Water Distribution Operator

City of Avondale, AZ; Avondale (AZ); On-site; USD 52,000 - 76,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive benefits package

Health and wellness benefits

Work-life balance

Job summary

City of Avondale, AZ is seeking a Water Distribution Operator to operate, maintain, and repair the City’s water distribution system. The role includes preventative and reactive O&M tasks, including mains, valves, hydrants, and service lines, with customer service investigations and emergency response.

The operator works under the Water Distribution Supervisor and may perform utility locating and meter service activities.

Qualifications

• Knowledge of basic mechanical and repair processes.
• Experience operating heavy equipment and maintaining a water distribution system preferred.
• ADEQ Grade I certification or ability to obtain within 6 months of hire.

Responsibilities

• Operate, maintain, and repair the City’s water distribution system.
• Respond to emergencies and participate in on-call rotations.
• Perform valve exercising and hydrant maintenance, and repairs to water mains and service lines.
• Record activities in CMMS and communicate service interruptions to customers.
• Assist with utility locating and water meter service activities.

Skills

Basic mechanical knowledge

Heavy equipment operation

Education

High School diploma or GED

ADEQ Water Distribution Operator Grade I Certification

Tools

CMMS software

Job description

Job Description

The Water Distribution Operator performs a variety of daily tasks to operate, maintain, and repair the City's water distribution system.

Work includes preventative and reactive O&M activities to ensure reliable system operation.

Daily work tasks include repairs, replacements, and evaluation of the water mains, valves, hydrants, service lines, water meters, air release valves, blow-off valves, and other system appurtenances.

Under the direct supervision of the Water Distribution Supervisor, the Water Distribution Operator also performs system manipulations, system shutdowns, customer service investigations, and assists with other divisional tasks, including utility locating and marking and various water meter service activities.

The Water Distribution Operator is responsible for responding to emergencies and is required to participate in the ‘on-call’ program, responding to after-hours callbacks on a rotating schedule as needed. Work may be performed independently or in small teams.

Essential Functions

Performs predictive, preventative, and reactive operation and maintenance activities on the City’s domestic water system, including valve exercising, valve maintenance, hydrant maintenance, hydrant flushing, customer service investigations, and more.

Repairs main breaks, isolates broken mains, sets up traffic control, and operates equipment such as backhoes, combination jet/vacuum trucks, ditch witch units, dump trucks, utility service trucks, jackhammers, underground piercing units, pneumatic and electric power tools, and other equipment for distribution system repair.

Repairs and/or replaces water service lines, water valves, valve boxes, air release valves, blow-offs, pressure reducing valves, fire hydrants, and other system appurtenances.

Communicates planned and unplanned interruptions in water service to customers. Ensures work areas are clean and hazard-free after completion of each assignment.

Utilizes the City’s CMMS software on a daily basis to accurately record and reflect proper equipment, labor, and asset utilization for each assignment.

Investigates customer complaints related to water service, such as low or high water pressure, water quality, air entrainment, system leaks, and more. Participates in the rotational ‘on-call’ program and responds to emergency callbacks as required.

Follows all standard operating procedures (SOP) and job hazard analysis (JHA) for distribution operations and maintenance. Safely performs work and utilizes required safety equipment (PPE) as required. Occasionally enters confined spaces by safely following OSHA safety regulations.

Performs other duties as required, including occasional chlorine residual testing, leak detection, and emergency system marking as required by Arizona811.

May be called upon to assist other divisions within the Department and performs other duties as required.

Minimum Qualifications

• High School diploma or GED equivalency is required.
• Work requires a knowledge or interest in basic mechanical and/or repair processes. Knowledge obtained through a vocational school or technical college is preferred.
• One (1) year of experience in operating and maintaining a water distribution system, operating heavy equipment, and/or experience in a construction-related field is required.
• An equivalent combination of education and job-related experience may be considered on a year-for-year basis.
• Must possess an Arizona Department of Environmental Quality (ADEQ) Water Distribution Operator Grade I Certification or be able to obtain the Certification within six (6) months of hire, and must be able to maintain certification for the duration of employment.
• Must possess an Arizona Class ‘A’ CDL upon hire and must be able to obtain a tanker endorsement within six (6) months of hire and maintain the license for the duration of employment.

The City of Avondale offers a comprehensive benefits package with outstanding health and wellness benefits, financial perks, work-life balance, and more.

For additional information, visit our website.