Water Wastewater Operator

Fond du Lac Band of Lake Superior Chippewa•Cloquet, MN
•$20 - $23•Onsite

About The Position

The Water Wastewater Operator works in the Public Works Water Division at the Public Works Administrative Office, onsite, and reports to the Water/Wastewater Manager. The role maintains and operates community water supply and wastewater systems, performs routine equipment and facility maintenance, supports utility locating and emergency repairs, and assists with customer relations and education. The position is hourly and non-exempt. A valid Class D driver’s license is required, and the role requires on-call availability. The probationary period is 90 days for full-time employees and 120 days for part-time employees. The position requires a GED or high school diploma, a Minnesota State certified Class D Water Operator License, and Minnesota State certified SD Collections certification/licensure. Applicants who do not hold the SD Collections certification/licensure at hire must obtain it within 18 months and maintain it throughout employment. The role also requires knowledge of utility locating and equipment, septic systems, sanitary sewer collection and lift stations, computer applications including SCADA and Microsoft Office 365, report writing, and safe handling of concentrated or toxic chemicals. The employee must maintain drinking water certifications/licenses through training and workshops and learn applicable updated Minnesota Department of Health and federal EPA requirements and standards. One to three years of water treatment plant operating experience is preferred. The position requires the ability to obtain a Class C Gaming License through the Fond du Lac Employee Compliance department for work around Casino property and facilities. The employee is subject to drug and alcohol testing and pre-employment and annual background checks. Physical requirements are described as normal. The Fond du Lac Band describes itself as a diverse, supportive, and inclusive employer committed to community, culture, and preservation of natural resources.

Requirements

  • Valid U.S.-issued Class D driver’s license; eligibility is determined by FDL’s insurance company.
  • GED or high school diploma.
  • Minnesota State certified Class D Water Operator License.
  • Minnesota State certified SD Collections certification/licensure; if not held at hire, obtain it within 18 months of hire and maintain it for the duration of employment.
  • Maintain required drinking water certifications/licenses through training and/or workshops.
  • Learn updated Minnesota Department of Health and federal EPA requirements and standards.
  • Knowledge of utility locating and utility locating equipment.
  • General knowledge of septic system construction and troubleshooting, sanitary sewer collection, and lift stations.
  • Ability to assist with emergency repairs to water and sewer mains.
  • Knowledge of computer applications including SCADA, Adobe Acrobat, and Microsoft Office 365 programs such as Word, Excel, Outlook, and Teams.
  • Demonstrated report-writing skills.
  • Familiarity with safe handling techniques for concentrated or toxic chemicals.
  • Ability to obtain a Class C Gaming License through the Fond du Lac Employee Compliance department for work in and around Casino property and facilities.
  • On-call availability.
  • Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing.
  • Ability to work independently and establish priorities.
  • Attention to detail and accuracy.
  • Ability to establish professional and harmonious working relationships on projects and with all parties involved.
  • Subject to drug and alcohol testing in accordance with Fond du Lac Reservation Personnel Policies.
  • Subject to pre-employment and annual background checks.
  • Normal physical requirements.
  • Appropriate work attire is required.

Nice To Haves

  • One to three years of experience operating water treatment plants is preferred.

Responsibilities

  • In the absence of the Water/Wastewater Department Manager and Lead Operator, provide significant oversight of employees or projects requiring delegation and direction, without direct supervisory responsibility.
  • Perform routine maintenance on water well pumps, chemical pumps, compressors, generators, electrical heaters, valves, hydrants, and related equipment; seasonally flush main water lines and clean sewer mains.
  • Perform daily operating routines, including recording gallons used and chemical concentrations and backwashing filters.
  • Maintain buildings at community water supply systems and wastewater sanitation facilities, grounds year-round, and conduct water line inspections.
  • Perform painting, weed removal, grass cutting, snow shoveling, and clearing around fire hydrants, gate valves, and manhole structures.
  • Assist with public relations and customer education as needed.
  • Help determine when outside technical assistance is needed for electrical panel failures, submersible pump replacements, and main water line repairs.
  • Assist in monitoring and operating municipal wastewater systems, including lift stations, manhole structures, and sanitary collection systems.
  • Assist with Gopher State One Call utility locates as needed for utility locate requests within Reservation boundaries.
  • Maintain confidentiality of financial records and employee and/or client records.
  • Respond promptly and professionally to requests, complaints, and problems.
  • Represent the Fond du Lac Band of Lake Superior Chippewa and the department courteously, respectfully, sensitively, and professionally in the community and with visitors and coworkers.
  • Maintain proper attendance and report to work on time in accordance with applicable policies.
  • Maintain a clean and organized work area.
  • Remain flexible and assume other responsibilities assigned by management as needed.
  • Maintain drinking water certifications/licenses by attending trainings and/or workshops; learn new and updated Minnesota Department of Health and federal EPA requirements and standards.
  • Be available on call.
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