Public Utilities Operator I

Allendale, Township of (MI); Allendale Charter Township (MI); On-site; USD 52,000 - 74,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

License-based pay raises

On-call / weekend rotation

Job summary

Allendale Charter Township in Michigan seeks a Public Utilities Operator I to join the Water and Wastewater team. You will operate and maintain the water distribution system and the water resource recovery facility, with emphasis on safety and reliability.

You will perform lab analyses, meter work, and respond to emergencies during rotating weekends/on-call, with a wage range of $24.83-$35.41/hour and potential wage increases upon certification through Michigan programs.

Qualifications

• Ability to use computers with MS Office Suite.
• Ability to work independently.
• Ability to comprehend blueprints.
• Ability to follow safety procedures for a safe workplace.
• Ability to communicate effectively by phone, text, and in public settings.
• Good powers of observation and mechanical aptitude.

Responsibilities

• Daily operation and maintenance of water system components, including pumps, treatment systems, and facilities.
• Operate and maintain meters, lift stations, tanks, mains, and services.
• Inspect and repair drinking water and sewer mains and services.
• Perform lab analyses and record results.
• Rotating weekend schedule and on-call for emergencies.

Skills

Microsoft Office Suite

Independent work

Blueprint reading

Safety procedures

Communication skills

Mechanical aptitude

Education

Two years college (math, biology, chemistry)

Driver's license

Tools

SCADA interface

Job description

Job Title

Public Utilities Operator I

Department

Public Utilities

Reports To

Water and Wastewater Supervisors

FLSA Status

Non-exempt

Position Type

Full time 7:00am-3:30pm, Rotating weekend/on-call schedule

Salary Range

$24.83-$35.41

License Incentive: Employees who obtain Michigan Municipal Water Distribution Operator or Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator certifications will receive an hourly wage increase upon certification, as follows:

• Water Distribution Operator:S-4 ($0.25/hour), S-3 ($0.30/hour), S-2 ($0.40/hour), S-1 ($0.50/hour)
• Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator($0.25/hour), C ($0.30/hour), B ($0.40/hour), A ($0.50/hour)

The applicable hourly increase will be added to the employee’s wage upon obtaining the respective certification.

SUMMARY

This is a full-time position with Allendale Charter Township that requires some flexibility in working hours as overtime is required for mandatory rotating weekend shift. This position involves working with a team of approximately 5-8 other public utilities employees at the plant in Allendale, Michigan, as well as working offsite as required. Licensing is available through the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy.

This position performs tasks involved in the operation, maintenance and repair of equipment and machinery in the Water Distribution System and Water Resource Recovery Facility. Within prescribed limits, the operation and laboratory work is performed with considerable independence and without close supervision.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Daily operation of public utilities, including but not limited to, maintenance of motors, pumps, treatment systems, vehicles, equipment at the water resource recovery facility, the collection system and distribution system, and sample collection.
• Operate and maintain meter stations, lift stations, water storage tanks, mains, and services.
• Inspect and assist with the repair of drinking water and sewerage transmission mains and services.
• General maintenance of facility and grounds.
• Perform lab analysis and make necessary calculations and records results.
• Rotating week-end schedule and be on call for emergencies.
• Install and repair water meters, exercise hydrants and valves, as well as flushing hydrants.
• Read water meters.
• Work variable hours for water meter retrofitting.
• Communicate with Public Utilities team regarding status of equipment and samples.
• Monitors a control station, levels, and other instruments to make necessary adjustments using a Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) interface.
• Must live within 25-mile radius of Allendale Charter Township facilities for on-call responsibilities.

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform these essential functions.

REQUIRED SKILLS, ABILITIES and KNOWLEDGE

• Ability to use computers with a working knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite.
• Ability to work independently.
• Ability to comprehend blueprints.
• Ability to follow safety procedures to ensure a safe working environment.
• Ability to communicate effectively on the telephone, text, and public settings.
• Possession of good powers of observation and mechanical aptitude.

Special Requirements

Employee must obtain a Michigan S-4 Water Distribution Certificate and Michigan Wastewater Treatment Operator Class D Certificate through Michigan’s Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy within five (5) years of date of hire.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Education: Minimum two (2) years college credit to include math, biology, and chemistry course with lab component, or equivalent.

Experience: Previous public utility experience desired.

Licenses:

• Possession of a valid, Michigan motor vehicle operator’s license
• See Special Requirements noted above. Applicants must have the desire to continue learning wastewater treatment and water distribution principles

Miscellaneous:

• Basic reading and writing skills, with knowledge of spelling, punctuation, and grammar.
• Collaboration and communication with other employees.
• Logic, intuition, analysis, research, organization, and judgment skills.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

None

WORKING CONDITIONS

General working conditions are outside. Employees must be willing to work in all weather conditions, including adverse weather conditions.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• Ability to operate equipment involved in the maintenance of the facility.
• Ability to lift and carry 50 lbs.
• Ability and working knowledge of how to use hand tools.

TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS

Minimal (Conferences and Training Seminars)

OTHER DUTIES

Please note this job description is intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed in this job. It is not intended to provide an exhaustive list of all skills required in this job, nor is it intended to limit the authority of the Township Supervisor or any Township manager or supervisor to assign or direct the activities of employees under his or her direction. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change, or new requirements may be assigned, at any time, with or without notice.

Allendale Charter Township is an “at-will”, equal opportunity employer. If a job offer is made, employment may be contingent upon the successful completion and passage of a medical examination and other appropriate background checks, which may include providing body substance samples (e.g., blood, urine, and/or hair). We consider applicants for all positions without regard to race, color, creed, religion, genetic information, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, veteran status, age, disability, marital status, height, weight, or any other legally protected status under local, state, or federal law.