Operator I - Water Distribution, Sewer Collections, Storm Water

To view the full job announcement and to apply online visit: https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/sumnerwa

The City of Sumner Public Operations Department is recruiting for four (4) Utilities Division positions, including:

1 x Water Distribution Operator

1 x Sewer Collections Operator

2 x Stormwater Operator

These full-time positions play a vital role in maintaining and improving the City’s utility infrastructure systems. Operators perform a wide variety of construction, repair, maintenance, and operational duties related to water distribution, sewer collections, and stormwater systems while supporting safe, reliable public services for the community.

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This position is a full-time, Fair Labor Standards Act overtime eligible, non-exempt position. This position is designated as a Safety Sensitive Position. The regular work schedule for this position is Monday through Friday 7:00am to 3:30pm. Evening, weekend and holiday work may be assigned per CBA. The incumbent in this position is not a Civil Service employee. This position is eligible for representation through the Teamsters Local 313.

General Purpose:

This position is responsible for maintenance and construction work performing a wide variety of assignments in the repair, construction and maintenance of City sewer, storm and water systems. This position is part of the Utilities Division of the Public Operations Department.

Supervision Received: 

Work is initially performed under the direction of a Field Supervisor or the Superintendent; work is frequently delegated to this classification by a Lead Operator; however, as experience is gained, the employee is expected to perform assignments independently. Work performance is reviewed while in progress and upon completion, for conformance with instructions, or work standards.

Supervision Exercised:

Supervision is not a normal responsibility in positions of this classification.

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Ideal Candidate

The ideal candidate is a motivated, safety-conscious utilities professional who takes pride in maintaining critical public infrastructure and delivering high-quality service to the community. Successful candidates will demonstrate a strong work ethic, reliability, and the ability to work effectively both independently and as part of a team in a fast-paced operational environment.

About Sumner:

The City of Sumner’s vision is to set the standard of excellence for a progressive small city. In working to achieve that vision, Sumner prioritizes and celebrates diverse perspectives, life experiences and differences. The City actively seeks and encourages people with diverse backgrounds and characteristics to apply and all come together with a goal of continuing to learn and improve to better serve the residents, businesses and visitors of our community. Sumner remains a traditional city of just over 11,000 residents with agricultural roots, known for decades as the Rhubarb Pie Capital of the World. At the same time, its compact, walkable layout aligns perfectly with progressive planning trends, as its classic Main Street becomes repurposed for boutiques, independent restaurants and daily services such as legal offices, financial advisors and doctors. While Sumner retains historic neighborhoods of Craftsman houses and an active high school right on Main Street, it also offers over 16,000 manufacturing and distribution jobs for companies such as REI, Keurig Dr. Pepper, Amazon.com, and Dillanos Coffee Roasters. With a downtown Sound Transit station with buses and trains, it is well connected to the Puget Sound region while striving to be a full-service city with the largest YMCA facility in the state of Washington as well as a link trail system that will connect the Foothills and Interurban trails. Like the community, the city government is large enough to be professional but small enough to be creative. The City has won a variety of awards from the Governor's Smart Planning Award to recognition at the International Association of Chiefs of Police for its groundbreaking police work on victims' assistance. With a strong mayor format, the City has just over 130 employees who operate a cemetery, wastewater treatment facility, accredited police department, animal shelter, parks, senior center, full service public operations and administration.

About the City of Sumner Public Operations Department:

The Public Operations Department is responsible for the management, maintenance and operations, for the City of Sumner’s Facilities, Streets & Signals, Cemetery, Parks, Fleet and Water Quality, Water Distribution, Sewer Collections and Stormwater sections. Through the hard work and efforts of over 40 FTE’s, we oversee; 120 lane-miles of roadways and adjoining sidewalks, hundreds of miles of wet utilities, well and spring water sources, over 50 stormwater outfalls, 16 lift stations, over 100 pieces of rolling equipment, the Sumner Cemetery, the Sumner Link Trail, and 6 developed parks and 2 undeveloped parks; Check out all of the exciting projects that Public Works and other departments are working on by visiting: https://connects.sumnerwa.gov/

Examples of Duties

The job duties and responsibilities represented in this job description in no way imply that these are the only duties to be performed. Employees occupying the position will be required to follow any other job-related instructions and to perform any other job-related duties requested by a supervisor. While requirements may be representative of minimum levels of knowledge skills and abilities to perform this job successfully, the employee will possess the abilities or aptitudes to perform each duty with average proficiency.

