SouthWest Water is a privately-held, American-owned service company with decades of high-level customer service. Today, we serve over 600,000 residential and business customers in seven states: Alabama, California, Florida, Oregon, Louisiana, South Carolina, and Texas. Our teams work together to deliver clean, safe, and reliable water and wastewater services so that our customers and communities can thrive.
Position Overview:
The Assistant Utility Operator position is intended as an entry level water utility worker position. This position is different from the Utility Operator 1 in that it does not require DEQ or DWS certification. This position will require significant direction for performing the duties required for Potable Water System Operation and Maintenance, Wastewater Collection System Operation and Maintenance, and Wastewater Treatment Plant Operation and Maintenance from more experienced department personnel.
Job Responsibilities:
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
Reasonable Accommodations Statement
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. Reasonable Accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
This position will be willing and able to perform the following duties and others as assigned:
Potable Water System Operation and Maintenance
Operate and maintain potable water facilities, ensuring compliance with safety and quality standards. This includes managing reservoirs, pumps, valves, and conducting construction activities.
Perform water meter installations, readings, and respond to customer service calls, addressing issues such as leaks, pressure concerns, and high bills.
Uphold quality assurance by ensuring operations align with regulations, conducting sampling, testing, and preparing reports for regulatory agencies.
Test backflow prevention devices, communicate with customers on necessary actions, and maintain a comprehensive Cross Control Program.
Wastewater Collection System Operation and Maintenance
Operate and maintain wastewater collection systems, responding to service calls, repairing pipelines, and addressing issues such as clogs and spills.
Provide customer service by responding to calls, checking sewer backups, and locating sewer line problems.
Wastewater Treatment Plant Operation and Maintenance
Operate and maintain wastewater treatment plant equipment and processes, ensuring proper functioning of various components.
Maintain water quality in effluent holding ponds, conduct routine monitoring and testing, and coordinate plant improvements.
Collect samples, perform monitoring and testing of wastewater, and ensure compliance with regulatory requirements.
Provide input for treatment plant improvements, coordinate construction, and perform light structural maintenance.
Environmental, Health, and Safety
Attend safety classes, prioritize personnel safety, and report/correct hazards. Ensure the use of appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and prioritize safety in decision-making. Adhere to stormwater Best Management Practices (BMPs) to comply with regulations and company policies.
On-Call Hours
Periodically will be considered to be available for on-call duty 24 hours a day. Will be available to respond and be present at the job location within the water system in a reasonable amount of time at times outside of normal business hours according to regulations and company policies.
Conduct daily inspections, collect operational data, and ensure equipment runs within desired limits.
Perform routine facility maintenance, inspect plant sites, and address unsafe conditions.
Maintain SCADA systems to monitor and control water system facilities efficiently.
Coordinate new customer connections to water and wastewater systems. Position Qualifications:
Knowledge of water systems and waste water collection
Knowledge of water system hydraulics and wastewater treatment plant operation
Strong analytical skills, ability to use thinking and reasoning to effectively identify and solve water and waste water problems
Moderate level of proficiency with Microsoft Office 365 suite including Microsoft Excel and Word
Effective verbal and written communication skills
Experience with SAP preferred
Work Location: Position is based out of Klamath Falls, Oregon.
Education and Certifications:
High school diploma or equivalent is required Trade school (electrical, plumbing, etc.) preferred
Backflow Tester Certification - within 1 year of hire
DEQ Treatment Operator 1 - within 3 years of hire
OR - D1 (Water Distribution Grade 1)
Work Experience:
1 years of experience performing construction activities or working for a utility is preferred
Work Environment:
Works outdoors and at plant facilities
May be subject to adverse weather and environmental conditions, including temperature extremes, humidity and precipitation; noise and vibration from heavy equipment
Exposure to physical hazards from equipment with moving parts, high voltage electrical equipment, hazardous chemicals, bacteria in wastewater Competencies:
Delivering High Quality Work
Supporting Coworkers
Communicating Effectively
Working Safely
Strategic Mindset
Making Accurate Judgments and Decisions
Decision Quality
Inspiring and Motivating Others
401k Company Match : 100% of the first 6% of your eligible compensation contributed to the Plan
Vacation Accrual : Starting at 3 weeks per year
Holidays : 10 company-paid holidays per year
Floating Time : 16 hours of paid floating time per year
Sick Time
Additional Benefit Plans include Medical, Dental, Vision, Company-Paid Life Insurance and more
Training, Professional Certifications, and Education Allowance