Distribution System Operator

NCRWA; Asheville (NC); On-site; USD 42,000 - 62,000; Full time

Job summary

Woodfin Sanitary Water and Sewer District is seeking a Distribution System Operator I to operate and maintain the municipal water distribution network. You will work under the Distribution System Supervisor to ensure safe, compliant water delivery, perform repairs, collect samples, and maintain records.

The role requires knowledge of water systems, safety practices, and the ability to use meters, pumps, valves, and related equipment in a public-facing environment.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required with 6 months water distribution experience or technical degree in water distribution systems.
• Knowledge of safety practices and regulations governing municipal water systems.
• Ability to operate and maintain water distribution equipment and test/disinfect water.

Responsibilities

• Perform repairs on leaking/broken water mains and service connections.
• Collect water samples and record data.
• Operate pumping stations and read water meters.
• Prepare reports and maintain records.
• Inspect storage tanks and maintain facilities grounds.

Skills

Water distribution

Safety practices

Regulatory knowledge

Maintenance knowledge

Water testing

Valves & hydrants

Water properties

Meter reading

Basic computing

Problem reporting

Communication skills

Equipment operation

Education

High school diploma

Technical degree in water systems

Tools

None

Job description

Woodfin Sanitary Water and Sewer District
Position Classification System: Distribution System Operator I

General Description:
Under the direction of the Distribution System Supervisor, performs skilled and semi-skilled
work in the operation and maintenance of the water distribution system and its facilities and
equipment.
Features of this Position:
An employee in this position performs work associated with the operation and maintenance of
the water distribution system and its associated facilities involving: storage tanks, pumps and
appurtenances, testing equipment and facilities, water mains and service lines, valves, fire
hydrants, and other responsibilities as may be designated by the Distribution System Supervisor.
Work involves processes that maintain the safe and effective distribution of potable water that
meets local, state and federal regulations, and may include: collecting water samples, repairing
water mains and service lines, flushing hydrants, and installation of service connections. An
employee in this position must be able to understand and maintain proper record-keeping and
safety procedures and exercise a limited amount of independent judgment in the absence of a
supervisor. Work is generally performed in close proximity with other employees and in highly
visible public areas.

Essential Job Functions:

• Performs repairs on leaking and/or broken water mains and service connections.
• Collects water samples for the purposes of analyzing water contained within water mains and records data and information as required.
• Assists with the installation and repair of service connections.
• Flushes and performs other maintenance on fire hydrants and blow-off valves as required.
• Locates and marks water mains and service connections as necessary.
• Inspects the condition of water storage tanks and checks water levels of tanks.
• Operates pumping stations and valves.
• Reads water meters and maintains proper records of readings.
• Prepares and submits reports and records when required.

Additional Job Functions:

• Maintains the grounds around water storage tanks, pump houses, and other facilities as
  required.
• Assists in the renewal of properties after repair work as required.
• Performs housekeeping duties as required.
• Performs other duties as may be assigned by supervisors.

Necessary Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• General knowledge of the operating principles and practices associated with the
  distribution of treated water in a municipal setting.
• General knowledge of safety practices and hazards associated with the distribution of
  treated water.
• General knowledge of local, state and federal rules and regulations that govern the
  operation of a water distribution system in a municipal setting.
• General knowledge of maintenance requirements of equipment associated with the
  operation, repair and maintenance of a water distribution system.
• General knowledge of chemicals involved in the testing and disinfection of a water
  distribution system.
• General knowledge of specialized equipment and tools associated with valves, hydrants,
  and other appurtenances contained within a water distribution system.
• General knowledge of the characteristics and properties of water as it relates to pressure,
  gravity, and other natural and unnatural forces.
• Ability to comprehend information obtained from meters, dials, gauges, and other
  equipment used to measure the criteria of a water distribution system.
• Ability to operate and understand basic computer functions related to the duties
  associated with the position.
• Ability to recognize the improper operation or malfunction of valves, hydrants and other
  appurtenances associated with the distribution system and undertake the proper steps for
  correction and/or reporting of such deficiencies.
• Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing.
• Ability to safely and effectively operate motorized vehicles, computer equipment,
  electrical equipment, hand tools, and other motorized and non-motorized equipment.

Acceptable Experience and Training:

A high school diploma or Graduate Equivalency Degree and a minimum of six months of
experience in water distribution system operations; or a technical degree in the operation of
water distribution systems; or any equivalent combination of experience and training which
provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform the essential job functions of
this position.

Additional Requirements:

• An employee of this class must be willing and able to obtain a class “C” water distribution
  certificate issued by the State of North Carolina within 18 months from the date of entry into this
  classification.
• An employee in this position must hold a valid driver’s license at the time of hire
  and must maintain license validity during his or her term of employment with the District.

Woodfin Sanitary Water and Sewer District
Position Classification System: Distribution System Operator I

Other Assignments:

From time to time an employee in this position may be assigned other duties outside of the
normal scope of responsibilities listed within this position classification description. This job
description is not intended to be an all-inclusive list of responsibilities assigned to this position
and should not be interpreted as such. Assignments outside the scope of this description are to be
considered temporary in nature and should not be construed as a demotion or significant
alteration of normal job duties unless otherwise communicated to the employee by the District.

Working Environment:

Employees in this position may experience frequent exposure to the elements and adverse
conditions during the normal course of duties. Employees may be exposed to or work in the
vicinity of chemicals, dust, and other materials that require proper safety precautions. Employees
in this position may be subject to working hours beyond that of normal scope and may be
required to report for duty under emergency conditions.

Physical Requirements:

Physical efforts in this position are considerable and involve standing, climbing, stooping,
reaching and walking, and lifting of up to 100 lbs. Dexterity in the use of fingers and limbs is
required for this position. Extended periods of sitting, standing, and moderate lifting of up to 50
lbs. is experienced in this position. Employees in this position must possess adequate hand-eye
coordination and sensory perception abilities.

Tools and Equipment:

Employees may be exposed to: motorized vehicles, office equipment, computer keyboards, hand
tools, and other motorized and non-motorized equipment during the course of duties in this
position.

Woodfin Sanitary Water and Sewer District
Position Classification System: Distribution System Operator I