Water Operator

Salary: $31.41 - $38.45 Hourly
Location : Bremerton, WA
Job Type: REGULAR FULL-TIME
Job Number: 2024-00007
Department: Public Works and Utilities
Division: Water Resources
Opening Date: 01/22/2024
Closing Date: Continuous
General Function
The salary indicated above includes longevity (1% earned after five years and increases to a maximum of 4% after 20 years).
Under direction performs basic operation and maintenance work of the water supply system to provide a safe and reliable drinking water system meeting fire flows including the dam, surface supply and storage reservoirs, wells, pump stations, flow regulating valves, disinfection, and corrosion control systems, and facilities necessary to maintain a potable water supply, as well as documentation necessary to assure the City maintains its unfiltered surface supply system status and adherence to state and federal public health regulations, dam safety regulations, and the Safe Drinking Water Act.
Representative Essential Duties and Responsibilities
(Note - this list is intended only to illustrate the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements does not exclude them from the position.)
Performs regular inspections of water supply facilities and equipment. Assists with dam safety activities. Operates telemetry and Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) equipment. Compiles water system data such as flow, reservoir and well levels, weir measurements, water turbidity, chlorine residual, ultraviolet treatment operations, corrosion control treatment operations, pH, hours of pump operation, water temperature, bacteriological sample results, and related information and makes adjustments as necessary in order to comply with state and federal regulations.
Takes daily water system samples and prepares for pick up or transports to qualified lab for analysis.
Monitors and operates electronic and manual controls to operate flow control valves, pump stations, wells, water treatment equipment, and water quality analyzers to maintain optimum water system conditions.
Adjusts dosage of ultraviolet disinfection process and treatment chemicals used for disinfection and corrosion control. This may include working with hazardous chemicals such as chlorine and sodium hydroxide. Takes delivery of chemicals and appropriately dilutes and monitors sodium hydroxide as necessary for adequate corrosion control treatment.
Performs routine inspection, calibration, maintenance, troubleshooting, and repairs of electronic water quality equipment such as Chemical feed pumps, chlorine residual analyzers, turbidimeters, pH meters, and other related equipment.
Works with other employees in the installation and maintenance of pumps, valves, piping, and other water related equipment.
Clearly communicates with supervisor on system status and issues.
Accurately enters data into spread sheets and prepares and submits monthly water system reports to the Water Utility Operations Supervisor and Manager and Washington State Department of Health.
Other Duties
• Regular attendance is an essential requirement
• Performs related work as assigned and/or required
Knowledge of:
• Water or related system operations, maintenance, and procedures
• State and Federal regulations and requirements for water system compliance
• Basic computer skills with knowledge of MS Office
• Water system emergency response procedures
• Basic water chemistry
Ability to:
• Work independently and cooperatively with others
• Understand and follow written and oral directions
• Accurately calculate routine math problems related to water system flows, volumes, pressures, and chemical dosage as necessary
• Operate water analytical equipment
• Prepare accurate system status reports for compliance with regulations
• Safely operate basic hand and power tools and practice work safety including confined space entry, flagging, and hazardous chemical handling
• Remain alert and aware of water system operational status and recognize changes needed and problems occurring and take appropriate action.
• The ability to get along with others and be part of an effective team member
Qualifying Education and Experience (Minimum Requirements)
Any combination of education and experience equivalent to High School graduate or GED and one (1) year in water system operations or similar work.
Valid State of Washington Driver's License
Special Requirements
• Obtain and maintain a Washington State Water Distribution Manager OIT (Operator in Training) or State Water Distribution Manager 1 (WDM 1) Certification within one year.
• Obtain and maintain a Water Treatment Plant Operator 1 (WTPO 1)/OIT Certification within one year. Maintains this certification through ongoing professional growth requirements.
• Obtain Traffic Control Flagger card within one year
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• Climbing. Ascending or descending ladders, stairs, scaffolding, ramps, poles and the like, using feet and legs and/or hands and arms. Body agility is emphasized. This factor is important if the amount and kind of climbing required exceeds that required for ordinary locomotion.
• Balancing. Maintaining body equilibrium to prevent falling and walking, standing or crouching on narrow, slippery, or erratically moving surfaces. This factor is important if the amount of balancing exceeds that needed for ordinary locomotion and maintenance of body equilibrium.
• Stooping. Bending body downward and forward by bending spine at the waist. This factor is important if it occurs to a considerable degree and requires full motion of the lower extremities and back muscles.
• Kneeling. Bending legs at knee to come to a rest on knee or knees.
• Crouching. Bending the body downward and forward by bending leg and spine.
• Crawling. Moving about on hands and knees or hands and feet.
• Reaching. Extending hand(s) and arm(s) in any direction.
• Standing. Particularly for sustained periods of time.
• Walking. Moving about on foot to accomplish tasks, particularly for long distances or moving from one work site to another.
• Pushing. Using upper extremities to press against something with steady force in order to thrust forward, downward or outward.
• Pulling. Using upper extremities to exert force in order to draw, haul or tug objects in a sustained motion.
• Lifting. Raising objects from a lower to a higher position or moving objects horizontally from position-to-position. This factor is important if it occurs to a considerable degree and requires substantial use of upper extremities and back muscles.
• Fingering. Picking, pinching, typing or otherwise working, primarily with fingers rather than with the whole hand as in handling.
• Grasping. Applying pressure to an object with the fingers and palm.
• Feeling. Perceiving attributes of objects, such as size, shape, temperature or texture by touching with skin, particularly that of fingertips.
• Talking. Expressing or exchanging ideas by means of the spoken word. Those activities in which they must convey detailed or important spoken instructions to other workers accurately, loudly, or quickly.
• Hearing. Perceiving the nature of sounds at normal speaking levels with or without correction. Ability to receive detailed information through oral communication, and to make the discriminations in sound.
• Repetitive motion. Substantial movements (motions) of the wrists, hands, and/or fingers.
• Medium work. Exerting up to 50 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 30 pounds of force frequently, and/or up to 10 pounds of force constantly to move objects.
• The worker is required to have visual acuity to perform an activity such as: operates machines, such as lathes, drill presses, power saws, and mills where the seeing job is at or within arm's reach; performs mechanical or skilled trades tasks of a non-repetitive nature, such as carpenter, technicians, service people, plumbers, painters, mechanics, etc.

