Water Quality Operator I

Groundwater Field Operator

Under general supervision from the Water Quality Supervisor, overall job summary includes operating and maintaining groundwater well and surface water pump stations, sampling and regulating disinfectant residuals, reading production meters, distribution system flushing to maintain water quality, and performing basic and semi-skilled maintenance and preventative maintenance tasks. Field activities are performed independently and include acting upon work-orders for on-site customer inquiries. All Field Operators work under the general supervision of the Water Superintendent and may receive training and guidance from a more experienced Operator.

Essential duties and responsibilities include the following. Other duties may be assigned.

• Responds to and resolves customer complaints about water quality;
• Takes water samples, records meter readings, analyzes disinfection residuals;
• Ensures proper collection, documentation, and reporting of water quality data.
• Monitors and oversees adherence to local, state, and federal water quality regulations and requirements; updates management staff on water quality issues and current regulations.
• Transports & changes out chlorine cylinders;
• Reports production meter defects and conditions of meters;
• Repairs plant site meter leaks as applicable;
• Repairs or replaces faulty plant site water meters, meter boxes, lids, stops, and connections;
• Operates and maintains a water service truck. Conducts vehicle preventative maintenance inspection;
• Operates various types of hand tools related to the water field. Prepares reports of work completed;
• Required to work within the Water Operations on-call rotation as part of a crew or alone, whose primary responsibility is maintaining and repairing various parts of the distribution infrastructure.

Demonstrates continuous efforts to improve operations; decrease turnaround times, streamline work processes, and work cooperatively and jointly to provide quality seamless customer service.

This job has no supervisory responsibilities.

Knowledge, skills, and abilities include:

• Texas Administrative Code (TAC) Ch. 290 rules for public drinking water.
• Methods, materials, and techniques used in repairing or replacing water meters, chlorinators, meter boxes, and connections.
• Familiar with the District's geography, map, and street locations.
• Meter reading and use of data collection devices.
• Water service and distribution system.
• Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) systems.
• Basic knowledge of chlorination equipment.
• Basic knowledge of pumps, motors, and valves.
• Maintain sufficient computer and office equipment skills ancillary to utilizing word-processing spreadsheet applications.
• Excellent knowledge of machinery and hydraulic, electrical, and other systems and their components.
• Aptitude in using various hand tools (screwdrivers, hammers, etc.) and precision measurement tools (e.g., calipers).
• Ability to follow established procedures and practices and read instruction, operations manual, blueprints, etc.
• A strong commitment to all health and safety guidelines.
• Very good communication skills.
• A problem-solving ability.
• Very good physical strength and stamina.
• Work safely without presenting a direct threat to self or others. Conduct other related lawful duties as assigned.

Education/experience: High School Graduate or GED equivalent. Certificates and licenses required: A valid Class C Texas motor vehicle driver's license and the ability to maintain a satisfactory driving record. Ability to obtain a Class C CDL with a HAZMAT endorsement within 1 year of hire. A class "C" groundwater operator license issued by the TCEQ. Valid Customer Service Inspector license issued by the TCEQ or ability to obtain one within 1 year of hire.

Language skills: Ability to read, analyze, and interpret general business periodicals, professional journals, technical procedures, or governmental regulations. Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from Department Heads, clients, customers, and the general public.

Mathematical skills: Knowledge of basic math and measurements.

Reasoning ability: Ability to apply common sense understanding to carry out instructions furnished in written, oral, or diagram form. Ability to deal with problems involving several concrete variables in standardized situations.

Physical demands: The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions for 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 stand; walk; sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms; climb or balance; stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl; talk or hear; and taste or smell. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. 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 the job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Must be able to withstand extreme cold and heat conditions. Must be able to work outdoors in all types of weather conditions, day or night. Works in confined spaces. Some exposure to mechanical, electrical, fume, odor, and toxic waste hazards.