What are the responsibilities and job description for the Wastewater/Stormwater Service Worker position at City of Grand Forks (ND)?
We need a skilled operator who can independently manage our critical stormwater and wastewater collection systems—including pump stations and flood protection infrastructure. When systems fail or floodwaters rise, you're the expert who responds with confidence and gets it done.
What You'll Do:
- Operate and maintain stormwater/wastewater collection systems and pump stations
- Respond to emergencies and troubleshoot issues independently
- Deploy flood fighting operations during high water events
- Perform inspections, preventive maintenance, and repairs
- Monitor systems and make critical decisions that protect our community
What We're Looking For: Mechanical aptitude, ability to work independently, sound judgment under pressure, and readiness to respond when called. On-the-job training provided—we'll develop you into the go-to expert for your assigned systems.
Why Work Here :Stable city employment with excellent benefits, NDPERS retirement, and the satisfaction of work that directly protects 60,000 residents from flooding and infrastructure failures.
Essential Functions:1. Operation and maintain the municipal stormwater/wastewater collection and flood control systems.
2. Participate in the inspection and maintenance of multiple stormwater/wastewater, flood lift stations and all collection system sewer lines and mains.
3. Inspect lift stations to discover existing or potential problems; clean and pack water glands on stormwater/wastewater lift station pumps; service pumps and blowers; Perform inspection of flood control facilities to ensure proper operation of all floods fighting facilities and equipment; inspect, maintain and repair flap gates and sluicegates.
4. Maintain the collection system sewer lines; to clean sewer laterals and man holes; remove tree root obstructions and larger debris; perform flushing operations as needed to increase sewer line flows.
5. Operate and maintain specialized sewer equipment including high pressure vacuum and sewer jetter and flusher; operate a variety of light and heavy equipment including front end loader, slope mower, pumps, blowers, jackhammers, air compressors, cement mixers and portable valve operators.
6. Perform miscellaneous maintenance of the collection system; operate high voltage generators used for operation of wastewater lift stations.
7. Respond to public inquiries in a courteous manner; provide information within the area of assignment; resolve complaints in an efficient and timely manner.
Marginal Functions:
1. Receive cross training in wastewater/stormwater duties.
2. Perform snow removal duties on stormwater/wastewater properties as required.
3. Monitor river level and take appropriate flood fighting actions according to the Flood Plan.
4. Perform related duties and responsibilities as required.Knowledge: Standards practices, operations, methods, tools and equipment used in stormwater/wastewater maintenance; Occupational hazards and standard safety practices; Basic operational characteristics of heavy and light equipment relative to stormwater/wastewater maintenance including a slope mower, jackhammers and a front end loader. Advanced operations, methods, tools and equipment used in stormwater/wastewater maintenance services; Department policies and procedures; Advanced operational characteristics of a variety of light and heavy equipment relative to wastewater maintenance including a slope mower, jackhammer, video equipment and front end loader.
Skills: Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing; Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work; Maintain physical condition appropriate to the performance of assigned duties and responsibilities; Maintain mental capacity which allows the capability of making sound decisions and demonstrating intellectual capabilities; Maintain effective audio/visual discrimination and perception to the degree necessary for the successful performance of assigned duties.
Abilities: Participate in the maintenance and repair of stormwater/wastewater and flood control systems; perform the most difficult maintenance and repair tasks; analyze problems and take necessary steps to return lift stations to operation; Follow department policies and procedures; Operate a variety of heavy and light maintenance equipment in a safe and effective manner; Respond to requests and inquiries from the general public. Work independently in the absence of supervision; Understand and follow oral and written instructions; Independently perform the most difficult maintenance and repair tasks; Analyze problems and take necessary steps to return lift stations to operation; Interpret, explain and enforce department policies and procedures.Experience: Four years of increasingly responsible experience in wastewater/stormwater collection system maintenance.
Training: Equivalent to the completion of the twelfth grade supplemented by college level courses or trade school with specialized training in the maintenance of wastewater/stormwater collection systems.
License or Certificate: Possession of, or ability to obtain within one year, an appropriate, valid commercial driver's license with tanker and air brake endorsements. Possession of, or ability to obtain, an appropriate, valid Class III Wastewater Collection System Certificate.