Operator I - Water Distribution - City of Copperas Cove

DEFINITION / GENERAL PURPOSE: 9/2020

Entry level position. Performs a variety of tasks, semi-skilled and skilled technical work in the operation, maintenance and repair of a water distribution system.  Reports daily and monthly operational reports, water meter maintenance report, work order, water quality complaint reports, and as designated by the Superintendent.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED:

Works under the general supervision of the Repair & Installation Supervisor.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Assists in the installation, repair, and maintenance of water lines, water meters, fire hydrants, valves, air releases, and other water related apparatuses.

Assists in recording all pertinent data required by State, City, and department.

Monitors and records data from SCADA system (when required).

Monitors chlorine residual within the water system.

Performs accuracy test on water meters.

Performs operational checks and maintains all pump/storage facilities within the guidelines of TCEQ, City and departmental rules and regulations (when required)

Monitors and records weight of Chlorine Bottles to determine usage (when required).

Responds to customer service complaints.

Performs bacteriological water sampling (upon licensing, when required).

Responds to emergency calls periodically (on-call 24 hours for 7 days).

Performs other essential duties as required to achieve successful operations of the department.

Subject to be called to assist an employee on standby duty.

Must be able to follow directions.

Be a self-starter and show initiative.

Contribute to team effort by performing other related duties as assigned.

The employee must have the ability to work well with others and have a good/pleasant attitude.

Regular and timely attendance is an essential job function.

PERIPHERAL DUTIES:

Serves as a member of various employee committees, as assigned.

Other Duties as assigned.

DESIRED MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

High school diploma or GED equivalent required. 

Valid Texas Driver's License rated Class "C" or higher with insurable record.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:

Must attend the required education and training to maintain required certifications.

Obtain Class "D" Water Distribution license within eighteen (18) months from date of employment.

Obtain Class "C" Water Distribution license within three (3) years from date of employment.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

Knowledge of equipment, materials, methods and procedures used in water distribution operations;

Knowledge of safety procedures and practices related to excavation, confined space entry, trenching, dangerous gases, and other water distribution operations;

Ability to work, drive and operate a variety of vehicles;

Ability to obtain/maintain licenses as required by Federal and State laws;

Ability to communicate effectively verbally and in writing;

Ability to read and understand technical manuals and maps;

Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with fellow employees and other departments, and the public;

Ability to monitor, read, interprets various diagrams, devices; chart gauges, and correctly interpret and react to those interpretations;

Ability to learn the characteristics of individual pump stations, and water storage facilities.

SELECTION GUIDELINES:

Formal application, rating of education and experience; oral interview, reference and criminal background checks, and drug screens are required.  Job related tests may also be required.

TOOLS AND EQUIPMENT USED:

Various motorized vehicles including, pickup truck (w/trailer). Various power tools, tampers/compactors, lawn maintenance equipment/tools, cut-off saws, chain saws, jackhammers, pneumatic valve machines, and tapping machines.  Various common hand tools, shovels, wrenches, safety equipment such as air packs, and any other tool or equipment inherent to the job.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to lift, carry, and position objects weighting up to 75 pounds in weight. The use of hands and fingers to handle, and/or feel of objects. The employee is occasionally required to sit, stand and/or walk. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 100 pounds, and have good coordination in the manipulation of light and heavy equipment. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus.

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is occasionally exposed to moving mechanical parts; fumes or airborne particles and outside weather conditions. The noise level in the work environment is usually loud.

Job Hazards:  Exhaust and fumes, toxic or caustic chemicals, noise, dirt, working in vicinity of operating vehicles or equipment with moving parts, possibility of falling objects, inclement weather conditions.