WORKING CONDITIONS

• The worker is subject to both environmental conditions. Activities occur inside and outside.
• The worker is subject to noise. There is sufficient noise to cause the worker to shout in order to be heard above ambient noise level.
• The worker is subject to hazards. Includes a variety of physical conditions, such as proximity to moving mechanical parts, moving vehicles, electrical current, working on scaffolding and high places, exposure to high heat or exposure to chemicals.
• The worker is subject to atmospheric conditions. One or more of the following conditions that affect the respiratory system of the skin: fumes, odors, dust, mists, gases, or poor ventilation.

Examination Process and Required Documents
The City of Bremerton is committed to integrating diverse perspectives into our workplace culture and encourages our employees to bring their whole, authentic selves to work. We strive to create a diverse team that allows us to effectively connect to the community we serve.
Applicants can apply on-line at http://www.BremertonWA.gov/169/Current-Jobs, or application packets may be obtained from the Human Resources Department, Cobweb, or by calling (360) 473-5348. FIRST REVIEW OF APPLICATIONS - FEBRUARY 12.
Required Application Materials: City application is required, a personal résumé is optional. Incomplete application packets will not be considered. Required application materials must be returned to the Human Resources Office by 5:00 p.m. on the closing date. The City of Bremerton is NOT responsible for errors of any kind with faxed or e-mailed application packets. Original signature is required on paper application forms. It is the responsibility of the applicant to carefully list all pertinent experience and training.
Appraisal of Experience and Education/Training: At this initial review, application packets may be evaluated entirely on the basis of information you provided in the completed City application form. Applicants should include all relevant information on the City application. Applicant's education, training, and experience will be assessed. The passing score is 70%. The top qualifying candidates will be invited to participate further in the examination process. Meeting or exceeding qualifications does not guarantee the applicant will be invited to participate in the oral examination process.
Oral Examination: A panel will evaluate the applicant's training, experience, and ability to perform the job.
Placement on the eligibility list is determined by weighted examination scores as follows:
Appraisal of application packet regarding Experience and Education/Training -
Passing Score 70% - Weight 40%
Oral Examination - Passing Score 70% - Weight 60%
Applicants must achieve a score of 70% or better on each portion of the exam in order to be placed on the hiring list.
Employee Preference: Regular City employees applying for and passing an Open Examination will have seven point five (7.5) percent of their PASSING score added to establish their final score.
Veteran's Preference: Veterans, who have passed an examination, shall be entitled to preference pursuant to Chapter 41.04 RCW.
NOTE TO APPLICANTS WITH DISABILITIES: Applicants with disabilities who will need special accommodation for examination must advise Human Resources no later than one (1) week prior to the scheduled examination so that appropriate arrangements can be made. (360) 473-5348.
LEGAL and REGULATORY EMPLOYMENT CONDITIONS
Fair Labor Standards Act: The classification is non-exempt under the laws of Fair Labor Standards Act minimum wage and overtime provisions.
Representation: The classification is included in the bargaining unit pursuant to the Recognition Article of the current labor agreement between the City of Bremerton and the Teamsters Local 589.
Civil Service: The classification is excluded from the City's Civil Service System.
Appointment and Removal Authority: The position is filled by appointment by the Department Head. Removal is by action of the Department Head in conformance with Human Resources Policies.
This classification specification does not constitute an employment agreement between the City and employee. It is subject to change by the City, with the approval of Human Resources, as the needs of the City and requirements change.
Equal Employment Opportunity Statement
It is the policy of the City of Bremerton to offer equal employment opportunity to all individuals. The City of Bremerton will administer all actions with respect to employment practices in compliance with federal, state and local laws, and will not discriminate in any employment practice on the basis of age (40+), sex, race, creed, color, national origin, sexual orientation/gender identity, marital status, military status, or the presence of any physical, mental or sensory disability.
ADA Statement
The City of Bremerton does not discriminate on the basis of disability in programs and activities, which it operates pursuant to the requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, and ADA Amendments Act. This policy extends to both employment and admission to participation in the programs, services and activities of the City of Bremerton. Reasonable accommodation for employees or applicants for employment will be provided.
The City of Bremerton is proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer committed to a diverse workforce.
MEDICAL AND DENTAL INSURANCE
Effective the first of the month following the date of hire, regular employees are eligible for the City's medical and dental plans. Employees are also eligible for vision insurance on the first day of the month in which the third consecutive monthly premium payment is made on their behalf.
Currently, the City pays the premium for your choice of one of two health insurance plans, Kaiser...