Water Distribution Operator (Knowledge of Line Locating Preferred) - City of Liberal

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WATER DISTRIBUTION OPERATOR

 DISTINGUISHING FEATURES OF THE CLASS:

The fundamental reason this classification exists is to learn the skills required to perform water service work in the water distribution system by participating in City education and training programs as well as in on-the-job training. Incumbents assist with a variety of tasks involved in the maintenance, installation, and repair the water distribution system's water mains, service connections, fire hydrants and valves with guidance and direction under the general supervision of a Water Distribution Supervisor. Assigned duties increase in scope and difficulty as the Water Distribution Operator demonstrates the ability to perform such duties. The Water Distribution Operator may work in one of several divisions of the Water Services Department. Work is reviewed or monitored frequently until familiarization with water distribution activity is achieved.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Learns and then performs with increasing independence Water Distribution Operator duties;
• Installs, maintains, and repairs water mains, water service connections, fire hydrants, and valves;
• Sets up barricades and other warning devices to channel traffic around construction areas or other hazards;
• Cuts, taps, and threads water pipe and makes copper, plastic or other joint connections;
• Operates mobile equipment such as dump trucks, crew trucks, small trenching machines, and small tractor-mounted dozers in support of installation and repair work;
• Operates power driven machinery such as jack hammers, tampers or other similarly sized equipment;
• Cleans work area after completing job assignments;
• Notifies customers of necessity for interruptions of water service;
• Opens and closes main valves, manually or with a valve operating machine, for water main extensions or repairs;
• Locates valves and water meters using quarter section maps or electronic detectors;
• Raises, lowers or relocates water mains, water meters, valves, and fire hydrants to allow clearance for other utilities or improvements;
• Sets meter boxes and water meters and records meter reading and other required meter identification information;
• Demonstrates continuous effort to improve operations, decrease turnaround times, streamline work processes, and work cooperatively and jointly to provide quality customer service.

Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:
Knowledge of:

• Equipment and machinery mechanics.

Ability to:

• Learn methods and techniques of water distribution system repair, maintenance, and installation.
• Learn job-related material primarily through oral instruction and observation in an on-the-job training setting.
• Understand and follow written and oral instructions in the English language.
• Use common hand tools, such as hammers, saws, screwdrivers or similar tools.
• Learn and practice trench safety regulations, hardhat, and vest policies.
• Develop skill in the use of tools and equipment used in the installation, maintenance, and repair of the water distribution system.
• Measure distance using a tape measure or other measuring device.
• Observe or monitor objects to determine compliance with prescribed operating or safety standards.
• Set up or remove barricades, traffic cones or similar objects.
• Read, comprehend, and interpret written material in the English language such as operation manuals and Material Safety Data Sheets.
• Work cooperatively with other City employees.
• Work safely without presenting a direct threat to self or others.

Working Environment:

• Work in a variety of weather conditions with exposure to the elements.
• Travel across rough, uneven or rocky surfaces at excavation sites.
• Work in small, cramped spaces, such as ditches, to repair water mains or service connections.

• Bend or stoop repeatedly or continually over time to install or repair water mains, service connections, hydrants, and valves.

• Move heavy objects (50 pounds or more) long distances (more than 20 feet).

·         Move light objects (less than 20 pounds) long distances (more than 20 feet).

·         Lift arms above shoulder level.

·         Climb ladders or steps to reach objects.

• Coordinate the movement of more than one limb simultaneously to operate a jackhammer or repair pipes.

Additional Requirements:

• Possession of a Class I Water Supply System Operator Kansas Department of Health and Environment Certificate within eighteen months of hire.
• This classification requires the use of personal or City vehicles on City business. Individuals must be physically capable of operating the vehicles safely, possess a valid driver's license and have an acceptable driving record. In addition, individuals are required to pass a Kansas Department of Transportation physical exam and possess the appropriate commercial driver's license. Pre-employment drug testing is required, and employees will be subject to unannounced alcohol and drug testing as a condition of continued employment. Use of a personal vehicle for City business will be prohibited if the employee does not have personal insurance coverage.
• This classification requires emergency callback response and on-call participation as a condition of employment.
• Position will require the performance of other essential and marginal functions depending upon work location, assignment, or shift. Duties as assigned.

 

ACCEPTABLE EXPERIENCE AND TRAINING:

Demonstrated ability to do mechanical work as shown by prior experience and training or through examination. High School diploma or GED equivalency required. Experience working with natural gas and diesel engines, electric motor controls, computers, welding and plumbing preferred. Mechanical ability required. Prefer at least one-year experience in repair and maintenance of pumps, engines, and water wells. Other combinations of experience and education that meet the minimum requirements may be substituted.