Listed below are examples of typical job duties:

• Reads water meters on an assigned route and records readings in hand-held device for billings; checks condition of meters and boxes; inspects, cleans, reports or replaces broken, or worn out meters;
• Installs, repairs and maintains water, sanitary and storm sewer line and apparatus such as fire hydrants, valves, manholes and catch basins, etc. as assigned;
• Fabricates, repairs and installs road, warning, street and speed signs;
• Repairs concrete sidewalks and curbs; removes old material; mixes concrete; makes and sets up forms; pours and finishes concrete; paints pavement striping, stop bars, crosswalks and curbs for traffic control.
• Uses city asset management system to plan and track maintenance to city assets
• Performs other duties as requested. 

Operators may be assigned to specific sections which may include additional areas of focus including: 

Sewer Collections Section

Installs, repairs, maintains, and replaces various components of the public sewer collection system including, but not limited to: Sewer gravity and force mains, side sewer lines, manhole structures, emergency generators, grinder pump and lift station facilities, valves, and other sewer infrastructure; Assists with utility locates for both city and developer/builder use. 

Storm Water Section

Installs, repairs, maintains, and replaces various componentsof the public storm water system including, but not limited to: storm water mains, catch basins, roadside ditches, infiltration galleries, detention/infiltration ponds, and other storm water infrastructure; Assists with utility locates for both city and developer/builder use. Performs weed and vegetation control services including herbicide and pesticide application. 

Water Distribution Section

Installs, repairs, maintains, and replaces various components of the public water distribution including, but not limited to: water mains, service lines, hydrants, reading, setting and testing water meters, storage reservoirs, emergency generators, air gaps, check valves, and various other components. Works closely with the billing office to accomplish shut-off and turn-on activities in a timely and professional manner; Assists with utility locates for both city and developer/builder use. 

Qualifications

Any combination of experience and education which provides the applicant with the listed necessary knowledge, skills and abilities will be considered.

Education and Experience:

• At least 18 years of age. 
• Graduation from high school, or equivalent.
• Experience in construction, maintenance, and repair with a public utility in a similar position desired.
• Any experience, education, or training which would provide the level of knowledge and ability desired.

Necessary Special Requirements:

• Possession of a valid Washington State driver's license;
• Possession of or ability to obtain a Class "A” CDL with a Tanker endorsement within two years of employment; 
• Possession of or ability to obtain standard first-aid/CPR certification within six to twelve months of employment;
• Possession of or ability to obtain flagging certification within six to twelve months;
• If necessary, employee may be trained to obtain a Public Operator's License and/or Sign and Markings Specialist certification.

One or more of the following appropriate certifications for the assigned section and career track within that section may include: 

• Water Distribution: Water Distribution Manager I and/or Cross Connection Control Specialist
• Sewer Collections: Waste Water Collections Personnel Association (WWCPA) Sewer Collection System Certification I.
• Storm Water: Herbicide/Pesticide Applicator's License, Certified Erosion and Sediment Control Lead, Trapper Certificate. 
• Other valid certifications may be required in order to successfully perform the assigned duties. 

Necessary Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

Knowledge of:

• Basic maintenance, repair and construction techniques used in the street, storm, sewer and water system. 
• Work hazards and applicable safety precautions applicable to the work.
• Safe operation of power and manual hand tools.
• The operation of light vehicles.

Ability to:

• Perform tasks requiring physical strength and agility.
• Operate a computer or tablet. 
• Understand and carry out verbal and written instructions and work independently in the performance of routinely assigned duties.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with co-workers, supervisors and the public; 
• Work out of doors for extended periods under unfavorable weather conditions;
• Operate power and manual hand tools.
• Respond to work outside of normal working hours.
• Provide excellent customer service by using a friendly, professional, accurate and customer orientated approach to a wide variety of customers including the general public and other staff. This would include in- person and verbal communications.
• Maintain regular, reliable, and punctual attendance.
• Contribute to achieving the City’s Mission.

Physical Requirements

The physical demands and work environment described are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of the job. Requirements may be subject to modifications to reasonably accommodate individuals with disabilities who are otherwise qualified for employment in this position. However, some requirements may exclude individuals who pose a direct threat or significant risk or the health and safety of themselves or other employees.

