WATER WASTEWATER OPERATOR IN TRAINING

Job TitleEntry level position learning to operate and maintain the City of Wasilla's water treatment and distribution systems and the wastewater collection and treatment systems. Ensure systems are kept in excellent working order by providing excellent customer service while delivering a safe product to the utility customer under close supervision from the upper-level technicians.Essential DutiesLearn to operate water production and distributing facilities by controlling well production, storage reservoir volumes, booster stations, pressure reducing stations, and establish new connections.Learn to operate wastewater collection and treatment facilities by controlling lift stations, septage receiving facility, bar screens, grit separator, screen press, recirculation pumps, flow meter, aeration blowers, and establish new connections.Learn to maintain distribution of mains by exercising valves, servicing fire hydrants, detecting and repairing leaks, and trouble shoot electrical pumps and controls.Learn to maintain the sewer collection system by pumping septic tanks at regular intervals, exercise valves, detect and repair leaks, trouble shoot pumps and controls.Perform daily and weekend rounds and security checks on systems and facilities, record data on pumps, wells, reservoir activity, collect samples for measuring Cl2, pH, D.O. and adjust equipment as required.Ability to respond to utility call outs within 20 minutes from call, follow check list to troubleshoot problems, repair and bring system back into service.Perform fire hydrant maintenance by exercising valves, oiling, painting, and winterizing hydrant.Perform monthly meter readings, use computer to maintain customer data, upload and download information into hand-held meter reading units.Steam thaw mains and service connections, pump vaults, septic tanks, and service key box by operating a mobile steam boiler.Vactor mainline valve boxes and serve key box by operating a vacuum jetting truck.Locate service utility lines by reading and understanding as-built/record drawings, and use electronic equipment to find buried main lines and service lines.Perform other job-related duties and special projects, as assigned.Knowledge, Skills and AbilitiesKnowledge of standard methods in water/wastewater fields and the State and Federal regulations that is associated with it.Ability to communicate effectively and express ideas clearly and concisely both in oral and written communications.Basic computer skills along with the skill to effectively read equipment and construction schematics.Ability to operate basic vehicles, sewer pumptruck, and a forklift.Homeland Security orientation tests (Incident Command Systems) will be required as a term of employment taken on-line Entry level IS-100 within fifteen days of date hire and IS-200, IS-700, and IS-800 within 45 days of date of hire.Experience, Education Certificates, and LicensesHigh school diploma, GED or equivalent.One year experience in water distribution or sewer collection preferred.Experience operating with mechanical devices, pumps, motors, and hydraulic pressures.Must have or obtain State of Alaska Provisional level certification in water distribution, wastewater collections, water treatment, and wastewater treatment within 1-year of hire. Convert all 4 provisional certifications to level 1 within three years from date of hire.Must possess a valid Class A or B Commercial Driver's License with Tanker endorsement at time of application and be able to operate a motor vehicle.Must provide a current driving record from the state in which driver's license is held (dated within 30 days of request).Must obtain a valid State of Alaska Class A or B Commercial Driver's License with Tanker endorsement with satisfactory driving record within 30 days of hire.BenefitsThe City of Wasilla offers a robust benefit package for employees. In addition to retirement, health and life insurance, and paid leave, employees may elect supplemental benefits through payroll deduction.Health insurance is provided through Blue Cross Blue Shield. The City pays the majority of the monthly premium, and employees contribute $20.75 per month toward the cost of coverage. This plan includes medical, dental, vision, prescription drug, disability, and other benefits for employees and eligible dependents. The deductible for individual/family coverage is $300/$600, and the out-of-pocket maximum is $2,300/$4,600.Important: There is a one-month gap between the month an employee becomes eligible and the month coverage begins. Health insurance coverage does not begin the month immediately following the employee's hire date.For example, regardless of the date an employee is hired in July, health insurance coverage will begin September 1. An employee hired on July 1, July 15, or July 31 will have the same coverage effective date of September 1. Therefore, an employee hired in July will not have health insurance coverage beginning August 1. Plan benefits, premium contributions, and employee costs are subject to change.24/7 Telemedicine via SwiftMD. These visits are covered in full and are not subject to the annual deductible or coinsurance provisions of the plan.Full-time employees receive 11 paid holidays: New Years Day, President's Day, Seward's Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Alaska Day, Veteran's Day, Thanksgiving and the day after, and Christmas Day.302 members receive two additional floating holidays every July 1st.Employees with 0-3 years of service with the City of Wasilla will accrue 144 hours/year (12 hours/month) of paid time off. After 3 years, they will qualify for 16 hours/month, and after 8 years of service, employees qualify for 20 hours of PTO per month. PTO may be cashed out twice per year.Retirement is provided through the State of Alaska PERS (Public Employee's Retirement System). Employees who first became members on or after July 1, 2006, participate in PERS Tier IV, the Defined Contribution Plan. Participation in PERS is mandatory and the current contribution rate is 8% of gross wages. Defined Benefit (Tier I, II, III) current contribution rate is 6.75% of gross wages. Employees in this Defined Benefit are eligible to participate in the Voluntary Savings Account. The City of Wasilla matches 5% of employee contributions for Tier IV employees and a 22% Cost Share for Tier I-III employees. Upon reaching 5 years of employment with the City of Wasilla, an employee will become fully vested.State of Alaska Supplemental Benefit System (SBS) annuity plan is provided in lieu of Federal Social Security (deductions for Medicare will still be required). Participation in this program is mandatory. The current employee contribution is 6.13% of gross wages and is matched by the City. Information can be found online through the State of Alaska Division of Benefits and Retirement at insurance is provided through Symetra Life Insurance Company at no cost to eligible employees. Employees receive $50,000 in life insurance coverage. Eligible dependents are also covered, with $2,000 in life insurance for an eligible spouse and $1,000 for each eligible child. Coverage begins on the first day of the month following 30 days of continuous employment. This is a portable policy, allowing employees to continue coverage after separation from employment by assuming responsibility for the premium payments.The Employee Assistance Program (EAP) is free to employees and their entire household. The EAP includes valuable work/life balance tools ranging from fitness and nutrition, eight counseling sessions, and legal services. MagellanHealth.com/member View phone number on click.appcast.io.Supplemental benefits are available through AFLAC, MetLife, Mission Square, New York Life, Colonial, and Symetra at a cost to employee. City of Wasilla