PW Water Operator 1

POSITION SUMMARY

The City of Brandon is seeking a motivated, safety-conscious, and dependable Water Operator I (Class D Licensed) to join its Public Works Water Division. Under the general supervision of the Water Supervisor and the direct supervision of the Senior Water Operator, this position performs the operation, maintenance, inspection, repair, and construction of the City’s public water system. Responsibilities include maintaining wells, water distribution mains, service lines, valves, fire hydrants, booster stations, elevated storage tanks, and related infrastructure to ensure the delivery of safe, reliable drinking water in compliance with all applicable federal, state, and local regulations.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Operate, inspect, maintain, and repair municipal groundwater wells, booster stations, elevated water storage tanks, pressure regulating equipment, and water distribution infrastructure.
• Monitor the City’s water system through routine inspections and SCADA, responding promptly to alarms and abnormal operating conditions.
• Collect bacteriological, chlorine residual, and other required water quality samples in accordance with Mississippi State Department of Health regulations.
• Perform preventive maintenance on pumps, motors, valves, hydrants, meters, generators, and other water system equipment.
• Install, repair, replace, and maintain water mains, water services, valves, fire hydrants, meter boxes, and water meters.
• Investigate and repair water leaks, service interruptions, and water main breaks.
• Exercise valves and flush fire hydrants in accordance with departmental maintenance programs.
• Assist with water line construction, utility relocations, and capital improvement projects.
• Operate excavators, backhoes, skid steers, loaders, dump trucks, trenchers, and other equipment necessary to perform assigned duties.
• Locate underground utilities using utility locating equipment, GIS mapping, and utility records.
• Maintain accurate records of inspections, maintenance activities, work orders, water quality testing, and regulatory documentation.
• Respond to after-hours emergencies, including water outages, line breaks, equipment failures, and other utility emergencies.
• Follow all applicable OSHA safety regulations and departmental safety policies, including trench safety, confined space entry, lockout/tagout procedures, traffic control, and the proper use of personal protective equipment.
• Maintain tools, vehicles, and equipment in a clean and serviceable condition.
• Provide courteous and professional customer service when interacting with residents, contractors, developers, and fellow employees.
• Participate in the department’s rotating on-call schedule.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY

The City of Brandon, MS is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Selection of position will be made without discrimination for any reason such as race, color, religion, sex, national origin, politics, or marital status.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• High school diploma or GED.
• Current Mississippi Class D Waterworks Operator License issued by the Mississippi State Department of Health.
• Valid Mississippi Driver’s License.
• One (1) year of experience in water utility operations or a related utility field is preferred.
• Basic knowledge of mechanical, plumbing, and electrical systems.
• Ability to read maps, utility plans, and equipment manuals.
• Ability to operate computers, tablets, Microsoft Office applications, GIS software, SCADA systems, and electronic work order systems.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Experience operating and maintaining municipal water distribution systems.
• Experience with SCADA systems.
• Experience using GIS and utility locating equipment.
• Training in confined space entry, trench safety, OSHA safety, or related utility operations.
• Experience operating excavators, backhoes, loaders, skid steers, and similar heavy equipment.
• Strong communication and customer service skills.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, ABILITIES, AND OTHER CHARACTERISTICS

• Knowledge of municipal water distribution systems and associated infrastructure.
• Knowledge of pumps, motors, valves, hydrants, pressure systems, and water storage facilities.
• Knowledge of safe work practices and applicable regulations governing public water systems.
• Ability to safely operate hand tools, power tools, heavy equipment, and utility vehicles.
• Ability to diagnose and troubleshoot mechanical and operational problems.
• Ability to read engineering plans, utility maps, and technical documents.
• Ability to maintain accurate records and complete required reports.
• Ability to communicate effectively with supervisors, coworkers, contractors, and the public.
• Ability to work independently while contributing to a team-oriented work environment.
• Ability to exercise sound judgment and maintain a strong commitment to safety.

OTHER REQUIREMENTS

• Must successfully pass a pre-employment drug screening and background investigation.
• Must maintain a valid Mississippi Driver’s License and an acceptable driving record.
• Must maintain the required Mississippi Class D Waterworks Operator License as a condition of employment.
• Must participate in the department’s rotating on-call schedule.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

The employee must be able to:

• Frequently lift and carry up to 75 pounds.
• Walk, stand, bend, kneel, crouch, climb, crawl, and work in confined spaces.
• Work outdoors for extended periods in all weather conditions.
• Perform physically demanding work around excavations, traffic, heavy equipment, and pressurized water systems.
• Respond to emergency situations outside normal working hours.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

Work is performed indoors and outdoors and may involve exposure to:

• Extreme temperatures
• Rain and adverse weather
• Traffic hazards
• Heavy construction equipment
• Excavations and confined spaces
• Pressurized water systems
• Electrical equipment
• Water treatment chemicals
• Noise, dust, vibration, and rotating machinery

Employees are required to wear appropriate personal protective equipment in accordance with departmental policy and OSHA standards.

REQUIRED DOCUMENTS

Copy of Valid Driver’s License, Social Security Card and/or U.S. Passport

Copy of DD Form 214 from military Service if applicable

Copy of any certifications, diplomas, or training certificates related to the position description