Water Utility Worker – Water Treatment

The City of Grand Forks is accepting applications for the position of Water Utility Worker within the Water Treatment Plant. This position will assist in the operation and maintenance of the City's water treatment plant including equipment, facilities and grounds. Successful candidate will perform a variety of technical tasks relative to assigned area of responsibility.  Requirements for the position are equivalent to the completion of the twelfth grade.  Water Treatment Plant is a 24 hour facility and candidates must also be able to work 12 hour rotating shifts. Possession of, or ability to obtain, valid Class I Water Treatment Operator certificate within 1 year, current valid driver's license, valid forklift certification within 1 year.                                                                                                                                                  

Applications must be submitted to HR Department by 5 PM, Tuesday, October 23, 2018.  Exam will be held Tuesday, October 23, 2018 at 5:30 PM at City Hall Room A101. Bring a calculator.  Apply online at www.grandforksgov.com or at Grand Forks City Hall.  EEO Employer.

Class specifications are intended to present a descriptive list of the range of duties performed by employees in the class.  Specifications are not intended to reflect all duties performed within the job.

DEFINITION

To maintain and repair of the city's water system; to assist in the maintenance and repair of water mains and water meters, to provide services to customers and contractors and operate equipment to maintain facilities, perform technical tasks relative to the assigned area of responsibility..

SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED

Receives general supervision from the higher level staff.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTION STATEMENTS--Essential responsibilities and duties may include, but are not limited to, the following:

Essential Functions - Treatment

1.        Operate and maintain water treatment plant equipment, facilities and grounds; fill chemical hoppers on mechanical feed systems.

2.        Perform preventive plant maintenance; conduct periodic plant inspections to identify potential problems; assist in the repair of complex system failures; complete service and repairs.

3.        Aid in water flow adjustments and assist with monitoring plant systems control panel; train lower level staff in plant operation.

4.        Collect water samples and assist with chemical analysis of water; compute chemical feed dosages and adjust chemical feeders; participate in unloading chemicals and assist with chemical inventory.

5.        Clean designated area of plant and maintain plant grounds; mow grass and shovel snow from sidewalks.

6.        Answer emergency phone and radio calls and make referrals when necessary; record all emergency calls received.        

7.        Perform water screening tests for contractors, the public and other City departments.

8.        Adhere to safe work practices and procedures.

9.        Assist with monitoring pressure, tank levels and lift stations on plant systems control panel; operate water transfer station, ground storage tank, pumping station and alternate boilers.

Essential Functions –Distribution and Metering:

1.        Maintain and repair the City's water distribution system including water mains, pump houses, storage tanks and hydrants.

2.        Assist with general metering tasks such as installing and removal of meters for storage; test meters and  make repair meters in shop or on site; install and repair remote metering systems; Assist in the provision of services to customers; investigate causes of low water pressure, high water consumption, water discoloration or odor, and unexplained water in basements and other   places andtest meters to meet AWWA specifications.

3.        Participate in the maintenance and repair of water mains; locate and pinpoint water main breaks; assist in water main and hydrant repairs; assist in providing temporary water service during water main replacements.

4.        Operate light and heavy construction and maintenance equipment including tractors, backhoe, front-end loader, drills, pumps, jackhammer, tapping equipment and pipe cutting equipment in a safe and effective manner; Participate in the operation of line inspection equipment to survey, open and repair lines; review plans and specifications for location of lines; inspect for high concentration of hazardous gases.

5.        Maintain detailed and comprehensive records of all work performed on water distribution system valves, lines, water mains, pumping stations, hydrants and equipment.

6.        Participate in cutting and breaking asphalt and concrete surfaces; repair and participate in the pavement of roadways, sidewalks and related structures.

7.       Receive and respond to questions and complaints from the public either by telephone or in person; investigate areas of high   consumption and low water pressure; repair water leaks; repair and replace meters in the field.

8.       Maintain inventory for water distribution shop; maintain records for inventory receipts, issues  and price changes; assist in ordering parts, supplies, and materials; check shipments and packing   slips for accuracy; maintain proper warehousing of parts and materials; keep daily inventory log   and perform computer entry of monthly transactions

          Coordinate daily automated meter reading data with utility billing.

9.        Respond to public inquiries in a courteous manner; provide information within the area of assignment; inform area residents of water main shut-offs; resolve complaints in an efficient and  timely manner.

Marginal Functions:

1.        Conduct tours of facilities as required; answer questions from the public regarding the water utility Ensure the adherence to safe work practices and procedures.

2.        Perform related duties and responsibilities as required.

QUALIFICATIONS (Knowledge, Skills and Abilities)

Operational characteristics, services and activities of a complex municipal water treatment and distribution system. Basic mathematical principles; Basic principles of chemistry; Operational characteristics of a variety of water treatment equipment; Methods and techniques of repair and preventive maintenance of water distribution systems; Tools and equipment used in the maintenance and repair of water distribution systems; Uses and purposes of general construction tools and equipment; Occupational hazards and standard safety precautions. Methods, materials, tools and equipment used in the maintenance and repair of water meters. City ordinances and regulations concerning meters and City water service; Principles and practices of record keeping.  Modern computers and applicable software; Laboratory methods and quality control applications; Principles and procedures of record keeping; Safe working practices and procedures; Occupational hazards and standard safety practices; Pertinent Federal, State and local laws, codes and regulations.

Skills: Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing; Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work; Maintain physical condition appropriate to the performance of assigned duties and responsibilities; Maintain mental capacity which allows for effective interaction and communication with others; Maintain effective audio/visual discrimination and perception to the degree necessary for the successful performance of assigned duties.

Abilities: Perform a variety of preventive maintenance and repair tasks on water systems; for both treatment and distribution procedures. Diagnose and react quickly to water utility problems. Perform laboratory analysis on water samples. Interpret, explain and enforce department policies and procedures; Use and operate hand and power tools and mechanical equipment required for the work in a safe and efficient manner; Read and interpret basic written materials, maps and blueprints; Work independently in the absence of supervision; Perform heavy manual labor; Adhere to safe work practices including working with hazardous materials.

Experience and Training Guidelines

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

Experience:

One to two years of experience working in (Wastewater Collections Systems/Water Distribution Systems)and or experience in light to heavy equipment operation.

Training:

Equivalent to the completion of the twelfth grade supplemented by college level work in chemistry, biology, environmental, mechanical or civil engineering or technical certification in the field of Water/Wastewater technology.

License or Certificate

Possession of, or ability to obtain within 1 year, an appropriate, valid Water Treatment/

Service Worker Class I/II Operator Certification.

Possession of, or ability to obtain, an appropriate, valid driver's license.

Possession of, or ability to obtain an appropriate, valid Forklift Certification in a timely manner (within 1 year).

WORKING CONDITIONS

Environmental and Physical Conditions: Water plant and office environment; exposure to noise, dust, smoke, fumes, gases, potentially hazardous chemical and electrical energy, work in and with water, work on slippery and uneven surfaces and around heavy construction equipment, confined spaces, inclement weather conditions; Essential and marginal functions may require maintaining physical condition necessary for standing, sitting, bending, stooping, kneeling, crawling, climbing; operating motorized equipment and vehicles.