Position:
Field Operator I
FLSA:
Non-Exempt
Department:
Utilities – Water, Wastewater & Engineering
Schedule:
6:30 AM to 5:00 PM, Monday – Thursday; position subject to after hours.
Reports To:
Water Utility Supervisor II
Positions Supervised:
None
Job Summary
Field Operator performs routine maintenance tasks in the repair, installation, and maintenance of water and wastewater pipelines, grinder pumps, lift stations, fire hydrants, and valves.
Roles & Responsibilities
Repairs, installs, and performs maintenance duties to water and wastewater pipelines, water meters, valves, fire hydrants, and wastewater grinder pumps.
Repairs streets when installation or repair of wastewater lines is complete.
Assists with troubleshooting, repairs, installation, and maintenance duties for water pump stations and wastewater lift stations.
Maintains water quality in the water distribution system through flushing of fire hydrants and dead-end mains; taking chlorine readings and maintaining records of readings.
When assigned to inspect wastewater system infrastructure, may operate sewer camera equipment, smoke machines, jet machine, and/or jet vac combo truck.
Investigates customer water and/or sewage complaints.
Operates a variety of hand and small power tools and equipment such as a shovel, hammer, drill, saw, jackhammer, dewatering pump, generator, hydraulic power pack, air compressor, electronic equipment, etc.
Operates light equipment such as a truck, dump truck, pavement cutter, compactors, tapping machines, tractors, front-end loader, jet machine, and jet vac combo truck.
Locates water and wastewater lines for contractors and other departments; reads maps, blueprints, and computer screen to assist in locating lines and for construction projects.
Performs all duties in a safe, accurate, and timely manner.
Must maintain a regular, reliable, and punctual time and attendance; will be required to respond to standby or emergency calls.
Other related duties as assigned.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
Some knowledge and skill in the operation of light equipment and hand tools.
Ability to read, interpret, research, and understand blueprints, gauges, dials, meters, and technical handbooks.
Ability to read and understand reference books and complicated procedures and manuals such as State and Federal regulations.
Ability to perform basic arithmetic such as addition, subtraction, and multiplication.
Skill in establishing and maintaining interpersonal relationships with co-workers and contractors.
Ability to write simple records and reports; ability to complete forms such as work orders and time sheets.
Some knowledge of water distribution system for directional flushing to properly clean lines.
Some knowledge of wastewater systems such as flow direction and locations of manholes.
Ability to communicate face to face and by two-way radio in emergency and non-emergency situations.
Ability to communicate with customers in a professional and courteous manner.
Regular, reliable, and punctual levels of attendance are essential job functions and expectations of this position.
Physical Requirements
Must be able to walk, stand, or sit for extended periods of time.
Must be able to climb in and out of workplace vehicles/equipment up to 25 feet in height.
Must be able to crawl, reach, bend, stoop, squat, kneel, twist, and crouch when performing job duties.
Must be able to carry, balance, lift, push, pull, and reach equipment and material weighing up to 100 pounds.
Must be able to operate city-owned equipment and vehicles.
Must have fine dexterity with fingers and hands to handle items and to perform maintenance, installation, and repair duties such as tightening nuts and bolts.
Hearing and vision must be satisfactory to the degree that duties may be performed effectively and safely.
Must have ability to smell and detect potentially dangerous chemicals or fumes.
Environmental Conditions
Majority of work is performed outdoors in all types of weather conditions including extreme heat and cold, wetness, and humidity.
Work may be subject to dirt, dust, loud noises, constant noise, fumes, odors, darkness, height, and trench work.
Work may be subject to mechanical hazards, electrical hazards, fire hazards, chemical hazards, radiation hazards, toxic waste hazards, and bodily injury.
Work may be subject to time pressures, noisy/distracting environment, emergency situations, frequent changes to tasks, working closely with others as part of a team, performing multiple tasks simultaneously, and dealing with irate people.
Work may be subject to traffic hazards.
Minimum Qualifications
High school diploma or GED equivalent.
Preferably one year of experience in water and wastewater line maintenance, but not required.
Must possess, or obtain within 180 days of employment, a Texas Class A CDL Driver's License.
Must possess, or obtain within 1 year of employment, either a TCEQ Class D Water license or TCEQ Class I Wastewater Collection license.
Must possess, or obtain within 2 years of employment, both a TCEQ Class D Water license and a TCEQ Class I Wastewater Collection license.
