Utility Operator I

Grays Harbor County; Pacific Beach (WA); On-site; USD 34,000 - 48,000; Full time

Job summary

Grays Harbor County seeks an entry-level Utility Operator I to support water and wastewater operations. You will assist in operating motors, pumps, and treatment processes, perform maintenance, collect samples, and monitor data to ensure compliance.

You may work with various equipment, assist higher classifications, and participate in training required for state licenses and certifications. This role requires adaptability to field and office environments and potential on-call duties.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required.
• Experience or education/experience combination acceptable.
• Must pass medical evaluation to wear a respirator.
• Must obtain/maintain First Aid, CPR, Defensive Driving licenses.

Responsibilities

• Operate and maintain motors, pumps, and related equipment in water and wastewater systems.
• Control flow and treatment processes; perform routine maintenance.
• Clean tanks, equipment, and structures; rebuild grinder pumps.
• Monitor data and report problems to supervisor.
• Operate heavy equipment and perform preventative maintenance.
• Attend training to achieve licensing and stay updated on regulations.

Skills

Tools usage

Regulations

Policies

WWTP operation

Grinder pumps

Process controls

Testing methods

Data analysis

Diagnostics

Communication

Education

High school diploma or GED

Respirator fitness

First Aid certification

CPR certification

Defensive Driving certification

Driver's license

CDL tanker endorsement

Wastewater Operator Certification - Group I

Water Distribution Manager - Level I

Water Treatment Operator - Level I

Job description

This position is posted until filled and applications will be reviewed upon receipt

Hiring for two positions

JOB SUMMARY

The Utility Operator I performs operations tasks, water quality analysis, and maintenance activities related to the operation of the water and wastewater systems.

Duties depend on day-to-day priorities and may involve: plant checks, pump station checks, adjustment of chemical feeds; cleaning of equipment and facilities; water quality monitoring, water meter installation, maintenance, and reading; and building, grounds, and equipment maintenance.

Employees in this position participate in training and skills building to gain knowledge, skills, and abilities. Other duties may be assigned as required.

This position is not classified as Essential Personnel.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES

1. Assist personnel of a higher classification in operating and maintaining motors, pumps, and related equipment used in water and wastewater systems.
2. Operates valves and gates; starts and stops motors, pumps, engines, and generators to control and adjust flow and treatment processes, as directed.
3. Hoses down and cleans up tanks, equipment, and structures.
4. Repairs and rebuilds grinder pumps.
5. Cleans, paints, and performs minor maintenance of buildings, equipment, and grounds.
6. Collect samples and perform routine laboratory analysis.
7. Assists personnel of a higher classification to construct, rebuild, and maintain the wastewater treatment plant, wastewater collection system, and water distribution system.
8. Monitors and records necessary operational data and reports problems to supervisor.
9. Operates a variety of heavy equipment; ensures proper maintenance of equipment and tools by cleaning and checking equipment and tools after use; performs routine inspections and preventative maintenance on assigned equipment.
10. Attends training needed to achieve licensing and to be informed of new regulations and technologies.
11. May serve in a rotating "on call" capacity; follow emergency call-out and customer contact procedures; respond to emergencies such as broken pipes, equipment failures or other malfunctions requiring immediate attention.
12. Perform other duties and projects as assigned by the Chief Operators.

DISTINGUISHING FEATURES

Positions in the Utility Operator I classification are distinguished by the responsibility for performing entry level operator tasks, assisting higher classification staff in the construction and operation of the utility, and for performing work that requires less technical education, experience, and professional certification than Utility Operator II’s.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• Climbing
• Balancing
• Stooping, kneeling
• Crouching
• Reaching
• Standing
• Mobility
• Pushing
• Pulling
• Lifting
• Fingering
• Grasping
• Feeling
• Talking
• Hearing
• Seeing
• Repetitive motion
• Digging

WORKING CONDITIONS

1. Work is performed both in the office and in the field for extended periods under dirty and uncomfortable situations and in all types of weather and temperature conditions.
2. Requires residency within a 60-minute response time of the Pacific Beach duty station.
3. May lift and carry up to 50 pounds; work in confined spaces; have exposure to hazardous gases, chemicals, raw sewage, dust, smoke, fumes, etc.
4. May be required to be on call for emergencies 24-hours a day and may be required to work evening and weekend hours. May be required to work alone.
5. Require extensive travel to facilities throughout the working day. May be required to travel for training purposes and commute to other departments or government agencies.
6. May perform duties while wearing required protective equipment.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

1. Knowledge of and the ability to use manual and power hand tools.
2. Ability to comprehend federal, state, and local environmental regulations applicable to wastewater.
3. Ability to comprehend County policies and procedures.
4. Ability to operate and maintain wastewater treatment facilities and equipment.
5. Ability to rebuild and perform maintenance on grinder pumps.
6. Ability to perform standard process controls and testing methods commonly used in wastewater treatment.
7. Ability to analyze data and diagnose equipment malfunctions, arrive to conclusions, take corrective action, or make recommendations of plans of action.
8. Ability to establish and maintain effective working relations with coworkers, and supervisors.
9. Ability to work effectively and courteously with other governmental agencies and the public.
10. Ability to communicate effectively verbally and in writing.
11. Ability to work independently and organize workload.
12. Ability to maintain accurate records.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

Minimum Qualifications:

• High school diploma or GED equivalent.
• Experience, education or equivalent combination of education and experience which satisfies the knowledge, skills, and abilities of the positions.
• Ability to pass a medical evaluation to declare fitness to use a respirator.
• Ability to obtain and maintain First Aid, CPR, Defensive Driving certifications, and the certifications required in the positions listed below.

Licenses & Certifications Required:

• Washington State Driver's License - Valid/No Serious or Frequent Violations
• Class A CDL with tanker endorsement is highly desirable.
• Washington State Wastewater Operator Certification - Group I
• Required within 24 months of employment.
• Washington State Water Distribution Manager - Level I
• Required within 24 months of employment.
• Washington State Water Treatment Operator - Level I
• Required within 24 months of employment.

The statements contained herein reflect general details describing the principal functions of this job, the level of knowledge and skills typically required, and the scope of responsibility. They are not an all-inclusive listing of work requirements. Individuals may perform other duties as assigned, including work in other functional areas to cover absences or relief, to equalize peak work periods, or otherwise to balance the workload.

GRAYS HARBOR COUNTY IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER