Wastewater Lift Station Operator

Job Title

Utilities Lift Station Operator

Job Description

Inspects lift stations operations to determine the need for equipment repairs in order to ensure efficient operations.

Environmental Factors: Position works outside in all types of weather conditions. May be exposed to loud, constant noise, dust, dirt, open manholes, street cave-ins, toxic chemicals (hydrogen sulfide) and gases (methane). Safety equipment required includes safety shoes, vests, ear plugs, hard hats, SCBA apparatus and gloves.

Physical Factors: Position involves heavy physical work, exerting in excess of 50 pounds frequently; balancing, bending, stooping, climbing, crouching, kneeling, reaching above shoulder height, squatting and pushing/pulling up to 50 pounds. Body agility is required to perform essential job functions. Position involves working in confined spaces and use of two-way radio; requires ability to hear warning sounds and conversations.

Work Situation Factors: Position may involve shift work; work on holidays, weekends, nights and overtime; may be on standby. Work may involve stressful emergency situations. Precise limits, tolerances and standards must be met. Position involves competing demands, performing multiple tasks, working to deadlines, occasional work beyond normal business hours, and responding to customer issues. Regular attendance is an essential function of this job to ensure continuity of services. Position is subject to drug testing in accordance with applicable State and Federal regulations and City of Las Cruces policies.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Performs daily lift station checks of equipment, including pumps, related controls, overhead crane blowers, generators and grounds.
• Determines need for repair or replacement of pumps, check valves, digital or analog meters, temperature/pressure gauges, electrical relays and switches.
• Performs preventive maintenance on cables, bolts, filters, gaskets, seals, bearings and other mechanical parts; participates in replacing piping, valve parts and equipment fabrication.
• Provides supervisor with precise description of potential problems and specifications for required equipment and supplies; maintains logs and reports.
• Participates in the installation, service and repair of service and wastewater main lines and manholes; digs manholes; operates a pipe locator for manholes; operates various motorized vehicles and equipment; checks stub outs for wastewater system.
• Serves as a member of the confined space entry team; handles emergency calls regarding equipment failures or line breaks; provides training to apprentice workers.
• Interacts with members of the public to inform them of wastewater maintenance activities.
• Performs general cleaning of lift stations; washes walls; paints; waters and prunes shrubs and trees.

Minimum Qualifications

Equivalent to a high school diploma PLUS three years (3) of experience in the construction of municipal wastewater collection systems is required. A combination of education, experience, and training may be applied in accordance with City of Las Cruces policy. Licenses/Certifications: Valid Class A commercial driver's license with air brake endorsement is required. A current NM Level III Wastewater Operator Certification is required. Position requires an acceptable driving record in accordance with City of Las Cruces policies.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Knowledge of: Wastewater operations; Uniform Plumbing Code (UPC), OSHA and EPA regulations; principles, practices, techniques, activities, rules, and regulations related to the operations and functions of the position and services provided; current principles of record keeping and records management; principles and practices of effective research methods and data analysis, customer service, and problem resolution techniques; occupational and environmental safety and health hazards, and safety practices; safe and effective use and maintenance of related tools, materials, and equipment; current methods and standards for preparing effective business correspondence; correct English usage, grammar, composition, spelling, punctuation and vocabulary; business and personal computers and related software applications; City organization, operations, policies, and procedures to effectively perform the required functions and duties of the position.

Ability to: Operate light and heavy vehicles and equipment; hand and power tools; perform technical reading and writing; maintain concentration; work in confined spaces, use SCBA equipment, and pass annual confined-space physical; respond to emergency situations; perform a variety of duties and responsibilities and assess and prioritize multiple tasks, projects, and demands to meet deadlines; ensure appropriate levels of customer service to achieve expectations and meet objectives; read, understand, and assure compliance with a variety of policies, procedures, rules, standards, and regulations governing related activities and functions; collect applicable information and maintain accurate and timely records; maintain confidentiality of information and data; communicate effectively orally and in writing and use interpersonal skills to sufficiently exchange or convey information and receive work direction; prepare and present accurate and reliable information and reports; establish and maintain effective and appropriate working relationships with employees, other agencies, and the public; safely and effectively operate relevant tools, equipment, and motorized vehicles; navigate across even and uneven surfaces; timely and accurately enter data and update records using various mediums and formats; take initiative and exercise sound independent judgment within established procedural guidelines and carry out primary responsibilities in accordance with all governing regulations, statutes, and procedures to ensure achievement of goals and objectives. Skills in: reading, understanding, and applying relevant rules, ordinances, codes, regulations, policies, and procedures; effectively managing assignments; responding to inquiries timely and within the scope of delegated authority; responding appropriately, maintaining objectivity and freedom from prejudice, and exercising sound judgment and understanding in all interactions; effectively working independently, or as a team member, in various environments with changing priorities; preparing and presenting various reports, documents, forms, and correspondence; researching information, analyzing data, maintaining accurate records, and updating information in various mediums and formats; operating a personal computer with installed generic and specialized software; Vehicle, equipment and tool operation; preparing and presenting information in a clear and concise manner; demonstrating appropriate and effective interpersonal communication and conflict resolution skills; performing highly effective support in assigned areas.