Water Systems Operator I/II

 Soquel Creek Water District is seeking a skilled Water Systems Operator I/II in our Operations & Maintenance department. This is a full-time, benefitted position with the responsibility to inspect, operate, test, service and maintain varied pumps, motors, chemical feed equipment, pressure filters, control systems and other equipment and facilities required to produce, store and distribute our domestic water supply. Operator II is a journey-level class in water operations work. Come Work For The Best!!

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

·       Inspects, operates, troubleshoots, and maintains water production, treatment and storage facilities using multiple modalities including physical, daily field work and by observing electronic monitoring systems.

·       Tests equipment and performs preventive maintenance, calibration and repairs on pumps, motors, generators, chemical feed equipment, water quality monitoring equipment, pressure filters, electrical and electronic controls, and recording and measuring devices.

·       Reports unusual operating conditions and major needs for repair.

·       Safely handles, stores, maintains and delivers sodium hypochlorite as prescribed.

·       Collects water samples and tests for changing conditions and chemical feed requirements and/or prepares for shipping.

·       Sounds and chemically treats wells on a scheduled basis; records gauge and levels readings, sample test results, and other pertinent data.

·       Utilizes and monitors automated, remote, and local controls for system operations and communications.

·       Maintains facility sites; monitors safety and security of sites; reports issues of concern.

·       Operates, monitors production; maintains wells and associated treatment facilities; takes soundings, field tests, calculates pump run times, pumping rates, and records data.

·       Inspects and maintains storage tanks for condition, pressure, water quality, access and security; troubleshoots and repairs general maintenance issues.

·       May assist other field crews on a relief or emergency basis.

·       Tests emergency generators, performs minor maintenance and reports any operating problems.

·       Reads and interprets plans, blueprints and specifications.

·       Observes safe methods and safety practices; operates and inspects assigned vehicles skillfully and safely.

·       Operates and maintains hand and power tools, technology and equipment related to the work.

·       Responds to emergency situations in off-hours as required.

·       Other duties as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

·       Operational principles and maintenance practices of pumps, motors, generators, electrical controls and similar water utility equipment.

·       Safety precautions pertaining to the work, including the handling of hazardous chemicals.

·       Use and care of basic hand and power tools.

·       Shop mathematics and making accurate arithmetic calculations.

·       Computer applications related to the work.

·       Recognizing and diagnosing operational problems.

·       Servicing and performing preventive maintenance on drinking water systems equipment.

·       Maintaining accurate logs and records.

·       Reading and interpreting manuals, specifications, plans, maps and schematics.

·       Establishing and maintaining effective working relationships.

 (SEE ON-LINE JOB DESCRIPTION FOR FULL DETAILS)

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

Operator I: Two (2) years of work which has provided a familiarity with the operation and maintenance of pumps, motors and similar equipment found in a water utility after obtaining a high school diploma.

Operator II: Two (2) years of journey-level experience above (fully acquired knowledge, skills and abilities demonstrated on the job).

REQUIREMENTS

·       Valid Class “C” Calif. Drivers’ License w/Haz Mat and Tank endorsement (Must obtain within specified time)

·       Clean driving record (no multiple or serious traffic violations or accidents for at least two (2) years) and proof of valid insurance coverage.

·       Operator I – Grade D-2 Water Distribution Operators Certificate and Grade T-1 Water Treatment Operators Certificate Cal. Division of Drinking Water. (Must obtain certs within specified time)

·       Operator II – Grade D-2 Water Distribution Operators Certificate and Grade T-2 Water Treatment Operators Certificate Cal. Division of Drinking Water. (Must obtain higher level certs within specified time)

·       Regularly scheduled on-call, and emergency, off-hours shifts as required.

·      Ability to lift, carry and push tools, equipment and supplies weighing up to 50 lbs; work in all weather conditions; work in confined spaces and with exposure to potentially hazardous conditions.

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS

Compensation: Operator I: $32.41 – $45.85 per hr. / $5,617 – $7,947 monthly

              Operator II: $37.26 – $52.72 per hr. / $6,459 – $9,138 monthly     

Health Insurance: Medical – We pay 90% premiums (base plan). Dental/Vision – We pay 100% premiums.

Life Insurance: Term Life – We pay 100% premiums: 2xSalary/$200k maximum. Voluntary additional coverage.

Retirement: CalPERS membership: Classic 2.5%@55 or PEPRA 2%@62 (District does not contribute to Social Security). Paid retiree health benefits for qualified employees.

Deferred Compensation: 457 voluntary deferred compensation plan.

Vacation: 12 to 25 paid days annually depending on length of service.

Holidays: 12 paid holidays plus 2 floating holidays annually.

Sick Leave: 12 paid days annually.