Utilities Operator: Water, Gas & Wastewater Technician

Open Date: December 3, 2024 Closing: Open Until Filled Pay Range: $39,705-49,631 (Depending on Qualifications) Benefits Summary: Under close supervision, assists in the maintenance, repair and construction of water, wastewater and gas facilities and equipment. Essential Job Functions: The list that follows is not intended as a comprehensive list; it is intended to provide a representative summary of the major duties and responsibilities. Incumbent(s) may not be required to perform all duties listed, and may be required to perform additional, position-specific tasks. Works as a part of a utilities crew that performs maintenance, repair and construction services; assignments vary on a daily basis depending scheduled maintenance and emergency service calls; works on all utility’s services, including water, wastewater and gas. Observes and follows all safety rules and regulations. Responds to service calls; checks for gas leaks and carbon monoxide; checks installed piping at residences to ensure that it is up to code. Installs new service connections; digs trenches and prepares grounds; sets pipe and makes connections; checks fittings to ensure that there are no leaks; fills trench and replaces landscaping. Performs preventive maintenance on pumps and motors, including greasing, oiling and tightening belts; pulls pumps and motors; checks for correct rotation; checks amperage on pumps; changes out starter blocks. Knowledge of the operations and maintenance of the water, wastewater and gas system. Completes in-house Operator Qualifications (OQ) training program. Applies Operations & Maintenance (O&M) manual procedures for the safe operation of the gas distribution system. Knowledge of Automated Meter Readings (AMR) system. Learns through on-the-job training regarding the repair and installation of gas lines. Takes readings on wastewater equipment; checks the influent station, clarifiers, pumps, hydro tank and electric meter; performs laboratory work including stability test, chlorine test, turbidity test, nitrate test and fecal membrane test; documents test readings. Cleans equipment at the wastewater plant, including influent station, oxidation ditches, sand filters, clarifiers and sludge holding tanks; cleans buildings and grounds; picks up and disposes of trash. Performs manual labor in installing new gas mains; documents work performed, and changes made; checks substations to ensure that the system has sufficient pressure. Repairs water leaks in piping, valves and connections. Position is assigned standby duty on the regular rotation; may be called out to respond to emergency situations. Performs blue stake locates as assigned. Supervise the activities of Department of Corrections Inmate labor. Performs other duties as assigned. Required Knowledge and Skills: Knowledge of the procedures, tools equipment used, operations and maintenance of water, wastewater and gas services including metering. Knowledge of City departmental policies and procedures. Knowledge of the hazards associated with utilities maintenance and of safety procedures and regulations. Knowledge of procedures for sampling and conducting basic laboratory tests. Skill in servicing and maintaining pumps, motors, lines and related utilities equipment. Skill in the safe operation and use of heavy equipment. Skill in the safe use of hand and power tools. Skill in following oral and written instructions and communicating effectively. Skill in basic math. Skill in establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with co-workers, other City staff and the public. Education and Experience High school diploma or GED, and two (2) years general labor or construction experience. Must be certified as Grade I in Water Distribution, Water Treatment, Wastewater Collection and Wastewater Treatment Plant Operations within eighteen months. May be required to obtain certification in fusion welding within 12 months of appointment and must maintain qualifications. State of Arizona driver’s license. Upon completion of the required certifications, the employee will be promoted to Utilities Operator II. This is a promotion “in place” and does not require a vacancy at Level II. Failure to acquire these certifications will result in termination of employment in the Public Works Department. Environmental Factors and Conditions/Physical Requirements: Work is performed in an outdoor environment and indoor environment with prolonged exposure to noise and chemicals. Work may be performed in confined spaces and inclement weather. Work is performed both inside and outside, which may include activities in inclement weather such as extreme heat. Work requires heavy manual labor, including bending, stooping, reaching, digging, and lifting objects weighing more than 75 pounds. Frequently requires using hands to finger, handle, or feel objects, tools, or controls, to reach with hands and arms and requires close vision and the ability to adjust focus. Hand to eye coordination is required to operate various equipment. Equipment and Tools Utilized: Equipment utilized includes calculator, laptop, two-way radio, handheld, backhoe, mower, brush hog, skid steer, boom truck, laboratory equipment, amp meter and standard maintenance hand and power tools. EOE #J-18808-Ljbffr City of Benson (AZ)