Water & Wastewater Operator I

City of Santa Fe Springs; Palmer (AK); On-site; USD 65,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

City of Palmer is seeking a Water & Wastewater Operator I to ensure safe operation and maintenance of the water and wastewater systems under the Utilities Foreman. The role requires self-motivation, good communication, and the ability to work independently and with a team.

You will perform daily facility checks, assist with equipment maintenance, and participate in routine lab testing and on-call emergencies.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED is required.
• Alaska DEC Level I wastewater or water certification or ability to obtain within one year.
• CDL with Tanker, Hazmat, and Air Brakes endorsements or ability to obtain within one year.
• Ability to perform mathematical calculations.
• Basic knowledge of wastewater and water treatment and distribution systems.
• Basic knowledge of SCADA systems.

Responsibilities

• Perform daily checks of the wastewater treatment facility.
• Assist with maintenance and cleaning of equipment at the facility.
• Conduct weekly laboratory tests as required by state environmental agencies.
• Maintain the wastewater collection system and flush/jet sewer mains.
• Respond to after-hours emergencies on a rotating on-call schedule.

Skills

Math skills

SCADA knowledge

Communication

Team player

Independent work

CDL with Tanker/Hazmat/Air Brakes

Education

High school diploma or GED

Alaska DEC Level I certification (Wastewater or Water)

Tools

Pumps and motors

Laboratory testing equipment

Job description

EEO STATEMENT

The City of Palmer complies with Title I of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Individuals with disabilities, who require accommodation, auxiliary aides or services, or alternative communication formats, please call 1-907-761-1302. The City of Palmer is an equal opportunity employer.

DRUG-FREE WORKPLACE POLICY

In compliance with the Drug-Free Workplace Act of 1988 the City of Palmer prohibits the unlawful manufacture, distribution, dispensing, possession, or use by an employee of a controlled substance as defined in Schedules I through V of Section 202 of the Controlled Substances Act (21 USC 812), and as further defined by policy at 21 CFR 1308.11 - 1308.15 is prohibited in any workplace of the city.

Any individual who conducts business for the city, applies for a position or conducts business on the city's property is covered by the drug-free workplace policy. The policy includes, but is not limited to, all employees, contractors, volunteers, interns, and applicants.

General Functions/Distinguishing Characteristics

The Water & Wastewater Operator I is responsible for the proper operation and maintenance of the water and wastewater systems under the supervision of the Utilities Foreman.

The employee occupying this position must be self-motivated and be able to complete tasks efficiently and accurately. Interaction with all customers and contractors shall be conducted in a courteous and professional manner. Good communication skills and the ability to take directions are extremely important.

Essential Functions & Duties

• Perform daily checks of the City's wastewater treatment facility.
• Assist in performing maintenance and cleaning on the various equipment located at the City's wastewater treatment facility including pumps, motors, blowers, augers, grinders, U/V lights, and wet wells.
• Assist in the performance of weekly laboratory tests as required by the Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation.
• Assist in cleaning and maintaining the wastewater collection system by flushing and jet rodding sewer mains.
• Conduct weekly lift station checks and assist in the weekly confined space lift stations checks. Assist in the repair, maintenance, cleaning, or replacement of sewer lift station pumps, floats, and controls as directed.
• Perform or assist with the maintenance and upkeep of wastewater treatment and collection facilities.
• Flush, test, maintain, and repair fire hydrants.
• Perform daily water checks of the City's water production and treatment system.
• Assist with installation, checking, and reading of water meters.
• Work with City Hall to complete work orders and post door tags.
• Perform utility locates.
• Collect water and sewer samples and deliver to independent labs.
• Respond to after-hours emergencies and callouts on a rotating on-call schedule.
• Learn and use safe work practices.
• Perform other related duties as required by the Utilities Foreman.

Knowledge, Skills, Experience And Personal Qualifications

• High school diploma or general education degree (GED)
• Any of the following: current State of Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation Wastewater Treatment Level I, Wastewater Collections level l, Water Treatment Level I, or Water Distribution level l certification or the ability to obtain within one (1) year. Other related certification is desired.
• Current valid State of Alaska Class B - Commercial Driver's License with Tanker, Hazmat, and Air Brakes endorsements with acceptable driving record or ability to obtain within one (1) year of hire.
• Ability to perform mathematical calculations.
• Basic knowledge in operation and maintenance in wastewater collections systems and wastewater treatment plants.
• Basic knowledge in operation and maintenance in water treatment and distribution systems.
• Mechanical aptitude and knowledge of pumps, motors, blowers, and other related plant operation and equipment.
• Basic knowledge of SCADA systems.
• One (1) year experience operating light equipment, light trucks, heavy equipment, and using a variety of hand tools.
• Ability to comprehend and execute oral or written instructions and to apply guidelines to various situations.
• Ability to organize activities and tasks in an efficient and effective manner and work independently in accordance with established policies and procedures.
• Ability to work as a member of a team of staff working towards a common goal.
• Ability to meet and deal with the public and others in a pleasant and courteous manner.
• Ability to multi-task to perform and manage multiple projects simultaneously.
• Ability to meet attendance requirements for the position.

Supplemental Information

THE ABOVE STATEMENTS ARE INTENDED TO DESCRIBE THE GENERAL NATURE AND LEVEL OF WORK BEING PERFORMED BY PERSON(S) ASSIGNED TO THIS POSITION. THEY ARE NOT INTENDED TO BE AN EXHAUSTIVE LIST OF ALL DUTIES, RESPONSIBILITIES AND SKILLS REQUIRED OF PERSONNEL IN THIS POSITION. ALL REQUIREMENTS ARE SUBJECT TO POSSIBLE MODIFICATION TO REASONABLY ACCOMMODATE INDIVIDUALS WITH DISABILITIES.

The benefits outlined below are for eligble full-time employees who are regularly scheduled to work 30 or more hours per week.

Health, dental and vision insurance is available thru Premera BCBS. The City provides a life insurance policy thru MetLife as well as a short-term disability (STD) policy and an employee assistance program is available to all City employees (regardless of the number of hours worked) in addition to thier eligible dependents.

All employees in this category are enrolled in the State of Alaska Division of Retirement PERs program.

Supplemental benefits are available from Colonial Life, AFLAC, Allstate and MetLife as well as several 457 plans. These supplemental benefits are employee paid.

Information regarding leave benefits can be viewed in Palmer Municipal Code, Title 4 at https://palmer.municipal.codes/ or by contacting Human Resources at [e-mail]