TO Water Operator III

Position Summary:

Under the supervision of Fresh Water Manager, perform water testing and maintain proper levels of chemical additives in the water supply.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

Read the numbers for daily usage at the well house; keep well houses clean, install and repair pumps. Open and turn on all necessary valves and pumps. Monitor water quality and makes chemical feed adjustments as needed. Calibrate and maintain online instrumentation. Inventory and maintain supply of chemicals including Chlorine, NaOH, Lime, Polymer, Ferric Chloride and Fluoride. Maintain proper amount of chemicals in the water supply. Perform preventative maintenance on all well houses, valves and pumps. Test water for chlorine residual, alkalinity, hardness, turbidity, fluoride, iron, and perform other analysis of the water as directed. Mix chemicals necessary to do lab tests and record all temperature and other equipment readings in the lab. Perform regular maintenance at the water towers, keep clean, read numbers and replace bulbs as needed. Collect and prepare daily bacteria samples and take samples to Lansing lab as needed. Flush fire hydrants on the reservation once a year and drain in the winter months. Inspect, paint, repair, and install fire hydrants including replacement of seals and brass fitting at the bottom of the barrel. Supervise contractors that are installing new hydrants, water and sewer lines and valves. Perform yard work and snow removal at treatment plant, wells and towers along with related yard work. Install and repair pumps, motors, gear boxes and lines, valves, curb stops, and corporation stops. Fabricate and weld parts to pumps, valves and plows as needed. Replace water tower light bulbs inside and out. Wash and clean vehicles and all equipment after use. Work in excavation sites for installs and repairs. Use appropriate equipment to trace and mark lines as requested. Install and service meters at homes and read meters at tribally owned enterprises. Monthly review meter reads that are radioed in to the system. Install or repair automatic radio feeds. Assist contractors with new home water hook ups. Perform preventative maintenance in the water plant. Maintain records of preventative maintenance performed on equipment. Participate in the proper training to maintain certification. Train interns to assist them in their certifications. Troubleshoot problems and facilitate repairs. Provide excellent customer service for all internal and external customers of the operations at all times. Provide solutions for customer concerns and continually focus on customer service as our top priority. Must maintain strict confidentiality and present a positive, professional demeanor and image at all times. The above duties and responsibilities are not an all-inclusive list but rather a general representation of the duties and responsibilities associated with this position. The duties and responsibilities will be subject to change based on organizational needs and/or deemed necessary by the supervisor.

Contacts/Purpose of Contacts:

Contact with staff, management, and other department employees. Contact with associates in organizations and occasional contact with outside sources to coordinate work activities.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

Knowledge of applicable federal, state, county and local laws, regulations, and requirements. Knowledge of water and waste water, construction, and operations. Knowledge of the principles and methods of water treatment facilities. Knowledge of the proper and efficient use of standard water system equipment, methods and terminology. Skill in operating various word-processing, spreadsheets, and database software programs in a Windows environment. Skill in using hand and power tools. Ability to lift and carry heavy objects. Ability to climb high stairs and ladders. Ability to lead and guide the work of others. Ability to use chlorine test kit, snake machine, and voltage meter. Ability to anticipate, recognize and evaluate hazardous conditions, as well as develop hazard and safety control methods. Ability to establish and maintain good working relationships with the individuals of varying social and cultural backgrounds. Ability to perform manual labor for extended periods of time. Ability to operate of motorized equipment including snow plows and lawn movers.

Physical Demands:

Strenuous physical exertion in climbing ladders and lifting heavy objects. Frequent use of hands, wrists, fingers associated with repair equipment. Required to stand and walk for extended periods of time and reach with arms and hands. Occasionally sit, stoop, kneel, climb, balance, crouch or crawl. Normal visual acuity, ability to talk and hear. Frequently lift and/or move up to 50 pounds.

Work Environment:

Must possess sufficient stamina to work under all types of weather conditions including extreme hot/cold and to lift, carry, push, or pull a variety of tools, equipment and materials. Employee may be exposed work hazards such as high voltage electricity, chemicals, hot water and running equipment. Work is performed in noise, wet, and hot enclosed spaces and heights. May be required to work at heights of up to 130 feet. Position requires on call 24/7, rotating shifts, evenings, weekends and holidays. Travel is required. High School Diploma or GED. Must be at least 18 years of age. Five (5) years of water operator or related experience. A math test will be required and administered prior to interviewies. Training in hydraulics, physics, biology, science, or related field will help in learning this field. Must have mechanical skills, not limited to automotive, such as pumps, or shaft driven equipment. Must possess good communication and diagnostic skills. Must be able to pass background check to meet the employment eligibility requirements as they pertain to the position.

Desired Qualifications:

Education and experience in advance mathematics, basic chemistry, laboratory and computer skills.

License, Certification, or Special Requirements:

Must have EGLE F-2 and S-2 Certification. Must have a valid State of Michigan Driver's License with the proper designation required for the vehicle utilized to perform the job duties; must be able to obtain and maintain a Tribal Driver's License and qualify for coverage by SCIT auto liability insurance carrier. Native American preference shall apply to all positions.

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