SD/WWC - Specialist I

City of Oak Harbor; Oak Harbor (WA); On-site; USD 28,000 - 41,000; Full time

Job summary

The City of Oak Harbor in Washington is seeking a entry-level Water/Wastewater Systems Technician to perform regular storm drain and wastewater collection operations under supervision. You will assist in inspecting, repairing, and maintaining network components, set up traffic controls, and operate specialized equipment with a strong emphasis on safety and regulatory compliance.

Ideal candidates have a high school diploma or GED and are willing to obtain required state certifications (Wastewater

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required; one year of general work with customer service preferred.
• Must obtain WA Wastewater Collections certification within two years of hire.
• CPR and Industrial First Aid certification within six months of hire.
• WA Department of Transportation flagging certification within six months; other safety certs may be required.

Responsibilities

• Perform regular storm drain and wastewater collection system operations under supervision.
• Assist in inspecting, repairing, and maintaining system components and equipment.
• Set up traffic controls and ensure safety procedures are followed.
• Operate specialized equipment and input data into maintenance systems.
• Maintain logs, write reports, and communicate with the public and City staff.
• Attend meetings and participate in safety and training sessions.

Skills

Effective communication

Problem solving

Safety awareness

Reading blueprints/maps/specs

Team collaboration

Education

High school diploma or GED

WA Wastewater Collections certification within 2 years

CPR and Industrial First Aid certification within 6 months

WA DOT flagging certification within 6 months

Confined spaces training within 1 year

Valid WA Driver's License

Tools

Sewer jet/vacuum truck

Video inspection van

Maintenance management system software

Job description

Perform regular and recurring storm drain and wastewater collections system operations while following safety practices and procedures. Recognize training and skill development needed in specialized system functions. Duties are performed under close supervision until proficiency is demonstrated. Work activities involve multiple skills and may include any or all of the following depending on area of assignment, crew needs, emergency services, special projects and seasonal factors:

• Attend morning crew team meetings.
• Maintain a personal logbook and write reports as needed.
• Assist in maintaining, inspecting and repairing storm drains catch basins, detention ponds, sewage pump lift stations and wastewater collection system components.
• Set up traffic controls while observing safety procedures.
• Cover long distances to deliver sewer cleaning notices.
• Assist in operating specialized division equipment such as a high-pressure sanitary sewer cleaner, street sweeper, flail/boom mowers, chemical grouting equipment, etc. and install portable flow monitors.
• Assist in the operating an in-line, single sanitary sewer camera. Input camera data (side sewer locations, manhole depths, bad spots in sewer lines and cracks, etc.) on a computer.
• Assist in the ongoing inspection of existing sanitary sewer lines and storm drain installations.
• Set up, inspect and operate sanitary sewer safety equipment including, but not limited to, personal gas monitors, tripods, personal harness assemblies, self-contained breathing apparatus and fresh air blowers.
• Establish and maintain effectively working relationships with co-workers, supervisors, City officials, other City departments, and the general public to handle customer complaints and interact in a courteous and appropriate manner, sometimes in stressful situations.
• Communicate with the public on wastewater collections and storm drain system related matters.
• Provide information to the department lead and engineering division regarding utility installation inspections.
• Maintain records and enter data into maintenance management system.

Associated Functions

1. Attend various workshops, continuing education, meetings, seminars and conferences.
2. Perform other duties and responsibilities as assigned.

Performance Requirements (Knowledge, Skills and Abilities):

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required, with or without reasonable accommodation.

• Skills in communicating and resolving issues effectively with the public and City staff in a courteous and helpful manner.
• Skills in troubleshooting and applying knowledge of storm drain and wastewater collection system operations to solve problems.
• Ability to gain a working knowledge of the City’s storm drain and wastewater collections system operations.
• Ability to learn applicable federal, state and local regulations.
• Ability to communicate effectively in person or in writing.
• Knowledge of English, spelling, grammar, vocabulary, punctuation and mathematics.
• Ability to wear and work with respirators and other safety equipment.
• Ability to operate specialized and departmental equipment such as the large tandem axle combination sanitary sewer jet/vacuum truck, television/video inspection van and associated electronic components, dump truck, asphalt rollers, portable asphalt/concrete saws, gas powered tampers, single and tandem axle dump trucks, front-end loaders, backhoe, tractors, graders, mowers, sweepers, equipment trailers, hand and power tools, gas monitors, tripods, personal harness assemblies, self-contained breathing apparatus and fresh air blowers and other division equipment.
• Ability to interpret information, reason and use good judgment.
• Ability to learn to perform regular and recurring work assignments proficiently and independently.
• Ability to learn to read and interpret blueprints, specifications, maps and technical manuals.
• Ability to perform work in accordance with traffic controls and sound safety practices.
• Ability to learn to operate a personal computer and associated software.

An equivalent combination of education, training and experience that provides the required knowledge, skills and abilities to perform the essential job functions may be considered.

• High school graduation or GED equivalent, and
• One (1) year of general work or building experience with customer service duties and problem solving.
• Must be able to obtain certification in State of Washington Wastewater Collections within two (2) year of hire date.
• Must obtain and maintain CPR and Industrial First Aid certification within six (6) months of hire date.
• Must obtain and maintain Washington State Department of Transportation certification in flagging, traffic control and safety within six (6) months of hire date.
• Must complete confined spaces training at available state class within one (1) year of hire.
• Must be able to obtain other specialized certifications in specific areas of work.
• Valid Washington State Driver's License and a good driving record.
• Must be able to obtain and maintain a valid Commercial Driver's License (CDL) Class A with a tanker endorsement, including medical certification, within six (6) months after successful completion of a probation period.
• Must pass criminal background and driver's abstract check prior to hire.
• Must pass drug screening at time of hire and periodically thereafter at the City's discretion.

The physical demands and characteristics of the work environment described here are representative of those occurring in the performance of the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals to perform the essential functions.

Work is performed out of doors (in all types of weather conditions) throughout the City storm drain and wastewater collections system locations. Requires normal visual and hearing acuity, physical endurance and substantial manual dexterity; the ability to be on one's feet, ascend stairs/ladders, bend, stoop and kneel and move items weighing in excess of 50 pounds. Work may be performed in confined spaces with a 25-inch diameter entry, elevated areas requiring fall restraints and around dangerous machinery. Exposed to hazardous chemicals, electric hazards, noxious fumes, toxic substances and a noisy environment. Work also involves equipment operation in heavy traffic and excavating in proximity to overhead and underground utilities. Weekend and after-hours work are sometimes required as well as after-hours response to situations and emergencies.

Safety Statement:

We expect employees to ensure compliance with all applicable safety practices and policies, including those established by OSHA/DOSH regulations and the City’s Accident Prevention Program (APP). This includes, but is not limited to, actively identifying, and correcting potential hazards that may affect employee and public safety, including those identified by co-workers. Leading by example to promote a positive culture of workplace safety through everyday action, emphasizing safe completion of work throughout all aspects of developing and carrying out work plans.