Lead Water Operator

Grays Harbor County; Pacific Beach (WA); On-site; USD 65,000 - 95,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

None

Job summary

Grays Harbor County is seeking a Water Systems Lead Operator to coordinate and perform operating and maintenance tasks for the water utility. Responsibilities include water quality monitoring, meter work, pump and valve maintenance, and cross-connection control duties.

The role may require leadership of technical staff and on-call availability during emergencies. The position requires WA certifications or progress toward them, a valid CDL with tanker endorsement, and residency within commuting

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED; experience/equivalent acceptable.
• State certifications required or within 12 months of employment for WA water treatment and cross-connection control.
• Valid CDL with tanker endorsement; backflow testing certification desirable.
• Ability to follow public health standards and safety regulations.

Responsibilities

• Operate and maintain water systems per health standards.
• Monitor water quality and maintain records.
• Read/install meters and perform testing.
• Repair pumps, hydrants, reservoirs, and pipes.
• Lead technical staff and provide training as needed.

Skills

Water system operation

Water quality monitoring

Equipment maintenance

Record keeping

Training and supervision

Public health compliance

Education

High School Diploma or GED

WA State Water Treatment Operator - I

WA State Cross Connect Specialist – I

WA State Water Distribution Manager - II

WA State Class A CDL w/tanker

BAT (Backflow Tester) desirable

Tools

Water meters

Pumps & valves

Hydrants & reservoirs

Mains & pipe fittings

Hand tools

Job description

*This position is posted until filled and applications will be reviewed upon receipt*

*Hiring for two positions*

JOB SUMMARY

The Water Systems Lead Operator coordinates and performs operational tasks and maintenance activities related to the operation of the water utility system. Incumbent may serve as the operator in responsible charge of the water utility system and cross connection control program in the absence of the Water Chief Operator. Duties depend on day-to-day priorities and may involve: water quality monitoring; piping and pipe repair; repairing hydrants and standpipes; water meter installation, maintenance and testing; valve repair and installation; troubleshooting, maintaining and repairing pumps and pumphouses; maintaining and repairing water storage tanks. Employees in this position may be required to perform portions or all of the duties normally falling under positions within or below this classification depending on current workload and staffing requirements. Other duties may be assigned as required. This position is classified as Essential Personnel and may be called upon to work during weather closures and emergencies.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES

1. Performs all functions necessary for the successful operation of public water systems according to acceptable public health practices and water industry standards.
2. Perform water quality monitoring, maintain adequate records, and take follow‑up action, if needed to comply with state and federal drinking water requirements.
3. Perform cross connection control program work, maintain adequate records, and take follow‑up action, if needed, to comply with state and federal drinking water requirements.
4. Reads water meters, installs water meters; performs water meter maintenance and testing.
5. Performs new construction utility hook ups; assists in estimates in water systems for residential and commercial hook ups and improvements.
6. Install, maintain, and repair pumps, valves, hydrants, reservoirs, and other water system related components.
7. Determines the locations of water lines from the appropriate sources prior to excavation.
8. Cuts, fits, lays, repairs, taps, cleans, and flushes water mains, pipe, gates, and fittings on repair of mains, services, and installation of services.
9. Assist in shutting off broken sections of water mains.
10. Shut off water service to utility customers.
11. Maintains grounds and buildings; orders parts and performs inventory of parts, tools and facilities.
12. Operates a variety of heavy equipment; ensures proper maintenance of equipment and tools by cleaning and checking equipment and tools after use; performs routine inspections and preventative maintenance on assigned equipment.
13. Generates reports, standard operating procedures, manuals, and other documents as assigned.
14. Attends training needed to maintain licenses and to be informed of new regulations and technologies.
15. Provides status updates and reports problems to Water Chief Operator and provides recommendations.
16. Serves in a rotating “on call” capacity; follows emergency call‑out and customer contact procedures; respond to emergencies such as broken pipes, equipment failures or other malfunctions requiring immediate attention.
17. Perform other duties and projects as assigned by the Water Chief Operator

DISTINGUISHING FEATURES

This classification differs from the lower-level classifications in this series by the requirement for providing training and leadership; to analyze program effectiveness and recommend changes; assist with the development of short and long-range goals and measurements. This position is responsible for the supervision of technical staff assigned to projects under their scope of responsibility.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

This position typical requires: Climbing Balancing Stooping, kneeling Crouching Reaching Standing Mobility Pushing Pulling Lifting Fingering Grasping Feeling Talking Hearing Seeing Repetitive motion Digging

WORKING CONDITIONS

1. Work is performed both in the office and in the field for extended periods under dirty and uncomfortable situations and in all types of weather and temperature conditions.
2. Requires residency within 60 minutes of the Pacific Beach duty station.
3. May lift and carry up to 50 pounds; work in confined spaces; have exposure to hazardous gases, chemicals, raw sewage, dust, smoke, fumes, etc.
4. May be required to be on call for emergencies 24-hours a day and may be required to work evening and weekend hours. May be required to work alone.
5. Require extensive travel to facilities throughout the working day. May be required to travel for training purposes and commute to other departments or government agencies.
6. May perform duties while wearing required protective equipment.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

1. Knowledge of and the ability to use manual and power hand tools.
2. Knowledge of federal, state, and local environmental regulations applicable to public health practices and water industry standards.
3. Knowledge of County policies and procedures.
4. Ability to train and direct the work activities of other employees in the skill area as assigned.
5. Ability to operate and maintain water systems facilities and equipment.
6. Ability to rebuild and perform maintenance on pumps.
7. Ability to perform standard testing methods commonly used in water facilities.
8. Ability to comprehend and interpret complex technical data and calculate algebraic equations for process control and related performance measures. Able to analyze data and diagnose equipment malfunctions, arrive to conclusions, take corrective action or make recommendations of plans of action.
9. Ability to establish and maintain effective working relations with coworkers, and supervisors.
10. Ability to work effectively and courteously with governmental agencies and the public.
11. Ability to communicate effectively verbally and in writing.
12. Ability to work independently and organize workload.
13. Ability to maintain accurate records

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• High school diploma or GED equivalent.
• Experience, education or equivalent combination of education and experience which satisfies the knowledge, skills, and abilities of the positions.
• Ability to pass a medical evaluation to declare fitness to use a respirator.
• Ability to obtain and maintain First Aid, CPR, Defensive Driving certifications, and the certifications listed below.

CERTIFICATIONS REQUIRED

• Washington State Water Treatment Operator - Level I
• Washington State Cross Connect Specialist – Level I – within 12 months of employment
• Washington State Water Distribution Manager - Level II
• Washington State Class A Commercial Driver’s License with tanker endorsement
• Certification as a Washington State Backflow Assembly Tester (BAT) is highly desirable

The statements contained herein reflect general details describing the principal functions of this job, the level of knowledge and skills typically required, and the scope of responsibility. They are not an all-inclusive listing of work requirements. Individuals may perform other duties as assigned, including work in other functional areas to cover absences or relief, to equalize peak work periods, or otherwise to balance the workload.

GRAYS HARBOR COUNTY IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER