilizing standard software
  • Skill in communicating effectively verbally and in writing
  • A valid Arizona State Driver’s License is required
  • Must possess a Grade I Operator Certification from the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality (ADEQ) in either the discipline of Water Distribution or Wastewater Collection, depending on area of assignment; or have the equivalent certification from another state with the ability to obtain Arizona Grade I Operator Certification through Foothills Utilities within 60 days of hire
  • Must complete the guidelines established within the Utilities Department Operator-in-Training Program to promote to the next Skills Block (Technician II)

Nice To Haves

  • Wastewater Systems require a valid Class A or B CDL w/Tanker Endorsement Arizona State Commercial Driver's license (CDL) within 12 months.
  • Water Systems require a valid Class A CDL w/Tanker Endorsement Arizona State Commercial Driver's license (CDL) within 12 months.
  • After one year of employment, you may be recommended by your supervisor to pursue a Commercial Driver's License at the company's expense.
  • Additional Certifications in Water and Wastewater will be required as part of this position, and constant professional growth achieving increased levels in certification is expected.

Responsibilities

  • Performs basic inspection, maintenance and repairs of water transmission/distribution or wastewater collection systems.
  • Performs work in compliance with State and Federal environmental and water quality laws and regulations, and Foothills Utilities policies and standards.
  • Follows all safety rules and regulations, sets up work zone and all equipment in safe operating conditions; notifies supervisor of maintenance and repair issues; reports unsafe conditions, accidents, injuries, security issues and illegal activities.
  • Assists with the operation of assigned crews and vehicles to maintain day to day operations to conduct basic installations, trouble shooting and repairs; assists with walk-through inspections.
  • Performs inspection and maintenance of equipment and components in the operation of the water or wastewater systems infrastructure.
  • Operates a variety of hand tools and mechanized equipment; may operate heavy equipment; utilizes work orders, log sheets, and electronic recording equipment; records data on spreadsheets.
  • Assists senior level operators to resolve operational problems; cleans and maintains vehicles, tools and equipment; performs maintenance as directed.
  • Supports the relationship between Foothills Utilities and the general public by demonstrating courteous and cooperative behavior when interacting with citizens, visitors, and Foothills Utilities staff.
  • Maintains absolute confidentiality of work-related issues and Foothills Utilities information.
  • Participates in a rotating on-call schedule, including evenings, weekends, and holidays.
  • Responds to emergency and time-sensitive situations outside of regular working hours, often with short notice.

Benefits

  • Rich health insurance benefits with competitive employer contribution
  • Free access to an online wellness resources platform
  • Start at 20 Vacation Days
  • 80 Hours of Sick Time
  • 13 paid holidays
  • 3 weeks paid parental leave
  • Competitive 401K company contribution and match
  • 15% discount on NW Natural stock through Employee Stock Purchase Program
  • Up to $5250 a year in tuition reimbursement
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