Utility Operator

The principal function of an employee in this class is to perform skilled operations and maintenance work with a primary focus on water meter reading, utility locating, and customer service support within the water distribution and wastewater collection systems and other areas as directed. This position is responsible for accurately reading and maintaining water meters, performing utility locates through the One Call system, responding to service requests, and supporting system operations. This position also operates a variety of equipment to maintain the water and sewer systems, cleans water and sewer mains, performs inspections; troubleshoots mechanical systems; helps maintain inventory; and ensures equipment is repaired and in proper working condition. The position may also assist with cross-connection control/backflow program activities, including inspections and recordkeeping. The Utility Operator reports directly to the Utilities Supervisor, and may be supervised by a Utility Operator II, or III, but is granted some leeway for independent judgment and initiative. The principal duties of this class are performed in enclosed spaces or an outdoor environment and may include working in adverse weather conditions and hazards involving the use of power tools and equipment and working in traffic areas. While expected to assist in all aspects of water distribution and wastewater collection, an employee in this class will primarily be assigned to either distribution or collection and may advance in classification with advancement in licensure in the assigned discipline.

EXAMPLES OF DUTIES:This list is ILLUSTRATIVE only and is not a comprehensive listing of all functions and duties performed by the incumbent of this class. Duties may include, but are not limited to the following:

• Performs routine and special water meter reading, re-reads, and meter inspections
• Identifies and reports damaged, malfunctioning, or tampered meters
• Performs utility locates for water, sewer, and other infrastructure through the One Call system
• Marks underground utilities using appropriate locating equipment and records
• Maintains accurate records of meter readings, locates, and field activities
• Responds to customer service requests including turn-ons, turn-offs, delinquents, and complaints
• Assists in troubleshooting water usage issues and potential leaks
• Performs all work duties and activities in accordance with City policies and procedures and safety practices
• Assists in the repair of sewer breaks and water system breaks or failures 
• Inspects, installs, repairs, and/or replaces water mains, sewer mains, meter systems, service taps, service lines, water valves, and manholes
• Assists with videoing, inspecting and cleaning of mains utilizing specialized equipment
• Makes necessary street repairs
• Maintains an adequate inventory of tools, materials and supplies
• Keeps accurate records and makes reports regarding daily work and inspection activities
• Assists in maintaining maps of the wastewater collection and water distribution system and maintenance management systems utilizing GIS tools
• Operates various equipment necessary to operate and maintain the water distribution and wastewater collection systems
• Responds to water and sewer customer service calls, including after hours as needed
• Assists other departments when needed including snow removal
• Operates and maintains sewer lift stations, repairs and adjusts pumps, and maintains logs
• Performs general building maintenance and grounds upkeep
• Assists in maintaining stock of water service and wastewater collection materials
• Assists in performing annual inventory
• May perform Utility department daily work orders, turn-ons, turn-offs, emergencies, delinquents, door hangers, meter reads and assist in troubleshooting water or sewer problems
• Assists with troubleshooting water and sewer leaks, both customer and utility owned
• Setup or assist with setting up traffic safety zones as assigned
• May supervise Utility Operator in Training

Knowledge of:

• Principles and practices of water distribution and wastewater collection system installation, operation and maintenance
• Safety, occupational hazard, and traffic control standards/practices and ability to assure the compliance with them
• Principles of backflow and cross connection systems (preferred)
• Basic math, surveying, plan review and equipment skills necessary to install sewer and water system improvements in the proper location and to the proper grade.
• Ability to use industrial computer technology.

Skills and Ability to:

• Develop effective working relationships
• Appropriately deal with stressful situations
• Keep accurate records and prepare reports 
• Maintain and repair water distribution and wastewater collection equipment
• Be on-call during periods of emergency
• Safely and efficiently operate a backhoe, front-end loader, dozer, dump truck, and other miscellaneous construction equipment
• Read and calculate grade and to place materials to grade
• Follow written and oral instructions; prepare oral and written reports; prepare correspondence and other documentation; and maintain inspection and other related files and records.
• Read and interpret complex construction plans, blueprints, designs, maps, diagrams, etc., and relate them to water and sewer operations
• Operate a motor vehicle and heavy equipment
• Communicate effectively to establish and maintain positive working relationships with co-workers 
• Keep up-to-date records and maintain organized filing systems; prepare reports as directed – both computer and paper-based systems
• Manage time effectively to accomplish tasks in a timely manner and meet deadlines.
• Ability to pass the City's substance abuse test at any time.

Physical Demands:

• Sufficient clarity of speech and hearing or other communication capabilities, with or without reasonable accommodation, which permits the employee to discern verbal instructions, communication with other employees and the public, and discern warning or emergency alarms, including vehicle backup warnings;
• Sufficient vision or other powers of observation, with or without reasonable accommodation, which permits the employee to direct assigned employees and avoid hazardous situations, and comprehend written work instructions and work orders, technical and operational documents, and blueprints;
• Sufficient manual dexterity with or without reasonable accommodation, which permits the employee to operate a variety of power and hand tools and to make adjustments to equipment; and to operate heavy equipment when necessary;
• Sufficient strength to lift objects up to 100 pounds;
• Sufficient body mobility, flexibility, stamina, and balance to perform operational and maintenance tasks which require stooping, pushing, pulling, climbing and working on ladders, working in enclosed and confined spaces.

Working Conditions:

• Work is primarily performed in the field with frequent exposure to outdoor temperatures, dirt and dust.
• The incumbent’s typical working conditions are moderately quiet with occasional exposure to excessive noise and mechanical, electrical or traffic hazards.
• Duties may require some evening, weekend, holiday and/or on-call work. 

Education and Experience: 

• High school graduate or GED; and
• Experience in operating and maintaining light and heavy equipment and a variety of power and hand tools in a heavy construction environment; or
• Any equivalent combination of experience and training which provides the knowledge and abilities necessary to perform the work of a Utility Operator.

Licenses and Certifications:

• Possession of or ability to readily obtain a valid Idaho Driver’s License and CDL Class B with tanker endorsement. Must be insurable. Preference will be given to candidates who already have the CDL.
• Possession of Class I Water Distribution or Class I Wastewater Collection Operator Licensure from the Idaho Board of Drinking Water and Wastewater Professionals or the ability to obtain Class I licensure through endorsement from the Idaho Board of Drinking Water and Wastewater Professionals within six months of hire and maintain license through 0.6 CEU's annually.
• Possession of or ability to readily obtain flagger certification. Certification must be maintained.

This class specification should not be interpreted as all-inclusive. It is intended to identify the essential functions and requirements of this job. Incumbents may be requested to perform job-related responsibilities and tasks other than those stated in this specification. Any essential function or requirement of this class will be evaluated as necessary should an incumbent/applicant be unable to perform the function or requirement due to a disability as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Reasonable accommodation for the specific disability will be made for the incumbent/applicant when possible.

Salary : $22 - $30