Water & Wastewater Operator I

City of Palmer; Sand Point (AK); On-site; USD 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

The City of Palmer is seeking a Water & Wastewater Operator I to oversee daily operation and maintenance of the water and wastewater systems under the Utilities Foreman. The role emphasizes safety, accuracy, and courteous interaction with customers and contractors.

The successful candidate will perform daily facility checks, assist in equipment maintenance, conduct weekly lab tests, and participate in after-hours callouts on a rotating schedule, while adhering to city policies and procedures.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required.
• State of Alaska DEC Wastewater Treatment Level I or equivalent certification, or ability to obtain within 1 year.
• CDL Class B with Tanker, Hazmat, and Air Brakes endorsements or ability to obtain within 1 year.
• Ability to perform mathematical calculations.
• Basic knowledge of wastewater collections systems and treatment plants.
• Basic knowledge of water treatment and distribution systems.
• Mechanical aptitude and knowledge of pumps, motors, and related equipment.
• Basic knowledge of SCADA systems.
• One year of experience operating light and heavy equipment.
• Ability to work independently and follow policies.

Responsibilities

• Perform daily checks of the City's wastewater treatment facility.
• Assist in maintenance and cleaning of equipment at the facility.
• Assist in weekly lab tests as required by the Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation.
• Flush and jet rodd sewer mains to clean wastewater collection system.
• Conduct weekly lift station checks and assist with repairs.
• Perform daily water checks of the City's water production and treatment system.
• Assist with installation, checking, and reading of water meters.
• Respond to after-hours emergencies on a rotating on-call schedule.
• Learn and apply safe work practices.
• Perform other related duties as required by the Utilities Foreman.

Skills

Mathematical calculations

SCADA systems knowledge

Pumps and motors operation

Wastewater treatment knowledge

Water treatment knowledge

Mechanical aptitude

Reading and interpreting specs

Education

High school diploma or GED

Wastewater/Water certification or equivalent (within 1 year)

CDL Class B with Tanker, Hazmat, Air Brakes endorsements (or able to obtain within 1 year)

Job description

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.

• 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.

• 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.

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.