Water Production Operator

City-of-Las-Cruces; Las Cruces (NM); On-site; USD 60,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

City of Las Cruces seeks a water systems operator to operate, maintain, and troubleshoot potable water production equipment at the GWTP. You will conduct daily rounds, collect samples, and record data for state and federal audits.

The role requires an Associate Degree in Water Technology with 4+ years of field experience, a Class B CDL with hazmat endorsement, and NM Level IV Water Certification. A strong safety record and teamwork are essential.

Qualifications

• Associate Degree in Water Technology and four years of experience in water system operations.
• Combination of education, experience, and training may be applied per City of Las Cruces policy.

Responsibilities

• Operates, maintains, and troubleshoots potable water production equipment.
• Operates the Griggs Walnut Water Treatment Plant and maintains chemical systems.
• Collects water samples and records data for regulatory compliance.
• Responds to customer complaints and serves as rotating emergency stand‑by.
• Uses SCADA to monitor and control water systems.
• Ensures safety regulations are followed by all crew and the public.

Skills

SCADA literacy

Safety procedures

Record keeping

Education

Associate Degree in Water Technology

Tools

SCADA

Job description

Operates, maintains, and trouble-shoots potable water production equipment. Comprehends and operates multiple complex City of Las Cruces water systems and water treatment plant.

Environmental Factors

Position works primarily outdoors with exposure to all weather conditions; exposure to mechanical hazards, chemicals, noise, dust, electrical hazards, traffic and gas. Safety equipment includes safety shoes, vests, ear plugs, hard hats, SCBA apparatus and gloves.

Physical Factors

Heavy physical work; ability to lift and carry items weighing up to 100 pounds; ability to push/pull items weighing up to 230 pounds; climbing, bending, kneeling, stooping and squatting; ability to use a self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA); ability to work in confined spaces.

Work Situation Factors

Position involves competing demands, performing multiple tasks, working extended hours; adhering to strict guidelines, and responding to customer issues. Regular attendance is an essential function of this job to ensure continuity of services. Position is subject to drug testing in accordance with applicable State and Federal regulations and City of Las Cruces policies.

FIRST CONSIDERATION WILL BE GIVEN TO CURRENT CITY OF LAS CRUCES EMPLOYEES WHO MEET ALL THE MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS.

Meeting or exceeding the minimum qualifications does not guarantee an invitation to participate in the process.

Position will be advertised as continuous until filled, with periodic review of applications.

Full-Time; Regular; Non-Exempt; Union-Represented

This position is a grade BC16

• Operates, maintains, and troubleshoots potable water production equipment; monitors pumps, motors, gas chlorinators, pressure reducing valves, pressure-sustaining valves, pump control valves, water tanks, and related plumbing components.
• Operates, maintains, and troubleshoots Griggs Walnut Water Treatment Plant (GWTP). Maintain and operate chlorine and polyphosphate chemical systems at the GWTP. Conduct daily rounds and keep accurate records to meet state and federal regulations and audits.
• Conducts and performs daily rounds of assigned wells, booster stations, and reservoirs; measures and records flow, pressure, and chlorine dosages; records gallons pumped and number of hours each well ran the previous day; monitors and performs troubleshooting, maintenance, and repair of all chemical sites.
• Diagnoses operational problems and makes corrective adjustments or recommendations; assists in determining equipment and system failures and repair procedures.
• Repairs and maintains gas chlorinators; checks chlorine residue throughout the distribution system; changes chlorine cylinders and delivers cylinders to all water wells.
• Mixes, maintains, and operates polyphosphate chemical systems in water wells to prevent iron and manganese build up.
• Checks, repairs, and performs preventive maintenance on pressure reducing and pressure sustaining valves; manipulates valves to move water from one zone to another or to help low level tank as needed.
• Collects water samples for the City's laboratory; mixes chemicals, paints well plumbing components, and picks up or delivers parts; cleans pump houses, plumbing, and system equipment.
• Provides guided and educational tours at wells, tanks, and booster stations for Utility Board members, City Council members, City of Las Cruces staff and members of the public.
• Responds to customer complaints regarding water problems, serves as a rotating emergency stand‑by, and provides training to workers regarding water production operations.
• Understands and operates SCADA system on computers/laptops in the field for controlling and monitoring all City of Las Cruces water systems and water treatment plant. Understand and use SCADA to retrieve water data for records and reporting purposes for state and federal regulations.
• Ensures that traffic, public and crew members are safe and are following safety regulations and procedures.

Associate Degree in Water Technology AND four (4) years of experience in water system operations. A combination of education, experience, and training may be applied in accordance with City of Las Cruces policy.

Licenses/Certification(s)

Valid Class B commercial driver's license with hazardous materials endorsement required. Position requires an acceptable driving record in accordance with City of Las Cruces policies. New Mexico Water Level IV Water Certification required. HAZWOPER certification must be obtained within twelve (12) months of hire date. NMDOT Supervisor Traffic Control required within 18 months of hire.

Knowledge of: Procedures and methods of operating, maintaining and trouble‑shooting water wells, booster pumps and pressure sensitive/regulating valves; state, EPA and OSHA regulations; current principles of record keeping and records management; principles and practices of effective research methods and data analysis, customer service, and problem resolution techniques; occupational and environmental safety and health hazards, and safety practices; safe and effective use and maintenance of related tools, materials, and equipment; current methods and standards for preparing effective business correspondence; correct English usage, grammar, composition, spelling, punctuation and vocabulary; business and personal computers and related software applications; City organization, operations, policies, and procedures to effectively perform the required functions and duties of the position.

Ability to: Perform technical reading and writing; read blueprints; maintain accurate records; maintain concentration; respond effectively to emergency situations; use a self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA), work in confined spaces, and pass annual confined-space physical; assess and prioritize multiple tasks, projects, and demands to meet deadlines; ensure appropriate levels of customer service to achieve expectations and meet objectives; read, understand, and assure compliance with a variety of policies, procedures, rules, standards, and regulations governing related activities and functions; collect applicable information and maintain accurate and timely records; maintain confidentiality of information and data; communicate effectively orally and in writing and use interpersonal skills to sufficiently exchange or convey information and receive work direction; prepare and present accurate and reliable information and reports; establish and maintain effective and appropriate working relationships with employees, other agencies, and the public; safely and effectively operate relevant tools, equipment, and motorized vehicles; navigate across even and uneven surfaces; timely and accurately enter data and update records using various mediums and formats; take initiative and exercise sound independent judgment within established procedural guidelines and carry out primary responsibilities in accordance with all governing regulations, statutes, and procedures to ensure achievement of goals and objectives.

Skills in: reading, understanding, and applying relevant rules, ordinances, codes, regulations, policies, and procedures; effectively managing assignments; responding to inquiries timely and within the scope of delegated authority; responding appropriately, maintaining objectivity and freedom from prejudice, and exercising sound judgment and understanding in all interactions; effectively working independently, or as a team member, in various environments with changing priorities; preparing and presenting various reports, documents, forms, and correspondence; researching information, analyzing data, maintaining accurate records, and updating information in various mediums and formats; operating a personal computer with installed generic and specialized software; preparing and presenting information in a clear and concise manner; demonstrating appropriate and effective interpersonal communication and conflict resolution skills; performing highly effective support in assigned areas.