Description

FLSA STATUS: Non-Exempt

PAY RANGE: $34,736.00 - $57,892.00

REPORTS TO: Chief Water Tender or Division Manager-Calhoun/Refugio Counties

WORK LOCATION: Port Lavaca, Texas

SUMMARY

The Water Tender/Maintenance Crewman is responsible for operating the canal system to provide water to agricultural, industrial and municipal customers as well as administer preventative maintenance program for plan facilities and equipment.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

· Distributing the raw water fairly and equitably to agricultural, industrial and municipal customers through the operation of water control structures.

· Coordinating with the Dow pump station and the GBRA diversion system tender for the pumping of an adequate amount of water, contingent on availability, to meet the total demand of all customers.

· Keeping accurate and complete records of all water reports, requests and maintenance.

· Reporting needed water gate installations to the Chief Water Tender, and assisting in installations.

· Checking the canals and laterals for leaks or erosion.

· Checking for water quality problems in the canal system, especially in the Main Canal when delivering water to the Water Treatment Plant. Having a working knowledge of water sampling and analysis.

· Performing maintenance on all mechanical equipment of the Plant to include pumps, motors, valves, chemical feed equipment, gear boxes, chain drives, control units, meters, rakes, heating and air conditioning, lighting, tools, disinfectant equipment, water storage facilities and vehicles.

· Maintaining and fostering an effective day-to-day working relationship with GBRA customers.

· Maintaining the following equipment and structures:

o Oil or grease for screw gate stems.

o Housekeeping at checks and water gates to provide safe working conditions.

o Assisting in the upkeep of trucks, tractors and small equipment.

o Keeping the shop building clean and organized.

o Storing hand and power tools and pesticides.

o Fences and gates.

o Performing operator maintenance on vehicles.

· Mowing the canal and diversion systems and headquarters grounds as directed by the Chief Water Tender. Spraying brush and aquatic weeds with approved herbicides.

· Assisting in the overall maintenance and capital improvements program for the Canal Division.

· Notifying the Chief Water Tender of any existing or potential problems with regard to canal operations or maintenance.

· Maintaining a working knowledge of the operation of the diversion system. Checking the system on the weekend during watering season and during times when the tides are high and the river is low.

· Performing all work in a safe and thoughtful manner. Being familiar with and following the requirements of the GBRA Safety Manual.

· Maintaining and cleaning the tool room to present a neat and organized facility.

· Maintaining the security of GBRA property.

· Being prepared to perform "on-call" duties as required. Participating in all preparations for emergency operations.

· Developing a working knowledge of the Authority's policies as they pertain to Canal Division operations.

· Performing other duties as assigned.

Requirements

KNOWLEDGE/SKILLS/ABILITIES

· Work under steady pressure with frequent interruptions.

· Subject to on-call duties as scheduled by the Chief Water Tender.

· Safely operate gas, electric, hydraulic, and hand tools.

· Ability to coordinate activities and meet critical deadlines.

· Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.

· Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of a day.

· Exercise good judgment and maintain confidentiality in maintain critical and sensitive information, records, and reports.

EDUCATION/CERTIFICATIONS

High School diploma or GED.

Current valid driver license and ability to remain insurable under GBRA’s vehicle liability policy.

EXPERIENCE

None required. Experience in utility operations and maintenance, customer service, or construction is desirable. Heavy equipment experience is a plus.

MANAGERIAL RESPONSIBILITIES

No.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Employees must wear protective footwear in compliance with ANSI or ASTM standard. New employees are provided protective footwear. Replacement footwear is provided annually for qualifying employees.

Standard physical activity such as periodic standing, walking, sitting, and basic motor skills to operate necessary computer programs.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

Must be willing to work nights and weekends during high rainfall, inclement weather and flood events. Approximately 80 percent of work is outdoors and may be in inclement weather. Exposure to a variety of inspects, snakes and other regional species.

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Overnight travel mainly limited to meetings and training.