JOB: Assistant Water Operator (Charter Township of Union)

Assistant Water Operator

Charter Township of Union

Position Summary:

Under the supervision of the Chief Water Operator, assists in all aspects of water plant and system maintenance associated with water system filtration processes, cross-connection inspections, water sampling and chemical evaluation. Also functions as a construction inspector for water and sewer projects and maintains and programs SCADA systems/monitoring devices. Assists in maintaining chemicals and supplies inventories pertaining to water treatment and filtration systems and regularly performs field work. Assumes responsibility for the plant in the absence of the Chief Water Operator.

Essential Duties & 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.

• Performs all daily routine maintenance including reading all raw water plant and flow meters and monitoring wells and iron removal facilities.
• Responsible for specific maintenance associated with water plant operation including operation of iron removal filters, backwashing of iron filters, determining efficiency of iron filters and performing lab tests for iron concentrates.
• Responsible for chlorination of water including determining proper dosage and feed rates, periodic mixing of chemicals and lab tests to determine efficiency of disinfectants.
• Responsible for maintenance of the Township’s wells including periodic sampling to determine chemical and bacteriological characteristics of raw water, and periodic testing of static and dynamic water levels. Also responsible for all routine maintenance and testing at water storage facilities.
• Ensures compliance with the Township's cross connection prevention program. Conducts or directs inspections of customers’ plumbing systems and makes notes of any points of potential contamination by way of a cross connection. Maintains records of cross connection inspections and tests. Orders service shut-offs of non-compliant customers. 
• Prepares various reports pertaining to water system operations and conditions in accordance with all state and federal requirements. Maintains records pertaining to water system operation and all preventive maintenance activities.
• Functions as a construction inspector, overseeing new construction and repairs to the water and sewer systems.
• Responds to customer complaints and issues regarding water quality or water issues more generally.
• Works cooperatively with other departments and other public and private entities in matters of assistance and repair.
• Assists in maintaining the SCADA system for water system monitoring and alarms. Works with the Chief Water Operator to upgrade the program to meet particular needs and system requirements. Tracks and reports on trends and tank levels.
• Maintains an inventory of repair and replacement parts for the water system. Makes evaluations and recommendations for maintenance and repairs.
• Works in an on-call capacity in accordance with the requirements of a shared schedule. Responds to emergencies.
• Performs other duties as required. 

Required Knowledge, Skills, Abilities and Minimum Qualifications:

The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skills, abilities and minimum qualifications necessary to perform the essential functions of the position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the job. Requirements include the following:

• High school diploma supplemented by additional vocational training in the building trades. 
• Three or more years experience in water system operation and/or water system distribution maintenance and repair. 
• The Township, at its discretion, may consider an alternative combination of formal education and work experience. 
• State of Michigan S-3 and D-3 water certifications. 
• State of Michigan Vehicle Operator’s License. 
• Thorough knowledge of the machines, equipment, materials, safety precautions, and operating practices of modern water distribution systems and related facilities. 
• Thorough knowledge of the chemical and physical processes involved in the preparation of drinking water. 
• Considerable knowledge of the public health and safety requirements and regulations regarding the operation of a municipal water distribution system. 
• Skill in the inspection and maintenance of mechanical equipment, pumps, and related facilities. 
• Ability to maintain records and prepare reports on plant operations and cross connections. 
• Ability to establish effective working relationships and use good judgment, initiative and resourcefulness when dealing with contractors, other governmental agencies, industrial/commercial contacts and the public.
• Skill in evaluating residential, commercial and industrial plumbing systems to identify potential cross connections. 
• Skill in the use of office equipment and technology, including word processing and data management software and the ability to master new technologies (such as SCADA and GIS software). 
• Ability to respond to emergency situations, 24 hours a day and 7 days a week. 
• In addition to the above requirements, all Township positions require the ability to read, write, speak and understand the English language as necessary for the position; the ability to follow written and oral instructions; and the ability to courteously serve the public. Township employees are also expected to possess and maintain a record of orderly, lawabiding citizenship, sobriety, integrity and loyalty as it pertains to and reflects upon their employment with the Township.

Physical Demands and Work Environment:

The physical demands and 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.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to communicate with others in person and on the telephone. The employee is frequently required to view and produce written and electronic documents. The employee is frequently required to inspect machinery and pipes that range from below ground to above head level and to inspect ground storage tanks. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move objects of moderate to heavy weight. The employee is required to utilize a computer and operate manual or power equipment and tools.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee frequently works in a water plant, but also outdoors. The employee is exposed to moving mechanical parts, adverse weather conditions, risk of electrical shock, vibration, fumes or airborne particles, and toxic or caustic chemicals. The noise level in the work environment is usually quiet to moderate, and can occasionally be very loud. 

For a description of this position and application form, click Apply Here to be directed to the Charter Township of Union website.

Apply Here

Submit your cover letter, resume, completed application and three references to: Kim Smith, Township Public Service Director at 5228 S. Isabella Rd. Mt. Pleasant MI, 48858 or email ksmith@uniontownshipmi.com Application Deadline is: June 15, 2026.

"The Charter Township of Union is an equal opportunity provider, and employer."