Water/Wastewater Operator

POSITION: Water/Wastewater Operator

Reports to: Water Superintendent and Wastewater Superintendent

FLSA Status: Full-time, Non-Exempt

SUMMARY: The Water/Wastewater Operator is hired by the City Council and primarily performs duties as assigned in the water and wastewater divisions of the Public Works Department. This position includes the operation and maintenance of the water distribution system and wastewater collection and treatment system, as well as the operation, maintenance, and repair of other City operations.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

1. Duties and Responsibilities

• The Water/Wastewater Operator will spend shared time with the water distribution system and the wastewater treatment system, depending on the current needs of each division.
• Operation, maintenance, and repair of the drinking water system to ensure success of the water distribution system, and all related equipment including water towers, fire hydrants, water mains, valves and water meters.
• Operation, maintenance, and repair of the sanitary sewer system to ensure success of the collection system, sewer mains, lift stations, Water Reclamation Facility, and all related equipment.
• Ensure proper sampling and reporting procedures to comply with all DANR and EPA requirements.
• Operate equipment in support of City operations. Perform servicing and field maintenance or repairs on equipment.
• Perform locating services for City utilities.
• Respond to emergency situations during and after hours in a timely manner and assist in providing solutions.
• Perform general city grounds maintenance to include lawn care, mowing, trimming, or removing of trees, cutting of weeds and spraying pesticides and herbicides.
• Perform snow and ice removal during and after-hours including plowing, blowing, sanding, loading trucks, hauling snow, and clearing city sidewalks.
• Schedule to include rotating weekend and holiday shifts.
• Always presents professional appearance and attitude and maintains a high standard of customer service.
• Assist in any other work as directed by the water and wastewater superintendents, or public works director.

2. Public Relations

• Provide information to the public as needed and as required
• Respond to customer inquiries, complaints, and concerns
• Represent the City as required in meetings with federal, state, and local officials

QUALIFICATIONS AND REQUIREMENTS:

1. Education and Work Experience

• Graduation from high school or GED certification
• Must possess or be able to obtain within 2 years South Dakota class 1 operators’ certification for water distribution, wastewater collection and treatment.
• Experience in repair and maintenance of related equipment and machinery

2. Skills, Knowledge and Abilities

• Knowledge of the essential principles of water and wastewater operations

• Knowledge of the occupational hazards associated with chemical sprays, machinery, electricity, and general maintenance and construction operations

• Knowledge in the safe operation of both light and heavy equipment
• Ability to calculate figures and amounts
• Ability to express ideas clearly, both verbally and in writing.
• Ability to work both independently and in a team environment.
• Knowledge in the use of Jet Vac Truck
• Knowledge of office technology and able to effectively use a variety of applications including Word, Outlook, Excel, e-mail, and Scada
• Must have effective interpersonal skills, with the ability to adapt to various situations and people

3. Physical Capabilities

• Work is primarily performed outdoors
• Ability to perform heavy manual labor; including lifting 50+ pounds, stooping, reaching, standing, sitting, walking, pushing, pulling, working aloft and withstanding exposure to variable weather conditions as may be required.
• Exposure to direct sunlight of extended periods of time is likely
• Requires some travel to business meetings, conferences, or worksites
• Must be able to operate normal office equipment, review work products, file and retrieve files.

4. Additional Requirements

• Valid driver’s license and a current CDL or ability to obtain one
• Possess or obtain Category 4 and Category 9 pesticide license

NOTE:

• The City of Harrisburg is an Equal Opportunity Employer and will consider applicants for all positions without regard to race, religion, creed, color, national origin, genetic information, sex, age, disability, political affiliation, veteran status, or any other basis prohibited by South Dakota or federal law.
• In accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, the City of Harrisburg will consider reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities.
• This position description is intended to provide a comprehensive and accurate description of the position, but it will not cover all aspects, details or tasks required. Other functions, responsibilities and requirements may be assigned, and this position description may be changed at the direction of the Finance Officer at any time.

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