The City is currently recruiting for a Utility Operator I, II or III. There is one position available. The Level at which an individual is hired is dependent on their qualifications and relevant work experience.
The Position
Utility Operator I or II: Under general supervision, learns to perform and performs the full array of duties assigned to classes in the Utility Operator series, including skilled and semi-skilled work in the operation, maintenance and repair of the City’s water distribution, sewer collection, recycled water, and storm drain systems. Responsibilities include, but are not limited to the following:
- Excavates to repair underground utilities; marks underground utilities for Underground Service Alert (USA); participates in traffic control activities at the work site.
- Inspects, flushes, cleans and repairs water mains, lines and laterals; repairs, maintains and overhaul pumps, motors, chlorinators and control valves; monitors water wells and operates pumps to regulate system flow and pressure; checks and documents recordings on instrumentation equipment; operates computerized SCADA control program; takes water samples; tests and calculates water pressure and flow; tests backflow devices; conducts cross-connection surveys; maintains required records.
- Performs stand-by duties on a rotational basis; responds to afterhours emergency calls at irregular hours.
- Repairs and maintains storm drains, manholes and pump stations; inspects drains, culverts and gutters and removes obstructions; maintains and repairs sewer lines and lift stations; diagnoses and repairs electrical control panels and back up generators.
- Assists other Public Works units when required; performs semi-skilled and skilled manual work in the maintenance and repair of streets and alleyways; assists in the repair of curbs and gutters; performs traffic control; assists in the maintenance of City buildings and facilities; operates trucks, loaders, backhoes, boom trucks, hydro flushers and other light and heavy duty maintenance and construction equipment; maintains and cleans assigned vehicles and equipment; operates a variety of hand and power tools; inspects tools and equipment for safety and mechanical defects; assists with City sponsored functions; responds to after hours call-outs as assigned.
- Establishes positive working relationships with representatives of community organizations, state/local agencies and associations, City management and staff, and the public.
Utility Operator III: Under direction, the Utility Operator III performs the full array of duties assigned to the class of Utility Operators. In addition to the responsibilities of the Utility Operator I or II, responsibilities include, but are not limited to:
- Operates and monitors pumps, valves, and related equipment to regulate the flow of water through a treatment plant or other portions of a water distribution system; starts, adjusts and shuts down plant operations, and adjusts pumping stations and distribution system flows to meet production and storage requirements and water quality standards.
- Collects water samples and performs standardized laboratory testing, such as chlorine residual, pH, turbidity, temperature, and taste and odor; calculates chemical dosages and adjusts chemical feeders as necessary to maintain water quality.
- Controls filter vessel operations; removes filters from service and performs inspections and minor repairs to filters as needed.
- Reads and interprets meters, gauges, charts, and instruments; logs plant operations, test results, unusual operating conditions, maintenance work performed, and related information; enters data into a computer; prepares routine and special oral and written reports as required; changes charts and inking pens as necessary.
- Periodically inspects and tests motors, pumps, valves, chemical feeders, filter vessels, and related equipment; reports unusual conditions or the need for maintenance and repair of equipment, buildings and grounds.
- Takes inventory of chemicals and other treatment supplies; orders chemicals according to standard procedures; receives chemicals and supplies delivered during assigned shift and assists in their safe unloading and storage; handles hazardous materials in accordance with safety rules and procedures.
- Lubricates and makes limited repairs and adjustments to equipment; maintains the plant and operating equipment in a clean and orderly condition; assists in periodic cleaning of process, flushing of lines, and related maintenance.
Distinguishing Characteristics, Education and Experience
Utility Operator I: This is the entry level class in the Utility Operator series that allows the incumbent to develop journey level knowledge and abilities. Initially, under immediate supervision, incumbents perform the more routine and less complex assignments within an established procedural framework where there are minimal consequences of error, including system maintenance and repair and customer service work. Incumbents are expected to perform the full scope of assigned duties.
A typical way of obtaining experience is to have one year of experience in the maintenance and repair of water and sewer systems, and a high school diploma, or equivalent.
Utility Operator II: This is the journey level class in the Utility Operator series in which incumbents are expected to independently perform the full scope of assigned duties. Incumbents perform a full range of duties related to the operation, maintenance and repair of the City’s water distribution, sewer collection, recycled water, and storm drain systems. Incumbent exercise functional and technical supervision over lower level staff.
A typical way of obtaining the required qualifications is to possess the equivalent two years of experience equivalent to that of a Utility Operator I in the City of Lathrop, including experience in the maintenance and repair of water and sewer systems, and a high school diploma or equivalent.
Utility Operator III: This is the advanced journey level shift operator classification in the Operator series. Incumbents perform a full range of duties related to the operation, maintenance and repair of the City’s water distribution, sewer collection, recycled water, and storm drain systems.
A typical way of obtaining the required qualifications is to possess the equivalent of five years increasingly responsible experience in the operations and maintenance of water treatment facilities and water distribution systems and collection systems maintenance and repair, and a high school diploma or equivalent. Supplemental coursework or specialized training in water treatment, water distribution systems and collection systems maintenance and operations is desirable.
Physical and Environmental Working Conditions
May include but is not limited sitting, standing, walking on level and slippery surfaces, reaching, twisting, turning, kneeling, bending, stooping, squatting, crouching, grasping and making repetitive hand movement in the performance of daily duties. The position also requires both near and far vision when inspecting work and operating assigned equipment. The need to lift, carry and push tools, equipment and supplies weighing 25 pounds or more is also required. This outdoor position works in all weather conditions. May use cleaning and lubricating chemicals which may expose the employee to fumes dust and air contaminates, and may be exposed to mechanical and electrical hazards.
License
Utility Operator I: Possession of, or the ability to obtain and maintain, a valid class C California driver’s license; possession of a Water Distribution Operator, Grade D1, Water Treatment Grade T1 certificates issued by the State of California Department of Public Health, and a Collection System, Grade I certificate issued by the California Water Environment Association (CWEA), within one year of appointment.
Utility Operator II: Possession of, or the ability to obtain and maintain, a valid class B California driver’s license; possession of a Water Distribution Operator, Grade D2, and Water Treatment T2 certificates issued by the State of California Department of Public Health, and a Collection System, Grade I issued by the California Water Environment Association (CWEA), and Backflow Tester and Specialist Certificates issued by the American Water Works Association (AWWA).
Utility Operator III: Possession of, or ability to obtain a Class C California drivers license. Possession of and ability to maintain a State of California Water Treatment Operator T2 license, State of California Water Distribution Operator D3 license and an AWWA General Backflow Tester at time of employment. An AWWA Cross Connection Specialist and a California Water Environment Association Collection System Technologist grade 1 is desirable.
There are additional requirements related to Step Increase Criteria for the Utility Operator III.
Step 1 - Possession of and ability to maintain a State of California Water Treatment Operator T2 license.
Step 2 - Possession of and ability to maintain a State of California Water Treatment Operator T3 license.
Step 3 – Possession of and ability to maintain a State of California Water Treatment Operator T3 license. Ability to operate a T3 facility with Supervision.
Step 4 – Possession of and ability to maintain a State of California Water Treatment Operator T3 license. Ability to operate a T3 facility with minimal Supervision.
Step 5 - Possession of and ability to maintain a State of California Water Treatment Operator T3 license. Ability to direct operations and staff of a T3 facility.
