Water/Sewer Operator In Training

City of Elko; Elko (NV); On-site; USD 38,000 - 46,000; Full time

Job summary

City of Elko is seeking an entry-level laborer for the Water & Sewer Department. The role involves extensive outdoor work, assisting with water production, distribution, and basic maintenance tasks under supervision.

Responsibilities include monitoring systems, performing routine maintenance, and responding to water quality concerns. Suitable for candidates willing to learn on the job and work in variable weather conditions.

Qualifications

• Ability to perform heavy outdoor labor for extended periods.
• Basic understanding of water systems, pumps, and meters.
• Safe driving principles and practices.

Responsibilities

• Monitor telemetry and tank levels; adjust to maintain water supply.
• Perform pump maintenance and inspect equipment, including pumps and meters.
• Install, repair, and calibrate equipment at pump or well stations.
• Check wells for static and pumping levels and chlorine residuals.
• Respond to water quality inquiries and collect samples.
• Locate utility line repairs and perform routine sewer jetting of mains and manholes.
• Operate backhoes, dump trucks, loaders, crane trucks and portable tools as needed.
• Respond to routine and emergency situations to restore operation.

Skills

Manual labor

Safety minded

Operates vehicles

Job description

Incumbent performs manual labor and drives City vehicles. Incumbents of this class should have good physical abilities and be versatile in their ability to undertake various tasks. Incumbent may occasionally perform skilled tasks which are learned on the job. In any assignment, the employee must perform work safely and efficiently, occasionally under adverse weather or otherwise undesirable conditions.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS:

This is the entry level laborer position within the Water & Sewer Department requiring manual work of a semi-skilled and routine nature. Involves performing both heavy and light physical labor in accordance with a clearly established routine or direct instructions of a supervisor. Work is assigned in detail by an immediate supervisor and is subject to moderate supervision.

SUPERVISION EXERCISED:

No supervision exercised.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

(Performance of these functions is the reason the job exists. Assigned job tasks/duties are not limited to the essential functions.)

• Monitors telemetry and tank levels and makes necessary adjustments to maintain adequate supply of water in water systems. Takes daily readings of electric and water consumption meters at pump and well locations; monitors and adjusts pressure regulators in water system.
• Performs preventative maintenance on pumps and pump motor equipment; potable water treatment equipment, inspects booster and well pumps, including checking for excessive noise, heat, or leaks, fluid levels on pumps. Changes oil and packing.
• Installs and removes motors in wells, and booster pumps, installs, repairs, and calibrates a variety of equipment at pump or well stations such as meters, gauges, valves and pump assemblies
• Checks wells static and pumping levels; checks chemical feed systems and tank levels; checks chlorine residuals.
• Maintains records of lubrication, calibration, and maintenance performed to equipment and machinery. Performs maintenance and repair work on pumps and well buildings and facilities.
• Responds to water quality complaints and inquiries from water users.
• Collects water samples; responds to water quality complaints and inquiries from water users.
• Obtain US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and NV State required water samples
• Locates utility line repairs and maintenance
• Performs routine sewer jetting of mains and manholes
• Operates backhoes, dump trucks, loaders, crane trucks and a variety of portable hand tools along with manual labor when necessary.
• Responds to routine and emergency situations in restoring the operation, treatment and monitoring functions of the water systems.

OTHER JOB RELATED DUTIES:

Perform related duties and responsibilities as assigned.

JOB RELATED AND ESSENTIAL QUALIFICATIONS FOR EMPLOYMENT:

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: (KSA’s are the attributes required to perform a job; generally demonstrated through qualifying experience, education, or training.)

Knowledge of:

• Ability to perform heavy manual labor out of doors for extended periods, frequently under adverse working conditions
• Familiarity with Wells, Pumps,
• Knowledge of Tanks
• Familiarity of Water Meters
• Sewer maintenance principles and practices
• Safe driving principles and practices.

Skill to:

• Operate a variety of highly technical computer equipment and related peripherals and software.
• Operate modern office equipment.
• Operate a motor vehicle safely.

Ability to:

• Respond to requests and inquiries from the general public
• Exercise good judgment, flexibility, creativity, and sensitivity in response to changing situations and needs.
• Understand and follow specific oral or written instructions
• Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing
• Establish, maintain, and foster positive and harmonious working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.
• Analyze problems, identify alternative solutions, project consequences of proposed actions, and implement recommendations in support of goals.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

Any combination of experience and education that would likely provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the knowledge and abilities would be:

Experience and Training:

• Some experience in performing skilled or manual labor.
• Safe driving principles and practices

Required Certifications/Licenses:

Must possess a valid driver's license and obtain a class B Nevada commercial driver's license within 1 year of hire date.

Physical and Mental Requirements:

The physical and mental requirements described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of the job.

Frequent standing in combination with walking throughout work shift on all types of terrain up to ¼-1 mile per shift, depending on area assigned. Strength and stamina to bend, stoop, sit, and stand for long periods of time. Occasionally sitting while performing administrative duties. Some reaching for items above and below desk level. Frequent reaching, bending, squatting, and stooping to perform maintenance tasks. Infrequently crawling or kneeling to check gauges and valves. Frequently lifting of 1-15 pounds is required, including materials, samples, supplies, and tools. Infrequently lifting of up to 50 pounds may be required.

In compliance with the Americans With Disabilities Act and similar state laws, reasonable accommodations may be provided for qualified individuals with disabilities who require and request such accommodations. Incumbents and individuals who have been offered employment are encouraged to discuss potential accommodations with the appropriate City Staff.

Working Conditions:

Work is performed under the following conditions.

Work is primarily performed outdoors in a field environment with exposure to all weather conditions, including travel from site to site. Possible exposure to sharp objects, pinch points, moving objects, moving vehicles, moving mechanical parts, odors, fumes, gasses, dust, noise, vibration, slippery surfaces, waste, hazardous and infectious waste.