WATER DEPARTMENT OPERATOR

Position:        Water Department Operator                     
Reports to: Water Supervisor

Department:  Water                                  
Revision Date:  February 27, 2009

POSITION SUMMARY

Under the direction of the Water Department Supervisor, the water department operator is responsible for the proper and efficient operation of the water treatment plant, wells, and distribution system.  Position requires technical skills.

ESSENTIAL JOB DUTIES

• Confers with the Water Department Supervisor on projects pertaining to the water treatment plant, distribution system and all facilities related to the operation of this utility.
• Responsible for making routine decisions pertaining to the operation and maintenance of equipment and machinery.
• Performs minor and major treatment plant and collection system repair work.
• Performs laboratory tests on water samples.
• Receives and resolves customer complaints and must tactfully interact with contractors, supervisors and employees.
• Responsible for the maintenance of the grounds at the treatment plant and wells.
• Prepares work records and reports.
• Maintains records as needed for the city, state and federal requirements.
• Maintains an inventory of supplies, tools and equipment.
• Assists in water department activities with other city departments, contractors, etc.
• Inspects water facilities and work projects.
• Attends meetings and conferences as needed.

ACCOUNTABLITY

Duties are performed under supervision, since most tasks are repetitive, standard instructions and procedures are available, close supervision is not mandated.  Unusual problems are referred to the Water Supervisor with suggestions for corrections.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES REQUIRED

The individual must posses the following knowledge, skills and abilities or be able to explain and demonstrate that the individual can safely perform the essential functions of the job, with or without reasonable accommodation, using some other combination of skills and abilities.

• Knowledge of a municipal water treatment plant and water distribution system.
• Knowledge of the fundamentals of chemistry and bacteriology as applied to water treatment plant operations.
• Ability to communicate effectively, review and understand engineering plans, calculate a wide range of mathematic formulas and work under stressful and hazardous field conditions.
• Ability to read and interpret gauges and recording devices reflecting water treatment plant operations.
• Ability to supervise and perform standard and specialized water quality tests.
• Ability to maintain records.
• Must be proficient in the use of computers and software which are relevant to the operations of the water utility.
• Ability to communicate effectively with the Water Resources Director, Water Department Supervisor, department supervisors, personnel; and the public in person, in writing and on the telephone.
• Skill in responding to members of public under emotional distress.
• Ability to remain calm and make decisions under stressful, dangerous or emergency conditions.
• Ability to safely move heavy objects including manhole covers.
• Ability to solve a wide range of practical problems.
• Ability to operate standard office equipment including telephone; photocopier; fax machine and computer.
• Skill in performing cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and basic first aid.
• Ability to maintain required licenses, registrations and certifications.

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS

Education/Training:  Requires a High school diploma or GED and 2 years of directly related post-high school education.  “Directly related post-high school education” means post-high school education in chemistry, microbiology, biology, math, engineering, water, wastewater or other curriculum pertaining to plant and distribution system operation.

Work Experience:  A minimum of 2 years experience with a public or quasi-public water utility and be able to demonstrate standard job performance within 12 months of employment.

An equivalent combination of education, training and experience that provides the knowledge, skills and abilities necessary to perform the essential functions of the position.

Required licenses, registrations and certifications:  Must be in possession of a Grade I, II or III Water Distribution License and a Grade I,  II or III Water Treatment Operators License issued by the State of Iowa.  An equivalent license from another State will be considered until the State of Iowa licenses can be obtained.  Employee must continually maintain the Grade I, II or III Water Distribution License and the Grade I, II or III Water Treatment license.  Must be able to obtain a valid Commercial Driver’s License issued by the State of Iowa.  Must be able to be insured under the City of Grinnell’s automobile insurance policy.

A pre-employment physical examination is required.

A pre-employment drug test is required.

There is a residency requirement per the City of Grinnell Personnel Policy.  Currently the Operator is required to live within eleven (11) miles of the Public Safety Building.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

Works outdoors, indoors in an office setting and within an automobile.  Work involves exposure to dangerous, emergency or stressful situations; and interaction with the public.  Work may involve exposure to heat and cold; darkness and poor lighting; confined spaces; isolation; sitting at a desk or driving in a car; visual strain; noise; wetness or humidity; traffic hazards; significant work pace pressure and irregular work hours.

May perform work where improper action could cause serious injury, illness or death.  Will be required to work in all weather conditions.  Employee will work on rough terrain and in all areas where these utilities are present.

• Marginal functions of the position that are incidental to the performance of essential job duties have been excluded from this job description.

• All requirements are subject to possible modification to reasonably accommodate qualified individuals with disabilities within current guidelines as established by law.  Prospective employee and incumbents are encouraged to discuss possible accommodations with the City.

• Job descriptions in no way state or imply that the description includes every duty to be performed by the employee in the position.  Employees will be required to follow any other job-related instructions and to perform any other job-related duties requested by their supervisor.

• The City reserves the right to change or reassign job duties or combine positions at any time.

I have read the Water Department Operator job description for the City of Grinnell and declare that it accurately represents the duties and demands of this position.

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Water Department Operator,

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