Water Operator

I. PURPOSE

The purpose of this policy is to outline the job summary, major responsibilities, experience, training, and work environment for the Camano Water Association (CWA) Water System Operator.

II. JOB SUMMARY

The Water System Operator is responsible for routine operations, systems operations and maintenance, system and support equipment maintenance, sampling, customer service, and regulatory compliance.

The Water System Operator is a full-time exempt (salaried) employee who reports to the Board of Trustees.

III. JOB DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

A. Routine Operations and Administration

• Order parts and control inventory.
• Research and test new products.
• Develop and maintain databases on hookups (taps), meters, valves, hydrants, wells, water quality, flushing, capital report, and so on.
• Maintain an inventory of service parts, main and distribution parts, and repair parts.
• Back up computer.

B. Systems Operations

• Read and record meter readings, well, treatment plant, service meters.
• Read meters in treatment plant and Well 5 if running.
• Read all source meters as well as vault meters at Crest View and Mountain View; read pressure system meters at Monticello; update database; inspect areas for downed trees, vandalism, anything out of the ordinary, and resolve issues as necessary.
• Read service meters.
• Fill salt hopper.
• Probe wells used, update database.
• Flush all dead-ends.
• Locate mains and services.
• Install new services.
• Troubleshoot and repair problems at treatment plant.
• Be on call every other weekend (alternating with a contract employee), 24 hours per day, read meters, and maintain the system during that time.
• Maintain safe work practices and job safety standards for self and others on site.

C. System and Support Equipment Maintenance

• Clean and winterize all well houses.
• Clean and de-winterize all well houses.
• Flush mains as needed, schedule flushing, design flushing pattern.
• Probe wells monthly, static and running for those wells used, static for all wells in April and August.
• Clean treatment plant.
• Clean shop.
• Take trash to dump.
• Clean and adjust chlorine analyzer.
• Maintain chlorine injection system at treatment plant as well as chlorine pumps for Well 5, etc.
• Perform preventive maintenance on chlorinators, transfer pumps, trash pumps, pressure pumps.
• Repair leaks, maintain equipment and supplies, maintain building and grounds, maintain wells, valves, hydrants, and meters.
• Schedule tank cleaning for the current year.
• Implement valve exercising program on even years.
• Implement hydrant maintenance program on odd years.

D. Sampling

• Take chlorine sample(s) (weekdays).
• Take samples throughout the system (11 sites) for iron and manganese concentrations, update database monthly.
• Conduct various water tests: iron, manganese, chlorine, pH, hardness, etc., as needed.

E. Customer Service

• Interact with members about consumption discrepancies, billing problems, leaks, locates, and health concerns.
• Respond to customer complaints.
• Assign service order work, complete work requests, review and submit completed work requests to board.
• Schedule meter readings.
• Inform customers when system work affects them.

F. Regulatory Compliance

• Maintain certifications as Water Treatment Plant Operator, Water Distribution Manager 2, Cross Connection Control Specialist, and Basic Treatment Operator.
• Develop and maintain the safety program.
• Maintain emphasis on safety and security.

IV. JOB REQUIREMENTS

A. Licenses and Certifications

• Washington State Department of Health Water Distribution Manager 2 (WDM2)
• Cross Connection Control Specialist (CCS) Certification
• Basic Treatment Operator
• Washington State Driver's License
• First Aid card

B. Skills and Experience

• Bachelor's degree and/or at least five years of management experience
• Water system operating experience
• Organizational and people skills

V. ENVIRONMENT OF POSITION

CWA is a small water utility with few employees, serving just over 1200 members, located on Camano Island, Washington. The system and shop are small and operate in a very relaxed and casual manner, while offering a very high-quality service in an honest and straightforward manner.

The Water System Operator is a non-exempt (hourly) position. A typical schedule is based on five days per week, seven hours per day, with flex time available. Benefits are paid vacation, paid sick leave, paid holidays, health care plan, and pension plan.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $ $40.00 per hour

Expected hours: 35 – 40 per week

Benefits:

• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Retirement plan
• Vision insurance

Work Location: In person

Salary : $40