Field Operator I

Position: Field Operator I FLSA: Non-Exempt Department: Utilities - Water, Wastewater & Engineering Schedule: 6:30 AM to 5:00 PM, Monday - Thursday; position subject to after hours. Reports To: Water Utility Supervisor II Positions Supervised: None

Job Summary

Field Operator performs routine maintenance tasks in the repair, installation, and maintenance of water and wastewater pipelines, grinder pumps, lift stations, fire hydrants, and valves.

Roles & Responsibilities

• Repairs, installs, and performs maintenance duties to water and wastewater pipelines, water meters, valves, fire hydrants, and wastewater grinder pumps.
• Repairs streets when installation or repair of wastewater lines is complete.
• Assists with troubleshooting, repairs, installation, and maintenance duties for water pump stations and wastewater lift stations.
• Maintains water quality in the water distribution system through flushing of fire hydrants and dead-end mains; taking chlorine readings and maintaining records of readings.
• When assigned to inspect wastewater system infrastructure, may operate sewer camera equipment, smoke machines, jet machine, and/or jet vac combo truck.
• Investigates customer water and/or sewage complaints.
• Operates a variety of hand and small power tools and equipment such as a shovel, hammer, drill, saw, jackhammer, dewatering pump, generator, hydraulic power pack, air compressor, electronic equipment, etc.
• Operates light equipment such as a truck, dump truck, pavement cutter, compactors, tapping machines, tractors, front-end loader, jet machine, and jet vac combo truck.
• Locates water and wastewater lines for contractors and other departments; reads maps, blueprints, and computer screen to assist in locating lines and for construction projects.
• Performs all duties in a safe, accurate, and timely manner.
• Must maintain a regular, reliable, and punctual time and attendance; will be required to respond to standby or emergency calls.
• Other related duties as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Some knowledge and skill in the operation of light equipment and hand tools.
• Ability to read, interpret, research, and understand blueprints, gauges, dials, meters, and technical handbooks.
• Ability to read and understand reference books and complicated procedures and manuals such as State and Federal regulations.
• Ability to perform basic arithmetic such as addition, subtraction, and multiplication.
• Skill in establishing and maintaining interpersonal relationships with co-workers and contractors.
• Ability to write simple records and reports; ability to complete forms such as work orders and time sheets.
• Some knowledge of water distribution system for directional flushing to properly clean lines.
• Some knowledge of wastewater systems such as flow direction and locations of manholes.
• Ability to communicate face to face and by two-way radio in emergency and non-emergency situations.
• Ability to communicate with customers in a professional and courteous manner.
• Regular, reliable, and punctual levels of attendance are essential job functions and expectations of this position.

Physical Requirements

• Must be able to walk, stand, or sit for extended periods of time.
• Must be able to climb in and out of workplace vehicles/equipment up to 25 feet in height.
• Must be able to crawl, reach, bend, stoop, squat, kneel, twist, and crouch when performing job duties.
• Must be able to carry, balance, lift, push, pull, and reach equipment and material weighing up to 100 pounds.
• Must be able to operate city-owned equipment and vehicles.
• Must have fine dexterity with fingers and hands to handle items and to perform maintenance, installation, and repair duties such as tightening nuts and bolts.
• Hearing and vision must be satisfactory to the degree that duties may be performed effectively and safely.
• Must have ability to smell and detect potentially dangerous chemicals or fumes.

Environmental Conditions

• Majority of work is performed outdoors in all types of weather conditions including extreme heat and cold, wetness, and humidity.
• Work may be subject to dirt, dust, loud noises, constant noise, fumes, odors, darkness, height, and trench work.
• Work may be subject to mechanical hazards, electrical hazards, fire hazards, chemical hazards, radiation hazards, toxic waste hazards, and bodily injury.
• Work may be subject to time pressures, noisy/distracting environment, emergency situations, frequent changes to tasks, working closely with others as part of a team, performing multiple tasks simultaneously, and dealing with irate people.
• Work may be subject to traffic hazards.

Minimum Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED equivalent.
• Preferably one year of experience in water and wastewater line maintenance, but not required.
• Must possess, or obtain within 180 days of employment, a Texas Class A CDL Driver's License.
• Must possess, or obtain within 1 year of employment, either a TCEQ Class D Water license or TCEQ Class I Wastewater Collection license.
• Must possess, or obtain within 2 years of employment, both a TCEQ Class D Water license and a TCEQ Class I Wastewater Collection license.

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