JOB SUMMARY
 
The Water Chief Operator functions as the operator in responsible charge of the County’s water utility systems and cross connection control program. This position directs crew operations in the operation, maintenance and improvements of County-owned water systems to ensure appropriate treatment and distribution of drinking water for the citizens. 
Employees in this position may be required to perform portions or all of the duties normally falling under positions within or below this classification depending on current workload and staffing requirements. Other duties may be assigned as required. 
This position is classified as Essential Personnel and may be called upon to work during weather closures and emergenciesESSENTIAL DUTIES 
1. Perform or manage the public water system’s daily operational and maintenance activities according to acceptable public health practices and water industry standards. 
2. Oversee water quality monitoring, maintain adequate records, and take follow-up action, if needed, to comply with state and federal drinking water requirements. 
3. Oversee cross connection control program, maintain adequate records, and take follow-up action, if needed, to comply with state and federal drinking water requirements. 
4. Lead and direct the work activities of assigned Utility staff, ensuring that all work is performed in a safe, efficient, and cooperative manner. 
5. Administer preventative/emergency maintenance programs, inspect water treatment and other water system components for malfunctions, maintain adequate records, and coordinate needed repairs. 
6. Investigate complaints relative to the operation of the water facilities and initiate appropriate action to achieve appropriate resolution. 
7. Coordinate, supervise and assist the crew engaged in the installation, maintenance, and repair of the water system including pumps, waterlines, valves, hydrants, reservoirs, and other facilities. 
8. Inspect the work of crews during work in progress. 
9. Analyze, review, and maintain records of instrument readings and laboratory tests, determine the location, and causes of any malfunctions, and adjust various treatment processes or other components. 
10. Prepare reports required by state and/or federal regulatory agencies and ensure the required reports are submitted in a timely manner. 
11. Meet with state and/or federal agencies for inspections, and sanitary surveys on water systems. 
12. Provide inspection of all developer extensions and improvements of water distribution system for compliance with county, state, and federal standards. 
13. Review of invoices, timesheets, and other documents relating to business activities. 
14. Determines the locations of water lines from the appropriate sources prior to excavation. 
15. Oversees the installation of water meters, water meter maintenance and testing. 
16. Orders essential parts, materials and supplies required for operation. 
17. Oversees the construction and maintenance projects including pavement cutting, ditch digging, manhole and line cleaning, main and pipe repairs, laying and backfilling. 
18. Performs all estimates in water system for residential and commercial hook ups and improvements. 
19. Operates a variety of heavy equipment; ensures proper maintenance of equipment and tools by cleaning and checking equipment and tools after use; performs routine inspections and preventative maintenance on assigned equipment. 
20. Attends training needed to maintain licenses and to be informed of new regulations and technologies. 
21. Serves in a rotating “on call” capacity; develop and maintain emergency call-out and customer contact procedures; respond to emergencies such as broken pipes, equipment failures or other malfunctions requiring immediate attention. 
22. Perform other duties and projects as assigned by the Utilities Manager.
DISTINGUISHING FEATURES: 
This classification is the highest level in the Utilities series. This classification differs from the lower-level classifications in this series by the requirement for providing supervision and leadership; to analyze program effectiveness and recommend changes; assist with the development of short- and long-range goals and measurements. This position is responsible for the supervision and training of all water staff at the Pacific Beach duty station.. 
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS This position typically requires: Climbing Balancing Stooping, kneeling Crouching Reaching Standing Mobility Pushing Pulling Lifting Fingering Grasping Feeling Talking Hearing Seeing Repetitive motion Digging 
WORKING CONDITIONS 
1. Work is performed both in the office and in the field for extended periods under dirty and uncomfortable situations and in all types of weather and temperature conditions. 
2. Requires residency within a 60-minute response time of the Pacific Beach duty station. . 
3. May lift and carry up to 50 pounds; work in confined spaces; have exposure to hazardous gases, chemicals, raw sewage, dust, smoke, fumes, etc. 
4. May be required to be on call for emergencies 24-hours a day and may be required to work evening and weekend hours. May be required to work alone. 
5. Require extensive travel to facilities throughout the working day. May be required to travel for training purposes and commute to other departments or government agencies. 
6. May perform duties while wearing required protective equipment. 
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: 
1. Ability to supervise, lead and direct the work of assigned staff under this position, schedule work, provide clear instructions, make effective decision and training. 
2. Knowledge of federal, state, and local environmental regulations applicable to water quality standards. 
3. Knowledge of County policies and procedures. 
4. Ability to operate and maintain water system facilities and equipment. 
5. Ability to maintain the appropriate certifications required by the State of Washington to be in responsible charge of the water system and cross connection control program. 
6. Ability to rebuild and perform maintenance on pumps. 
7. Ability to perform standard testing methods commonly used in water facilities. 
8. Ability to comprehend and interpret complex technical data and calculate algebraic equations for process control and related performance measures. Able to analyze data and diagnose equipment malfunctions, arrive to conclusions, take corrective action or make recommendations of plans of action. 
9. Ability to establish and maintain effective working relations with coworkers. 
10. Ability to work effectively and courteously with governmental agencies and the public. 
11. Ability to communicate effectively verbally and in writing. 
12. Ability to work independently and organize workload. 
13. Ability to maintain accurate recordEDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE: 
Minimum Qualifications:
• High school diploma or GED equivalent. 
• Experience, education or equivalent combination of education and experience which satisfies the knowledge, skills, and abilities of the position. 
• Ability to pass a medical evaluation to declare fitness to use a respirator. 
• Ability to obtain and maintain First Aid, CPR, Defensive Driving certifications, and the certifications required below. Certifications Required: 
• Washington State Water Treatment Plant Operator - Group I 
• Washington State Water Distribution Manager - Level II 
• Washington State Cross Connect Specialist - Level I 
• Washington State Class A Commercial Driver’s License with tanker endorsement 
• Washington State Backflow Assembly Tester (BAT) – highly desirable 
The statements contained herein reflect general details describing the principal functions of this job, the level of knowledge and skills typically required, and the scope of responsibility. They are not an all-inclusive listing of work requirements. Individuals may perform other duties as assigned, including work in other functional areas to cover absences or relief, to equalize peak work periods, or to otherwise balance the workload. 
GRAYS HARBOR COUNTY IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER