Utility Operator 2

Lewiscountywa; Chehalis (WA); On-site; USD 75,000 - 95,000; Full time

Job summary

Lewis County seeks a skilled Water/Wastewater System Operator to manage the operation and maintenance of county water treatment plants and intake facilities, ensuring compliance with safety and environmental standards. The role includes supervising staff or contractors, monitoring equipment, and performing routine repairs.

The candidate will hold an Associate’s Degree with WTPO 2 and WDM1, plus two years of relevant experience; must have a valid Driver’s License and a Class A CDL, CT training,

Qualifications

• Two years of experience in operation and maintenance of pumps, motors, and other water production and distribution equipment.
• Valid Driver’s License; CDL Class A and flagger card; asbestos cement pipe repair certification.
• County-required training including lock-out/tag-out, confined space entry, crane operation.

Responsibilities

• Operates and maintains water treatment and intake facilities following safety regulations.
• Inspects, clean, maintenance, minor repairs, reporting issues with water system equipment.
• Monitors water quality parameters and adjusts dosages and processes to meet regulations.

Skills

Operate water systems equipment

Inspect and maintain water/wastewater

Read blueprints

Safety compliance

Direct staff or contractors

Education

Associate’s Degree + WTPO 2 & WDM1

Job description

THIS RECRUITMENT IS OPEN TO ANY QUALIFIED APPLICANT WITH HIRING PREFERENCE GIVEN TO AFSCME MEMBERS.

THE DURATION OF THIS POSITION WILL BE CONTINGENT UPON THE TRANSFER OF THE VADER WATER SYSTEM AND THE ACQUISITION OF ADDITIONAL WATER SYSTEMS.

Under general supervision of the Operator in Charge, performs skilled work in the operation and maintenance of the water treatment plants in accordance with all safety regulations and procedures; responsible for the operation and maintenance of a variety of County-owned wastewater collection facilities and water systems to ensure the systems remain in compliance with local, state and federal requirements.

The following duties are the fundamental, crucial job duties performed by this position. This is not a comprehensive list of all tasks that may be assigned. Incumbent may be required to perform other duties as assigned and appropriate for the position.

• Operates and maintains water treatment and intake facilities in accordance with all county, state and federal safety procedures and regulations.
• Inspects, cleans, and performs routine maintenance; makes minor repairs, identifies and reports problems on the water system equipment, tools and facilities including the water treatment plant, intake pump facility, backwash lagoons, piping and appurtenances in the plant property.
• Samples, tests, verifies, charts, records and reports required water quality parameters (i.e. pH, turbidity, C12, temperature, total organics, bacterial, etc.) and processes at the frequency and applicable procedures to meet optimization goals to comply with state and federal drinking water regulations.
• Uses flow rates, meter readings and monitors to adjust chemical dosages, plant processes (i.e. filters, backwashes), flows and operations to meet optimization goals.
• Maintains laboratory equipment, processes, calibration, and certifications to validate water quality sampling.
• Monitors and adjusts pumps, motors and meters to mandated safety and service levels.
• Reads and records current data on site at individual service meters at regular intervals.
• Conducts fire flows and hydrant testing.
• Operates a variety of equipment and vehicles: pumps, mower, weed eater, chain saw, mixers, water meters, electronic equipment, hot tap machine, and general hand and power tools.
• Maintains the grounds, exterior and interior of the water treatment plant and intake facilities to maintain accessible, clean and sanitary conditions as directed.
• Interacts effectively and cooperatively with the public, co-workers, supervisors, vendors, contractors, and federal, state and local agencies.
• Responsible for directing staff or contractors to make necessary repairs or resolve problems with the system.
• Performs other duties and responsibilities as assigned.
• Operates a variety of heavy equipment: excavator, vac truck, backhoe, compactor, and 12-yard dump truck with trailer.
• Flagging, as needed.
• Serve on an on-call rotation to facilitate 24-hour response to emergency conditions within the County’s utility service areas. May respond to emergencies such as broken pipes, equipment failures or other malfunctions requiring immediate attention.
• Performs basic electrical wiring and carpentry.
• Detects and reports atypical conditions, such as damaged, malfunctioning and tampered meters, system leaks, high/low consumption, exposed wiring and other safety hazards.

Work is performed in indoor and outdoor environments; will be exposed to slippery or wet, muddy, rocky, and uneven surfaces, extreme temperatures and weather. The employee is regularly exposed to moving mechanical parts and frequently exposed to toxic or caustic chemicals. The noise level in the work environment is usually loud. Moderate physical demands may require frequent standing, walking, kneeling, bending, climbing, and lifting up to fifty (50) pounds. Associate’s Degree and Operator Certificate WTPO 2 and WDM1; two (2) years of experience in operation and maintenance of pumps, motors, and other water production and distribution equipment.

Must possess a valid Driver’s License (or have the ability to obtain within 90 days of employment at no expense to the county), complete First Aid/CPR training programs, and additional technical training as required.

Must possess a valid Class A CDL and Washington Traffic Control Flagger card. Certification in asbestos cement pipe repair and removal (OSHA/WISHA requirement). Must complete county-provided training to include lock-out/tag-out procedures, confined space entry procedures, crane operation, and other certifications, as required.

Knowledge of:

• State and federal guidelines for water distribution and safe drinking water, policies and procedures of surface water quality compliance.
• Principles and practices to perform water quality testing using prescribed procedures, techniques, and record keeping.
• Following OSHA/WISHA safety rules and regulations, and safety standards, including safely handling toxic materials.
• Standard computer software applications.
• Operating and maintaining water/wastewater systems equipment and machinery according to standard operating and safety procedures.
• Operating and understanding screens for control systems of water treatment and distribution processes.
• Inspecting parts, equipment, and machinery and performing preventative maintenance on water and wastewater treatment machinery and equipment.
• Monitoring multiple activities, interpreting operating data, prioritizing tasks, performing operations simultaneously, and conducting quality and other control checks.
• Math skills; ability to work with measurements, volumes, and ratios.
• Ability to read blueprints.
• Identifying and resolving problems on a variety of mechanical and electrical equipment.
• Following verbal and written directions and working effectively alone or as a member of a team.
• Establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with the public, supervisors, co-workers, state agencies, vendors and contractors. Communicating effectively and following verbal and written instructions.

Skills in:

• Working independently safely and efficiently.
• Performing minor repairs to pumps and plant equipment.
• Working collectively and collaboratively and following written and verbal instructions.
• Performing basic math and reading comprehension.
• Following established safety rules and regulations and being able to independently recognize hazards at the work site.
• Communicating effectively verbally and in writing.

Ability to:

• Learn and follow County policies and procedures.

Behaviors:

• Regular, reliable attendance with minimal unplanned absences.
• A willingness to embrace change and grow personally, professionally, and as an organization.
• Earn trust and respect through clear communication, follow-through, taking ownership and maintaining confidentiality while providing professional services.
• Accept personal responsibility for work, actions, and words.
• Commit to the delivery of public services that will benefit the community and contribute to the well-being and quality of life for the citizens of Lewis County.
• Build constructive working relationships with colleagues and stakeholders.