Utility Operator I

Salary : $51,500.80 - $68,993.60 Annually
Location : Lindsay, CA
Job Type: Full-Time
Job Number: 2023-11-08
Department: City Services
Opening Date: 11/08/2023
Closing Date: Continuous
Description
GENERAL PURPOSE:
Under general direction, Utility Operator I performs a variety of semi-skilled and skilled technical and maintenance work in the operation, maintenance, and repair of Water and/or Wastewater Treatment Plant (WTP and/or WWTP) facilities and systems.
SUPERVISION RECEIVED:
Works under the general supervision of the Utility Operator III and/or City Services Director or their designee.
SUPERVISION EXERCISED:
Exercises general supervisor over Operator-In-Training and general maintenance workers.
Examples of Duties
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Assists in the operation of valves and other related controls to distribute flow through unit process and application of chlorine and chemicals to the water and/or wastewater systems.
• Monitors control equipment such as pumps, motors, valves, blowers, sludge collectors, heat exchangers, sludge thickeners and other related process equipment.
• Reads meters, gauges, and other instrumentation.
• Assist in water digs, water line break repairs, sewer inspections, and sewer plugs.
• Assist in the monthly city-wide water meter reading.
• Adjusts or alters chemical treatment of the plant as necessary.
• Collects samples for observation and analysis from unit processes.
• Performs daily and weekly laboratory analysis as needed for process adjustments and performance indicators.
• Performs preventative maintenance to equipment, such as routine service, lubrication and cleaning of process equipment and machinery.
• Operates a wide variety of tools and equipment used in minor mechanical repair and operation of process equipment.
• Assists in minor repairs to all process equipment as needed.
• Performs buildings and grounds maintenance, which may involve weed control, gardening, and janitorial services.
• Assists in the preventative maintenance of equipment.
• Performs routine preventative maintenance tasks.
• Oils, greases, and cleans equipment as directed.
• Performs heavy manual labor and ground maintenance work.
• Refurbishes equipment and structures.
• Operates city vehicles and equipment to perform job.
• Drives and operates heavy trucks and specialized vehicular equipment.
• Assists in reading monthly water meters.
• Performs related duties as required.

PERIPHERAL DUTIES:

• Serves on various employee or other committees as assigned.
• Maintains the drawings and schematics of electrical and other systems in the treatment plant.
• Monitors performance of electrical systems, circuits or equipment of the treatment plant.
• Pager duty (off hours callout, weekend rounds) is required based on meeting position requirements.

ABILITY TO:

• Learn the operations of various equipment.

• Perform minor repairs on pumps, valves, and other equipment.
• Perform heavy manual labor and ground maintenance work.
• Develop and maintain effective working relationships.
• Communicate effectively in written and oral form.
• Basic principles and procedures of water and/or wastewater treatment, with specific emphasis on procedures involved in operations and maintenance of percolation ponds and secondary treatment plants.
• Methods, materials, and equipment used in the operation and maintenance of a water and/or wastewater treatment facility.
• Basic laboratory procedures and analysis.
• Safe work practices.
• Basic computer skills and knowledge of SCADA systems.
• Perform routine mathematical calculations.
• Follow oral and written directions.
• Operate forklifts and other related equipment.

Typical Qualifications
DESIRED MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
Education and Experience:
Any combination of experience and education that could likely provide the required knowledge and abilities would be qualifying. A typical way to obtain the knowledge and abilities would be:

1. Graduation from high school education or GED equivalent, and college or technical training in biology, environmental science, chemistry, or a closely related field, and
2. Basic Computer skills and knowledge of SCADA systems.
3. Two (2) years of experience in a wastewater utility, or
4. Any equivalent combination of education and experience.

Supplemental Information
TOOLS AND EQUIPMENT:
Motor vehicle, generators, pumps, gauges, common hand and power tools, shovels, wrenches, detection devices, mobile radio, phone, calculator, and a variety of lab equipment, computer and computer program systems related to Water and/or WWTP operations.
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.
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to use hands to finger, handle, feel or operate objects, tools, or controls and reach with hands and arms. The employee frequently is required to stand, walk; talk and hear; sit; climb or balance; stoop or kneel. The employee is occasionally required to crouch or crawl; and smell.
Work hours are based on seasonal conditions. Flexible work hours or shifts are possible (5-day work week) with weekend hours. The employee must frequently lift and/or move up to 50 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 75 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, depth perception, and the 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 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 occasionally works in outside weather conditions. The employee occasionally works near moving mechanical parts and is occasionally exposed to wet and/or humid conditions. The employee occasionally works in high, precarious places and is occasionally exposed to fumes or airborne particles, risk of electrical shock, and vibration. The employee is frequently exposed to toxic or caustic chemicals.
The noise level in the work environment is usually moderately loud.
SELECTION GUIDELINES & APPLICATION PROCESS:
A formal employment application must be submitted, rating of education and experience; oral interview, and a reference check; job-related tests may be required. The duties listed above are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related or a logical assignment to the position. The job description does not constitute an employment agreement between the employer and employee and is subject to change by the employer as the needs of the employer and requirements of the job change.
Appointment is subject to successfully passing a pre-employment physical, live scan, background, and criminal history check. Before starting work, applicants must present documentation of their identity, authorization to work in the United States and a DMV driving record. Following appointment, a 12-month probationary period may be required as the final phase of the appointment process.
10 Vacation Days, 13 Holidays, 10 Sick Leave days, 100% Employee Only Medical, Dental and Vision Plans, Life Insurance, Cal Pers Retirement (Classic and PEPRA tiers depending on hire date) Deferred Comp City Match (Up to 3%), Aflac and Cafeteria Plan. Please view the City of Lindsay website Human Resource page for further benefit details.
Utility Operator Employees are exempt from the Utility Certification Pay.
10 Vacation Days, 13 Holidays, 10 Sick Leave days, 100% Employee Covered Medical, Dental and Vision Plans, Life Insurance, Members of the California Public Employees' Retirement System (PERS) (Classic and PEPRA Tiers depending on hire date), Deferred Compensation Plan City Match (Up to 3% Match), Aflac and Cafeteria Plan, and Wellness Incentive Program. Please see City of Lindsay website for further details.
01
Do you have a high school diploma or equivalent (GED)?

• Yes
• No

02
Do you have college or technical training in biology, environmental science, chemistry, or a closely related field?If you answered "Yes" to the previous question, please specify:
03
Do you have basic computer skills and knowledge of SCADA systems?

• Yes
• No

Required Question