Utility Operations Technician

Lagrangega; LaGrange, Northern (GA, KY); Hybrid; USD 27,000 - 44,000; Full time

Job summary

The City of LaGrange is seeking a Utility Operations Technician to provide advanced operational support across wastewater treatment, biosolids management, and related facilities.

Under supervision, the technician will train less experienced staff, cover shifts as needed, and assist with emergency response and special projects. Candidates should have a high school diploma, 1–3 years of experience, and wastewater certifications.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required.
• 1–3 years of relevant experience.
• Team player with strong oral and written communication.
• Vocational/technical education in electrical, electronic, or mechanical fields preferred.

Responsibilities

• Performs advanced wastewater operations and biosolids management tasks.
• Provides operational coverage during vacancies, emergencies, and staffing needs; may work nights.
• Assists with training and mentoring of less experienced staff.
• Operates tractors, loaders, mowers, and other utility equipment as assigned.
• Performs preventative maintenance and supports repairs during outages and emergencies.
• Cleans and maintains plant equipment, grounds, and facilities.

Skills

Team player

Good communication

Read gauges

Independent worker

Education

High school diploma or GED

GA wastewater certification (Class III required; Class II/ I preferred)

Vocational/technical education in electrical/electronic/mechanical fields

Valid GA driver's license

Job description

Utility Operations Technician

NOTICE OF JOB OPENING

DEPARTMENT: Wastewater Division

Pay: Minimum $19.42 Maximum $32.25

JOB DESCRIPTION

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform the essential job functions satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the primary job functions herein described. Since every duty associated with this position may not be described herein, employees may be required to perform duties not specifically spelled out in the job description, but which may be reasonably considered to be incidental in the performing of their duties just as though they were actually written out in this job description.

Job Summary

Performs advanced operational support duties within wastewater operations. This position serves as a highly skilled and flexible utility resource capable of supporting multiple operational areas including wastewater treatment operations, biosolids management, equipment operation, facility maintenance, and emergency response.

The Utility Operations Technician works under the guidance of leadership and supervisory staff. The technician applies significant knowledge of utility operations, assists with training and mentoring of less experienced employees, and provides operational coverage during staffing shortages, emergencies, and special projects.

Essential Job Functions

The following examples of duties and associate tasks are typically performed by a person in this position. No attempt is made to be exhaustive in this listing.

• Understands basic wastewater treatment processes including aeration, solids handling, pumping systems, and biosolids management.
• Performs operational checks, inspections, and routine duties to support treatment processes.
• Provides temporary operational coverage during vacancies, training periods, emergencies, and scheduled staffing needs. May work alternate shifts, including nights, when operational needs require. Assists certified operators with daily plant operations and process control activities.
• Assist operators with daily plant operations and process control activities.
• Performs sludge/biosolids hauling and related activities.
• Coordinates transportation, loading, unloading, and disposal activities.
• Operates tractors, loaders, mowers, and other utility equipment as assigned.
• Assists with pumps, motors, valves, piping, and mechanical systems.
• Performs preventative maintenance tasks and identifies equipment issues.
• Assists maintenance personnel during repairs, shutdowns, and emergency situations.
• Performs facility, grounds, and site improvement activities when needed.
• Responds to emergency situations affecting utility operations.
• Helps during severe weather events, equipment failures, and operational disruptions.
• Supports multiple divisions or crews based on departmental priorities.
• Perform duties requiring independence, sound judgment, and reliability.
• Serves as a resource to less experienced employees.
• Assists with training on equipment operation, procedures, and safety practices.
• Shares institutional knowledge and assists with maintaining operational continuity.
• Conducts and documents routine preventative maintenance according to schedule.
• Obtains and evaluates predictive maintenance data, such as vibration analyses, infrared scans, electric consumption, etc.
• Assists in cleaning equipment, building, and grounds.
• Assists in electrical training of mechanics and operators.
• Performs related duties as required.
• Performs preventative and minor maintenance on assigned plant equipment.
• Performs daily inspection of plant mechanical systems.
• Performs janitorial duties.
• Cleans and/or paints equipment, pumps, motors, piping, etc.
• Performs grounds maintenance such as grass cutting, weed eating, and general clean up as needed within the plant and lift stations.

Qualifications

• Must possess a high school diploma or GED equivalent and be able to read, write, and perform mathematical calculations at a high school or equivalent level.
• Experience sufficient to understand the basic principles relevant to the major duties of the position, usually associated with the completion of an apprentice/internship or having had a similar position for one to three years.
• Must be a team player and possess good oral and written communication skills.
• Vocational or technical education in electrical, electronic, or mechanical fields is preferred.

• Possess a valid State of Georgia driver’s license.
• Must possess a Class III wastewater certification to be considered.
• Class II or Class I wastewater certification is preferred.

Knowledge, Skill and Abilities

• Considerable knowledge of wastewater principles.
• Considerable knowledge and skill with an ability to troubleshoot operational issues.
• Knowledge of preventative and predictive maintenance procedures.
• Good knowledge of industrial safety practices.
• Ability to work from electrical/mechanical drawings and sketches.
• Ability to prepare and maintain reports.
• Ability to work in confined spaces and manholes.
• Ability to wear SCBA and respirators.
• Ability to work on-call, shifts, and in adverse weather conditions.

• Skill in the use of small power tools, hand tools, and a soldering gun.
• Ability to perform mathematical computations.
• Ability to learn state and federal standards, rules, and regulations regarding operation of water treatment facilities.
• Ability to learn the methods and techniques of water treatment facility operations, maintenance, and repair.
• Ability to learn proper handling and storage of water treatment chemicals and physical and biological reactions.
• Ability to understand written and oral instructions.
• Ability to work independently and with other employees.
• Ability to read gauges and meters accurately.
• Ability to work outside under adverse weather conditions.
• Ability to learn wastewater plant safety practices.
• Skill in the use of a wide variety of hand, plumbing and electrical tools.
• Ability to read and comprehend at the level for the job.
• Ability to communicate effectively with others.
• Ability to exercise judgement.
• Ability to occasionally lift 50 pounds.
• Ability to operate a motor vehicle.

• Ability to read and comprehend at the level for the job.
• Ability to communicate effectively with others.
• Ability to exercise judgement.
• Ability to occasionally lift 50 pounds.
• Ability to operate a motor vehicle.

Work Environment

The employee will be exposed to the following conditions in the work environment: hot or cold indoor work environment; dirt, dust, grease, machinery and its moving parts; work in high, precarious places; raw sewage, fumes or airborne particles and toxic or caustic chemicals; outdoor weather conditions; risk of electrical shock; and vibration. The work is often performed on rough ground and slippery surfaces in and around wastewater. Protective devices such as masks, self-contained breathing apparatus, goggles, gloves, hearing protectors, helmets, and other protective equipment or clothing is often required. The noise level in this work environment is usually moderate to loud.

The City of LaGrange has the right to revise this job description at any time. Please sign below indicating you understand your job responsibility and are willing to perform those duties.