Utility Operations & Maintenance Specialist

This is skilled, technical work responsible for operation, maintenance, and repair of water treatment and transmission equipment in a water plant, pump station, wellfield, and/or recharge facility. This position is responsible for various duties related to production, pumping, and distribution systems to meet water drinking water system demands and water quality permit requirements for a plant that is being constructed at 2120 N. Hoover in Wichita. Specific duties vary according to assigned location(s) and employee’s Competency Level and/or skills. Work is directed and reviewed by a supervisor.

Experience in the water treatment industry is a valued asset. Compensation will be based on individual experience and determined at hire based on skills and competencies. The role provides additional opportunities for swift pay progression linked to the development of skills and competencies. The salary range for this position is $28.54 – 41.93 hourly. 

Workdays and Hours: 

• This is a 2nd shift position. Monday - Friday - 3:00pm - 11:30pm. Occasional overtime and on-call work will be required.
• All new employees with be trained on 1st shift Monday - Friday 7:30am - 3:30pm before moving to their assigned shift.
• Shift is subject to change based on divisional seniority.
• The workdays, hours, and work location are all subject to change in the future due to transition to the City's new water treatment plant.  

• Operates and maintains plant equipment such as pumps, motors, chlorinating equipment, chemical feed systems, piping, flow meters, electromechanical equipment, and other components of a drinking water system. 
• Operates and maintains water source components such as surface wells, water intakes, and gate valves.
• Operates and maintains water transmission components such as pipelines, air releases, vacuum breakers, and flow meters. 
• Complies with established service and preventive maintenance programs to ensure efficient operation and prolonged useful life of equipment. 
• Collects water samples and performs basic chemical tests. 
• Reads and records measurements and performance data from operating equipment
• Manually adjusts water transmission and treatment process equipment, such as valves and chemical feed systems, that are not controlled remotely. 
• Monitors water levels in reservoirs and towers and makes appropriate pump changes.
• Recognizes equipment problems and assists higher level staff with troubleshooting and repairs.
• Records information about plant performance on log sheets or computer databases.
• Coordinates activities with Process Control personnel to assure that activities do not conflict with operational needs. 
• Maintains inventory of chemicals and parts.
• May train or lead other employees on routine work. 
• More complex work assignments will be required as employees attain higher levels of competency. 
• The examples of work performed are not intended to be all-inclusive. 
• The City of Wichita reserves the right to assign additional responsibilities as needed, including but not limited to tasks performed by IEC Specialists, Water Quality Specialists, and Process Control Specialists.

• Knowledge of the methods, tools, and materials used in mechanical and electromechanical systems. 
• Knowledge of work hazards and ability to take necessary safety precautions. 
• Ability to read and interpret technical manuals.
• Ability to use a computer to access, interpret and record information
• Ability to climb stairs and ladders and work at heights of up to 45 feet and in equipment pits
• Ability to walk variable distances multiple times per shift and to bend, twist, and reach as necessary to repair equipment 
• Ability to tolerate exposure to airborne environmental nuisances associated with open grounds, exposure to chemicals and fluids used in water treatment and in building/equipment maintenance, exposure to adverse weather conditions, and equipment and machinery noise (with the use of earplugs).
• Ability to lift and carry up to 40 pounds independently, and to lift and carry up to 120 pounds with assistance of another person.
• Ability to exert up to 100 pounds of pressure using tools that tighten, loosen, or cut. 
• Ability to work outdoors in inclement weather.
• Ability to be available for after-hour emergencies including on-call duties.
• Ability to drive at night. 
• Wellfield positions require ability to operate a bucket truck, digger truck, backhoe, well pulling rig, and other wellfield equipment.
• Ability to develop and maintain effective working relationships with other employees.
• Ability to communicate clearly and effectively, both orally and in writing
• Ability to acquire and maintain a valid Kansas Class A Commercial Driver's License.  If you are a Canadian or Mexican citizen, you will be required to have or obtain a CDL from your home country. 
• An employee shall not pose a direct threat to the health or safety of other individuals in the workplace.

• High school diploma or GED.
• Ability to acquire a valid Kansas Class A or B Commercial Driver's License with air brake endorsement within one year of employment.  If you are a Canadian or Mexican citizen, you will be required to have or obtain a CDL from your home country. 
• A valid driver's license.
• Must be legally authorized to work in the United States without the need of a sponsorship.  

Preferred Experience and Training 

• One (1) year experience in mechanical, electrical, and/or plumbing repair work or trade school training

• One (1) year of experience in utility plant operations or maintenance.
• A valid Kansas Class A or B Commercial Driver's License.
• Relevant preferred experience must be described in your employment history to be considered. 

Please note that this position is part of a random drug testing pool, and employees are subject to random drug testing in accordance with company policies and applicable laws.

Salary : $29 - $42