Water Operator I

City of Augusta; Augusta (KS); On-site; USD 24,796 - 38,572; Full time

Job summary

City of Augusta is seeking an Operator 1 to assist in maintaining the water distribution system and water plant on-site. You will work under supervision to support daily plant and distribution activities.

Responsibilities include backwashing, calibrating meters, handling chemicals, responding to alarms, and performing routine maintenance. On-call rotation and safety-focused duties are expected.

Qualifications

• Basic knowledge of Water Treatment Plant & Distribution Operations.
• Basic knowledge of pump stations and water towers.
• Basic computer skills.
• Safe methods of lifting heavy objects and handling of chemicals.

Responsibilities

• Backwash filters daily and monitor plant performance.
• Calibrate pH meter and perform tests for pH, chlorine, temperature and CT calculations.
• Change chemicals and log daily usage of polymers, chlorine, alum and carbon.
• Respond to alarms and calls promptly and ensure safety of operations.
• General cleaning of buildings, pipes and equipment and maintain records.
• Work in on‑call rotation and support after‑hours emergencies.
• Assist in installation, repair and maintenance of water mains, meters, hydrants and service lines.
• Prepare and update utility mapping and record new meter installations.
• Turn water service on/off as needed and respond to customer inquiries.

Skills

Water Operations

Pump Stations

Safety & Chemicals

Computer Skills

Job description

Operator 1

Under supervision of the Water Superintendent, assists in maintaining the water distribution system and water plant.

Basic Qualifications

• Basic knowledge of Water Treatment Plant & Distribution Operations
• Basic knowledge of pump stations and water towers
• Basic computer skills
• Safe methods of lifting heavy objects and handling of chemicals

Plant Responsibilities

• Backwash filters each day (normally 2 daily)
• Calibrate PH meter and perform plant tests on PH, chlorine, temperature and CT calculations
• Change out / replace chemicals and log usage daily of all polymers, chlorine, alum and carbon
• Respond to alarms and calls in a timely manner
• General cleaning of all buildings, pipes and equipment
• Work in on‑call rotation

Distribution Responsibilities

• Assist in the installation, repair and maintenance of the City’s water system, including water mains, water service lines and hydrants
• Install, replace, repair, inspect and maintain residential and commercial water meters and hydrant meters used by construction firms and fire hydrants
• Keep a record of new meter installations and exchanges
• Prepare and update utility mapping
• Compute water consumption
• Turn water service off and on as appropriate
• Receive and respond to inquiries and complaints from customers and the general public regarding water service
• Drive and operate heavy equipment
• Perform locates for City of Augusta utilities
• Perform safety inspections of equipment and machinery
• Respond to emergency calls during work and after normal working hours
• Report defects and irregularities to supervisor
• Prompt and regular attendance is required for this position
• Other duties as assigned

Peripheral Duties

• Attend monthly safety meetings
• Maintain and demonstrate good public relations
• Wear Personal Protective Equipment, as required
• Abide by all standards, conduct and policies, as stated in Employee Handbook
• Help other team members accomplish tasks

Work Environment

While performing the duties of this job, the employee regularly works in outside weather conditions, including temperature extremes. The employee may regularly be exposed to fumes, odors, dirt, wetness, chemicals and toxins. The noise level in the work environment occasionally requires hearing protection.