Lead Operator- Wastewater

Lead Operator- Wastewater

The City of Pearland, TX is seeking to hire a full-time Lead Operator- Wastewater to lead and improve aspects of the day-to-day operations of our Utilities- Wastewater division. Are you service-oriented? Could you excel in a fast-paced environment? If so, you may be perfect for this position!

The Lead Operator earns a competitive hourly salary of $26.53-$28.72 based on experience and qualifications. There is also certification pay for licenses higher than required for the position. Additionally, the city pays all premiums for our employees' dental, long-term disability protection, and life insurance plus the majority portion of the medical premium for employees and their dependents. We also offer a retirement plan through the Texas Municipal Retirement System (TMRS) with a 2:1 employer match, life insurance, disability, access to the city's recreation fitness center, employee assistance program, educational assistance, 11 paid holidays and 2 designated paid holidays, paid vacation, sick leave, and an active wellness program focusing on physical, mental, and financial health.

Earn up to $5,000 in hiring incentives when you join the City of Pearland's Utilities team as a licensed TCEQ Water Operator! Incentive amounts are based on your license grade:

• Grade C License - $2500
• Grade B License - $3500
• Grade A License - $5000

Pearland is one of the fastest-growing cities in Texas due to affordable housing, outstanding schools, safe neighborhoods, and superb quality of life. Ranked as one of the top ten safest cities in Texas, Pearland residents know their families are safe and secure in the community and surrounding areas. Our close proximity to Houston, just a short 20-minute drive to downtown, allows residents to experience all the city has to offer including professional sports, world-class cultural amenities, and recreation.

Employees of the City of Pearland use multi-directional communication and cross-functional teams to promote a greater understanding of the organization by employees at all levels. We have created a culture of continuous learning that encourages and supports employee development and growth. Our work environment is one where innovation is not only supported but encouraged.

A Day in Life as a Lead Operator- Wastewater

Essential Functions Common:

• Wastewater Lead Operator: operator under direction, leads, oversees, and participates in the work of crew performing semi-skilled and skilled duties related to the inspection, operation, maintenance, and repair of wastewater pumping, water treatment, chemical control, and monitoring equipment; operates the Division's supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA) system; ensures an adequate disinfectant and or sterilization process distribution has reached the city's navigable water streams; performs or facilitates repairs on lift pumps, blowers, reservoirs, automated valves, and related equipment; coordinates and conducts the wastewater quality sampling program and ensures compliance with appropriate regulatory agencies; responds to emergency situations; uses and operates a variety of manual and power tools and light to heavy power-driven equipment; and performs related work as required.
• Performs a variety of semi-skilled and skilled duties in the inspection, operation, maintenance, and repair of water pumping, water treatment, chemical control, and monitoring equipment including booster pumps, wells, reservoirs, pressure regulators, automated valves, production systems, and related facilities and equipment.
• Attend and participate in monthly safety meetings.
• Coordinates and conducts the water quality sampling program; collects water samples at reservoirs, well sites, tank sites, designated sample stations, and throughout the water system; checks water samples for pH levels, chlorine residuals, and solids; prepares water quality documentation for submittal to regulatory agencies.
• Administers proper chlorine dosages; inspects, maintains, and repairs chlorine pumps and chlorine generating systems; checks for and repairs chlorine leaks; transports chlorine to various well sites and stations.
• Tests and monitors water pressure and related valves; inspects, repairs, and maintains control valves within the distribution system; records water well levels.
• Monitors the SCADA system and makes necessary adjustments to maintain an adequate supply of water and water pressure for customers; moves water remotely between different zones; troubleshoots SCADA system problems; reads and responds to alarms, e-mails, and other system notifications.
• Reads and records water production and electrical usage meters at pump stations and well locations and other related facilities; monitors and adjusts pressure regulators within the water system; collects and records operational data from wells, pump stations, reservoirs, and other related facilities.
• Performs system-wide reservoir inspections; checks and logs reservoir chlorine residuals; performs well maintenance and disinfection work.
• Troubleshoots, maintains, and repairs electrical facilities, electrical motors, portable generators, electrical panels, and communication systems.
• Perform/facilitate well and booster pump efficiency testing; maintains records of pump efficiency.
• Troubleshoots, performs routine maintenance, and makes repairs on system components including changing fluids, lubricating, and adjusting electrical and hydraulic pumping equipment, and maintaining all production related equipment and supply inventory.
• Maintains detailed records of lubrication, calibration, and maintenance performed on equipment, tools, and machinery.
• Responds to requests, complaints, and inquiries received from customers.
• Responds to after-hours emergencies and assists other staff in emergency situations; performs on-call and stand by duty as needed; works with other crews on emergency leaks and system infrastructure repairs; makes decisions on proper actions to take during emergency situations including repairs of booster stations and well sites.
• Performs a full range of duties on the water system including monitoring, cleaning, flushing water pipelines to ensure water quality as necessary.
• Performs other duties as assigned

Minimum Education and Experience Requirements:

• Requires High School graduation or GED equivalent supplemented by specialized courses/training experience in the water industry or related field. Preferences include college courses or certification(s) in environmental science, microbiology, or chemistry.
• Five (5) years of working experience in the treatment of potable water.

Special Certifications and Licenses:

• The minimum license requirement for this position is a valid Class B Wastewater Operator license issued by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality.