Water / Wastewater Operator Trainee

POSITION SUMMARY: 

This is a semi-skilled and/or skilled position. This work involves the construction, installation, maintenance, operation and repair of water distribution systems and sewer collection systems. May have limited responsibility for: the preparation of reports and records; daily contact with the public requiring tact, diplomacy and professionalism; may make numerous work decisions weekly, varying in complexity; may have limited supervisory assignments; reports Water/Wastewater crew activity daily. 

This position may be filled as a Operator Trainee, Operator I or Operator II and may perform as a leader of a crew or crews.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Grounds Keeping:

o Operates and maintains grounds keeping equipment such as mowers, weed eaters, chainsaws, and chippers to maintain City water and wastewater infrastructure sites and other assigned areas.

o Operates and maintains City trucks and trailers.

o Excavates and back-fills trenches and other areas with hand tools.

• Earth Moving Equipment:

o Operates earth moving equipment such as dump trucks, trailers, backhoes and loaders to maintain and repair City water and wastewater infrastructure sites and other assigned areas.

• Material Handling:

o Operates material handling equipment such as forklifts, loaders, trucks, dump trucks and trailers.

o Loads and unloads construction materials, bench stock supplies and others as assigned.

• Specialty Equipment:

o Operates specialty equipment such as hydro excavators, sewer jetting trucks, hydraulic valve exercisers, bucket trucks, crane trucks and crane and rigging.

• Safety & Operations:

o Follows procedures for safe and effective work zones, trench safety and traffic control when required.

o Follows procedures for safe handling and application of hazardous chemicals and testing and sampling.

o Follows procedures for lock-out-tag-out of equipment.

• Other Duties & Responsibilities:

o Operates, maintains and repairs the City’s water production, water distribution and wastewater collection systems.

o Operates power tools and light construction equipment.

o Performs rough carpentry, painting, and concrete work.

o Performs scheduled vehicle and equipment inspections and records maintenance actions.

o May be required to climb tanks and towers for inspection and maintenance.

o Records work performed and man-hour expenditures on task and work orders.

o Assists other Public Work Divisions/City Departments when requested.

o Participates in on-call schedules and duties.

On-call duties during City-wide events, extenuating circumstances and emergencies (weather related or other) may be extended to all Public Works personnel.

o Performs other job-related duties as required.

• Operator II (In addition to the duties and responsibilities above)

o Familiarization with City of Schertz Code of Ordinance, water & wastewater standards and specification codes, TCEQ Rules and Regulations and A.W.W.A. standards.

o Familiarization with SCADA system; routinely checks the status of sites utilizing SCADA and responding to SCADA system alarms.

o Coordinates and performs the location of underground utilities prior to construction or repairs of the water and wastewater system.

o Coordinates, supervises and performs “On the Job Training” and City Safety Programs.

o Maintains inventories related to division equipment and supplies.

o Assumes the duties of their supervisor in his/her absence.

o Good Housekeeping and organization of tools, equipment, vehicles and work area.

o Assures crews are organized and ready to complete task at hand.

o Application of pesticides and proper handling and use of other chemicals.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

Operator Trainee:

• None; basic labor or construction experience preferred.

Operator I:

• Completion of basic training in Grounds Keeping, Earth Moving Equipment, Material Handling, Specialty Equipment, and Safety & Operations as listed in the Public Works Career Progression Program.

Operator II:

• Completion of basic and advanced training in Grounds Keeping, Earth Moving Equipment, Material Handling, Specialty Equipment, and Safety & Operations as listed in the Public Works Career Progression Program.

• Above average knowledge of construction procedures and materials, equipment operations and maintenance, water distribution and wastewater collection system operation, maintenance and repair work and grounds maintenance consisting of pickup trucks, dump trucks, backhoes, front end loaders, mowers, saws, hydro excavators, and other construction equipment.

• Above average knowledge of hand tools, shop equipment and power tools.

• Must have above average communication skills in both verbal and written form.

• Must be able to operate digital devices such as smart phones, computers and tablets.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS:

Operator Trainee, Operator I:

• High School Diploma or GED equivalent

Operator II:

• High School Diploma or GED equivalent

• Two (2) years prior experience in water production, water distribution and wastewater collection systems operation, maintenance and repair as well as supervisory training.

To view the full Job Description, click the attachment.

Job Post Closing Date: Open until filled