Water & Distribution Operator

General Statement of Duties

This non-exempt position is responsible for performing a variety of semi-skilled and manual work involved in the maintenance, installation, and repair of the District’s water distribution and well water systems. These responsibilities apply to operators uncertified through Class 4 Certifications.

Supervision Received

Works under the oversight of the Water and Distribution Lead Operator and under the general supervision of the Water and Distribution Supervisor.

Primary Duties and Responsibilities

• Conducts specialized corrective and preventative maintenance, inspection and repair tasks on District-owned infrastructure. This includes any and all appurtenances related to a potable water distribution system (valves, pumps, hydrants, storage tanks etc.)  Are required to flush system as needed using hydrants and blow off valves to control water quality. The position is also responsible for maintaining and operating ground water well systems including treatment filtration plants and associated equipment.  Ensures compliance with all Federal and State water quality regulations and permits.

• Working with the Water Purification Plant operator monitors water production to maintain adequate water levels in the storage tanks. Determines daily needs based on computer generated data, experience and daily and/or seasonal weather demands.

• Adheres to the Standard Operating Procedures and assists in the development of said procedures.

• Verbally reports emergencies and major malfunctions to the Water and Distribution Lead Operator and/or Water Production Supervisor and initiates proper action per procedures.  Performs appropriate follow-up procedures.

• Inspects equipment and makes recommendations to the Water Plant Supervisor regarding necessary repairs, maintenance and calibration. Collaborates with the District’s maintenance department on the upkeep and replacement of equipment. Makes recommendations on the replacement schedule or type of equipment.

• Collects bacteriological samples for new waterline connections and facilities. Collects and tests chlorine samples to assess disinfectant presence and levels in response to customer concerns and other issues.

• Orders and offloads bulk chemicals for the treatment of water. Calculates chemical orders based on technical expertise and standard operating procedures. Maintains adequate chemical and supply inventories.

• Works independently and with the team to ensure all Federal, State and Local regulations are met.

• Records data required for regulatory purposes.  Creates daily operational reports on all changes made to the treatment plant, well system, and distribution system.

• Utilizes a variety of computer programs and databases during daily duties. Analyzes data and creates reports to aid in the evaluation of data and trends.

• Attends technical and safety training meetings, courses and seminars as required.

• Assists with District public relations by representing the District in the community or responding to telephone inquiries and concerns from the general public.

• Routinely performs physical cleanup and housekeeping of work areas, equipment, and buildings using standard cleaning equipment and material, and chemical cleaning procedures.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Basic knowledge of Federal and State regulations and permitting requirements.

• Basic knowledge of equipment and procedures used in the operation of ground water treatment, wells, and distribution systems.

• Basic knowledge of chemistry, biology and mathematical and statistical calculations necessary to conduct, analyze and interpret the results from standard laboratory tests.

• Basic knowledge of electricity, hydraulics and pneumatics to inspect equipment and request repair and maintenance.

• Basic understanding of SCADA computer system functions.

• General knowledge and ability to utilize Geographic Information System (GIS) based mapping systems, and as-built archive research systems.

• Basic computer knowledge including, but not limited to Microsoft Word, Excel and Outlook.

• Basic knowledge of safety procedures and use of personal protective equipment and ability to apply safety principles on all job tasks.  Ability to anticipate unsafe circumstances; act accordingly to prevent accidents, and promptly report accidents and hazardous conditions.

• Ability to accurately compile, analyze, and interpret facts to prepare reports, to troubleshoot, to make decisions, and to solve problems on process and equipment.

• Ability to read and interpret documents such as Safety Data Sheets, safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, procedure manuals, blueprints, and technical documentation.

• Ability to effectively communicate verbally and in writing, organize activities in order to complete tasks in accordance with priorities, address multiple demands and meet deadlines.

• Ability to work independently with broad direction and limited supervision.  Ability to work effectively with supervisors and co-workers and deal tactfully with the public.

• Ability to operate basic hand and power tools in a safe and efficient manner. 

Experience / Certification Requirements

• Experience requirements range from zero to multiple years.  Certification requirements range from none at time of hire to a Class 4 Distribution or Class A Water Treatment certification.

• If the employee has no distribution or water treatment certification at hire, they must acquire either a Class 1 Distribution or a Class D Water Treatment within six months of hire date and obtain the other within one year of hire date.

• Must have, or be able to obtain within one year, a valid Colorado Class C CDL with Hazmat and tanker endorsement and removal of airbrake restriction.  Must have a Motor Vehicle Record within the Acceptable or no less than Borderline rating according to the Vehicle Policy.

Working Conditions/Physical Activities

• Monday through Friday, 40-hour work week.

• Will be on rotating weekend and emergency on-call duty schedule in addition to the regular work week.  Subject to mandatory overtime on an as needed basis to work within the department and for other duties as assigned.

• May be subject to mandatory holiday and/or weekend work.

• This position is designated Essential Personnel per the Emergency Response Plan during a severe winter weather warning or event.

• Performs strenuous physical labor and stands for extended periods of time.

• Works in a building where elevated levels of noise, noise, irritants, dust, dirt, bacteria, hazardous chemicals/air/materials and fumes are always present. 

• Work may take place outside in all weather conditions.  May be exposed to risks typically associated with working around water, chemicals, electricity and other man-made and natural hazards. 

• Use of a respirator may be required for some tasks and may work in confined spaces.

• Lifting and handling objects up to 50 pounds occasionally and/or up to 20 pounds frequently. 

• Full range of body movements including stooping, twisting, kneeling, bending, leaning, reaching, climbing (heights), stretching and working in awkward positions.

• Vision is needed for driving, reading, recording and interpreting information; speech and hearing are used to communicate with other employees over the telephone, two-way radio and in person.

*This job will be open until filled and will be posted for at minimum of 5 days from the date of the posting. 

The hiring range for this position is $29.60-$46.13 per hour.  Actual compensation will be dependent upon experience and certification levels listed below. 

None/D Water Treatment/1 Distribution: $29.60-$34.88 per hour 

C Water Treatment/2 Distribution: $32.02-$37.67 per hour 

B or A Water Treatment/3 or 4 Distribution: $39.21-$46.13 per hour 

Parker Water & Sanitation offers a robust benefits program including: 

• Low-cost health premiums 

• 100% District paid dental and vision insurance 

• District HSA contribution for those on our HDHP insurance 

• Social Security Replacement program – 401(a) 

• 457 (b) retirement plan with District match up to 5%, fully vested right away 

• 100% District paid Short- and Long-Term Disability 

• 100% District paid Life and Disability Insurance (2x annual salary) 

• Tuition Reimbursement up to $5250 per year 

• Employee Wellness program 

• Public Service Student Loan Forgiveness eligible employer 

For a more in-depth overview of the many benefits PWSD offers please visit www.pwsd.org/careers and click on the Total Rewards Program link. 

Salary : $30 - $46