Description of Work Environment:

Typically work is performed outdoors in all weather conditions. Usual construction site and maintenance shop working conditions. The noise levels are typical of most construction sites and maintenance shop environments. Fieldwork includes the exposure to noise, nuisance dust, noxious and toxic gases and vapors, traffic, active utility lines and other related construction-type job hazards. Where appropriate, personal protective equipment will be issued to the employee for use, with the employee being trained in its application and use. Exposure to hazards is an integral part of the job. May be required to deal with irate or disgruntled individuals requiring the use of conflict of management skills. Employee is frequently required to perform work in confidence and under pressure for deadlines, and is required to maintain professional composure, tact, patience and courtesy.

HEAVY:

Positions in this class typically require: climbing, balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, crawling, reaching, standing, mobility, pushing, pulling, lifting, fingering, grasping, feeling, talking, hearing, seeing and repetitive motions.    

Heavy Work: Exerting 50 to 100 pounds of force occasionally, and/or 25 to 50 pounds of force frequently, and/or 10 to 20 pounds of force constantly to move objects.

Supplemental Information

Selection Guidelines:

Selection is based on a formal application, evaluation of education and experience, oral interviews, and reference checks. Job-related testing and assessments may also be required.

This job description is intended to provide a general overview of the position and does not constitute an employment contract between the employer and employee. The employer reserves the right to modify or amend the job description at any time, as organizational needs and position requirements evolve.

 Background checks may include:

• Prior Employment Verification: confirms applicant's employment with the listed companies, including dates of employment, position held and additional information available pertaining to performance rating, reason for departure and eligibility for rehire. This verification will be run on the past three employers or the previous five years, whichever comes first.
• Personal and Professional References: calls will be placed to individuals listed as references by the applicant.
• Employment Eligibility Verification: Form I-9 is used for verifying the identity and employment authorization of individuals hired for employment in the United States.
• Educational Verification: confirms the applicant's claimed educational institution, including the years attended and the degree/diploma received.
• Criminal History: includes review of criminal convictions and probation. The following factors will be considered for applicants with a criminal history:
• The nature of the crime and its relationship to the position.
• The time since the conviction.
• The number (if more than one) of convictions.
• Whether hiring, transferring or promoting the applicant would pose an unreasonable risk to the business, its employees or its customers and vendors.

The following additional background searches will be required if applicable to the position:

• Motor Vehicle Records: provides a report on an individual's driving history in the state requested. This search will be run when driving is an essential requirement of the position.
• Credit History: confirms candidate's credit history. This search will be run for positions that involve management of City of Sumner funds and/or handling of cash or credit cards.

The job description does not constitute an employment agreement between the employer and employee and is subject to change by the employer as the needs of the employer and requirements of the job change.

Equal Opportunity Employer

The City is an equal employment opportunity employer. The City employs, retains, promotes, terminates and otherwise treats all employees and job applicants on the basis of job-related qualifications and competence. These policies shall be applied without regard to any individual's sex, race, color, religion, national origin, pregnancy, age, marital status, sensory, physical or mental disability, sexual orientation including gender expression and identity, genetic information, domestic violence victim or other basis prohibited by law.

Persons needing assistance in the application process may call the Human Resources Office, at 253-299-5595 or email hr@sumnerwa.gov. If you are invited to participate in the selection process and need ADA accommodations, please notify HR before you are scheduled for an interview or testing.

Drug Free Workplace

The City of Sumner is a drug free workplace. The City is committed to ensuring a safe and healthy work environment, free from employees whose job performance may be impaired by the use of prescription, nonprescription, over-the-counter drugs, illegal controlled substances, marijuana and alcohol.

General Hiring Process Information:

- Candidates must submit required documents as outlined in the job announcement in order to be considered. 

- Submitting a cover letter and resume is not required but is recommended. 

- Applicants must provide professional references with accurate phone numbers and email addresses. References will only be contacted for applicants who progress past the interview process. 

- If multiple applications are received for the same candidate, only the most recently submitted, complete application will be considered. 

- Applications received by the review date will be screened for minimum qualifications and then submitted to a Subject Matter Expert to select which candidates will be invited to interview. 

- Personally identifiable information is removed from the applications during the screening process.

- Applicants who are invited to interview will receive notification by email and are typically provided at least one weeks' notice prior to the scheduled interview date. 

- Applicants who are not invited to interview will be notified by email. 

- Remote interviews may be available for candidates unable to participate in person, remote interviews are held through an online meeting platform such as Microsoft Teams. 

- Applicants who pass the interview process may be invited back for a second interview with the department leads or for a walking interview through the department. 

- Applicants who did not pass the interview process will be notified by email.