Utility Systems Operator I

Santa Fe County; Santa Fe (NM); On-site; USD 40,000 - 56,000; Full time

Job summary

Santa Fe County seeks a maintenance worker to operate, maintain and repair water supply facilities and related equipment, including pumps, meters and gauges. You will perform preventive maintenance, read instruments, collect samples, and document operations.

Work is outdoors in varying weather, with on-call duties and compliance with safety rules. Valid NM driver license and certifications are required.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent with at least two years of plumbing, pipefitting, and plant operation experience.
• NM Water Systems Level 1 or Wastewater Systems Level I certification is required.
• Ability to read and interpret complex technical materials and maintain accurate records.

Responsibilities

• Perform basic duties related to operation, maintenance, and repairs of water facilities and well sites.
• Conduct preventive maintenance on pumps, motors, generators, and related equipment.
• Collect water and wastewater samples and assist in data interpretation.
• Read gauges, adjust chemical feeds, and maintain logs.
• Perform minor plumbing tasks and assist in safety inspections.
• Maintain cleanliness and safety of facilities and equipment.

Skills

Arithmetic for flow/rates

Technical reading

Written reporting

Safety awareness

Team communication

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

NM Water Systems Level 1 certification

Job description

• Performs basic duties related to the operation maintenance and repairs of all County Utilities’ water supply facilities, well sites; including preventive maintenance tasks for pumps, motors, generators, and other specialized equipment used in processing, conveying, storing water and wastewater; assists in the observation in operating conditions of remote monitoring equipment; performs reading, basic maintenance, calibration and troubleshooting of meters and gauges;
• Performs water meter reading and interacts with customers as necessary.
• Collects water and wastewater samples, and trains in the interpretation of complex results, and their connection to any necessary operational shifts.
• Performs duties as necessary to maintain facility work areas, grounds, tools and equipment in a clean, safe and orderly condition.
• Performs minor preventive maintenance on plant equipment and buildings; exercises and lubricates valves, lubricates valves and makes verbal or written reports to Utilities Supervisor.
• Performs minor plumbing and pipefitting tasks as required.
• Assists in mechanical work associated with the preventive and corrective maintenance of pumps, generators and other specialized equipment.
• Performs minor data entry and handling, including basic mathematical operations associated with water and wastewater treatment.
• Performs basic security inspections and identifies deficiencies that may jeopardize system operations or the public health and safety.
• Maintains daily shift log and other records as necessary for the continuous monitoring of water and wastewater operations.
• Performs chemical feed operations, calibration of feed pumps, and maintains accurate records of such operations.

Knowledge / Skills:

• Knowledge of applied arithmetic in connection with determining flow rates, volumes, concentrations and feed rates in connection with water pumping, and distribution, as well as chemical treatment in wastewater operations.
• Ability to read and comprehend complex technical material and instructions
• Ability to provide written summaries of operations and document events accurately.
• Ability to learn and comprehend the magnitude of occupational hazards and safety procedures associated with normal water and wastewater operations; ability to operate powered and manual equipment, machinery, and tools used in water and wastewater filed operations and maintenance;
• Ability to establish effective co-worker relationships; provide clear oral and/or written reports.

• High school diploma or equivalent plus two (2) years of training and/or experience in plumbing, pipefitting, and operation and maintenance tasks associated with water treatment, distribution and conveyance facilities or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Must possess NM Water Systems Level 1 or Wastewater Systems Level I operator certification.

Working Conditions:

Work is performed primarily outdoors and under different weather conditions, with exposure to dust, fumes, airborne particles, allergens, wastewater, heights, animals and extreme heat or cold. Work involves high risk and potentially dangerous situations working near hazardous/moving materials, equipment and machinery; and exposure to vibration and excessive noise. The use of protective clothing, equipment, devices and materials is required. Work requires the ability to stand, walk, sit, reach with hands or arms; climb or balance; stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl; talk, hear, and smell; clarity of vision at short and long distance; and the ability to lift up to 50lbs. Work schedules may include evening and weekend hours, plus 24-hour emergency and on-call duty. Walking, bending, stooping and lifting up to 50 lbs. is required. Travel outside Santa Fe County may be required occasionally.

Conditions of Employment:

Selected candidate must submit to and pass a County paid pre-employment physical and drug/alcohol screening. Additionally, selected candidate must submit to and pass a county paid criminal background screening. Selected candidate must possess and maintain a valid New Mexico Class D Drivers License as incumbent shall be appointed to drive a County vehicle during the performance of his/her duties. Candidate must obtain and/or maintain all certifications required.