UTILITY OPERATOR 1 - WATER

St. Tammany Parish Government; Louisiana; On-site; USD 40,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

St. Tammany Parish Government is seeking a Utility Operator 1 - Water to maintain water treatment systems in accordance with LDH and EPA regulations.

The role involves on-call weekend/holiday duties and emergency response when needed, under the supervision of a Water Department supervisor. Requirements include a high school diploma or GED, at least one year of water system operations experience, and a valid driver’s license.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required.
• Minimum 1 year experience in water system operations.
• Valid Driver’s License required.
• LDH Class 1 Operator Certification in at least one category or ability to obtain within 12 months.

Responsibilities

• Monitor and maintain public water systems per LDH requirements.
• Take water samples to ensure regulatory compliance: chlorine residual, bacteria tests.
• Complete required paperwork for compliance and manage distribution line flushing.
• Install hydrant meters and assist in repairs at well sites and mains.
• Respond to customer complaints with water quality investigations and communicate findings.

Skills

Water system operations

Regulatory compliance

Education

High School Diploma or GED

LDH Class 1 Operator Certification (or ability to obtain within 12 months)

Job description

Title: Utility Operator 1 - Water
Department: Utilities
Reports To: Supervisor 2
Pay Plan: 80hrs per pay period
Type: Full Time
FLSA: Non-Exempt
Emergency Classification: Class I

Summary:

Under the direction of their assigned Supervisor, the Water Operator shall maintain water treatment systems assigned to the position in a manner that conforms with and tends to further compliance with all applicable regulating agencies and the Department of Utilities policies.

Essential Job Functions:

Essential duties are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills. They are intended to be accurate summaries of what the job classification involves and what is required to perform it. The omission of specific statements or duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related or a logical assignment to the position.

• Monitor and maintain public water systems in accordance with Louisiana Department of Health (LDH) requirements which includes tasks such as:
• Take water samples needed to ensure compliance with regulations:
  • Daily chlorine residual testing
  • Monthly bacteria testing
  • Quarterly/yearly water profiling as needed
• Complete required paperwork needed for compliance
• Schedule and perform distribution line flushing and test hydrants
• Install hydrant meters
• Assist in repairs at well sites and broken water mains
• Perform water quality investigations including testing and observations in response to customer complaints & communicate with customer on findings
• Deliver Chlorine to well sites
• Operate Chemical Feed Pumps
• Required to maintain appropriate operator certification status, including Continuing Education courses
• May be required to operate equipment in the course of completing assigned duties
• Shall be available to work additional time during emergency situations
• This position is required to be on call weekends and holidays
• This position is required to work scheduled routes on weekends and holidays
• Regular, consistent attendance is required
• Any other duties as assigned

Competencies:

General knowledge of how water wells, and water distribution systems work. Must have a general knowledge of the rules and regulations governing the utility. Must be able to read, understand, and communicate job related material. The ability to determine the best method of repair and assemble the applicable parts and fittings to accomplish the repair. Must know and follow all safety procedures. Must be able to operate water systems serving <1,000 people in accordance with LDH, LDEQ, and EPA regulations.

Work Environment:

The incumbent typically performs in an outdoor environment. This includes construction sites, open and empty land, wooded areas, both urban and rural roads, drainage and muddy/swampy areas, hot, humid, cold, and wet conditions that are consistent with outdoor projects. The incumbent may also be exposed to wildlife and bugs in the environment. This position may include work performed in an office environment for training, plan reviews, meetings, project preparation, and progress reviews.

Physical Demands:

Medium work. Medium work involves lifting no more than 50 pounds at a time with frequent lifting, lowering, pulling, pushing and carrying of objects weighing up to 25 pounds. If someone can do medium work, we determine that he or she can also do sedentary and light work. Must be able to bend, stoop, kneel and climb in order to complete various job duties. Must be able to stand, sit and walk for extended periods, sometimes on uneven or rough terrain in various weather conditions.

Required Education/Qualifications:

A high school diploma or equivalent GED required. Minimum of one-year experience in relevant water system operations. A Class 1 Operator Certification from LDH in at least one (1) of the following: water distribution, water production, water treatment or have the ability to obtain said certification within 12 months of hire date. Must have valid Driver’s License.

DISCLAIMER:

If selected for a position with St. Tammany Parish Government, applicants are required to successfully complete a drug screen, physical and background check prior to employment. Failure to complete any requirement, may result in a rescinded offer.

St. Tammany Parish Government is an EOE/M/F/Disability/Veteran