JOB: Water Utility Operator

Water Utility Operator

Position Responsibilities:

An employee in this position may be called upon to do any or all of the following essential functions.  These examples do not include all of the duties which the employee may be expected to perform.  To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential function satisfactorily. 

• Participates in the maintenance, repair and operation of the City’s reverse osmosis iron removal plant and the City’s biological nutrient removal water resource recovery facility..
• Cross trained to operate both drinking water and water resource recovery facilities. 
• Operates plant machinery and equipment to control the wastewater treatment process, following all licensing standards and plant procedures. 
• Monitors equipment, control panels, gauges, meters, and charts. 
• Adjusts valves and pumps to regulate flow and discharge. 
• Collects samples and conducts lab tests.  
• Prepares chemical solutions for testing and utilizes specialized laboratory equipment in the testing process. 
• Performs quality control tests and adheres to quality assurance procedures. 
• Cleans, calibrates, sets up laboratory equipment, records statistical data, charts test results, maintains records and completes related paperwork. 
• Participates in the routine maintenance, repair or replacement of plant and pump station equipment and machinery. 
• Conducts regular inspection of plant and pump stations. 
• Completes repairs and records preventative maintenance and repair activities according to established procedures. 
• Performs custodial and semi-skilled maintenance tasks on plant buildings and facilities. 
• Cleans plant building and facilities, water tanks, iron removal filters, etc. 
• Maintains records of water system activities and completes daily, weekly, and monthly reports
• Maintains lab equipment and supplies. 
• Operates and repairs electric motors, pumps, values, etc. 
• Continuously monitors plant performance.  
• Adheres to all safety procedures while operating equipment, handling chemicals/hazardous materials or working in dangerous situations. 
• Participates in safety training and attends safety meetings. 
• Provides effective and efficient customer services and promotes and maintains responsive community relations.
• Follows safe work practices.
  Other Job Functions
• Performs related duties as assigned.

Position Requirements:

A high school diploma (or equivalent) is required, including 2 years of experience in a technical field; or any equivalent combination of training and experience which provides the following knowledge, ability, and skills:
Knowledge of:

• Safety procedures involved in water and wastewater facility operations and equipment. 
• The tools and materials used in the maintenance, repair and construction of municipal water treatment equipment and facilities. 
• The sampling and testing methods and procedures used in water and wastewater operations. 
• Current public health guidelines, government regulations and professional standards for water and wastewater treatment.

Ability to:    

• Accurately log and record information and complete records. 
• Travel to other locations and respond to emergencies. 
• Effectively communicate ideas and concepts orally and in writing. 
• Establish and maintain effective working relationship and use good judgement. 
• Assess situations, problem-solve, and work effectively under stress and deadlines. 

Skill in    

• The operation of basic water treatment plant equipment. 
• Performing preventative maintenance and basic repairs on equipment, machinery, buildings, and facilities.     

Necessary Special Requirements

• State of Michigan Vehicle Operator’s License (CDL License is preferred)
• State of Michigan D-4 or F4 Water Certification (D-2 or F-2 are preferred)
• State of Michigan D Wastewater Certification (C is preferred)

Physical Demands 
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• The employee is regularly required to use hands and fingers to handle, feel, or operate tools, equipment, and controls. 
• The employee is frequently required to sit, stand, talk and hear; walk, climb, balance, stoop, kneel, crouch, enter confined spaces and smell. 
• The employee must regularly lift and/or move up to 50 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 100 pounds. 
• Specific vision abilities required by the job include close vision, color perception, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and the ability to adjust focus. 
• The employee will often work in outside weather conditions. 
• The employee is often exposed to wet and slippery surfaces and humid conditions, fumes, or airborne particles, toxic or caustic chemicals and elements, noise, and vibrations. 
• The use of Personal Protective Equipment is required.

Position Application Process: 

Interested candidates should submit a cover letter and resume via email to ccanales@cityofallegan.org or in person at Allegan City Hall at the following address: 

City of Allegan
Attn: Human Resources
231 Trowbridge Street, Allegan, MI 49010
Resumes will be accepted until the position is filled.
The City of Allegan is an Equal Opportunity Provider and Employer.