GENERAL INFORMATION

JOB TITLE

PAY GRADE

DEPARTMENT

Water/Wastewater Operator

Trainee, I, II, and III

Depends on Level of Certification See Minimum Qualifications

Public Works

CLASS CODE NUMBER

EFFECTIVE DATE

REPLACES JOB DESCRIPTIONS DATED

5104 (T), 5105(I), 5107(II), 5108 (III)

March 5, 2024

September 2011

Prior Class Codes 5105, 5110, 5135, 5140

FLSA DESIGNATION, SELECT ONE

IF UNION-REPRESENTED, SELECT ONE

☐ EXEMPT           ☒  NONEXEMPT

☒ ASEA              ☐  PSEA              ☐ IBEW              ☐  IAFF

PRIMARY PURPOSE OF JOB

Operates and maintains either the Water Treatment and Distribution or the Wastewater Treatment and Collection systems The purpose of these classes is to provide safe drinking water or effective wastewater treatment by keeping all systems in working order.

Performs unskilled, semi-skilled, or skilled work in the operations of either water or wastewater treatment or water distribution or wastewater collection systems. Incumbent performs operational duties including preventative maintenance.

The principal function of an employee in each of these classes is as follows:

Operator Trainee- An employee in this position is in an on-the-job learning situation while obtaining a Level 1 operator certificate to move into an Operator 1 position. The work is not performed independently but under direct guidance of the Chief Water or Wastewater Facilities operator, or their designee.

Operator I- An employee in this position performs basic tasks in the operations and maintenance of the water or wastewater systems. An Operator 1 is under the close direction of the Chief Water or Wastewater Facilities Operator, or their designee. An employee in this position has some leeway in the performance of their duties but must defer to a higher-level Operator when necessary.

Operator II- An employee in this position performs the day-to-day tasks at all levels of operations and maintenance of the Water or Wastewater systems. An Operator II is under the direction of the Chief Water or Wastewater Facilities Operator, or their designee. An employee in this position is given considerable leeway in terms of independent judgement and initiative in their day-to-day tasks.

Operator III- An employee in this position performs day-to-day tasks at all levels of operations and maintenance of the water or wastewater systems. An Operator III is under the general direction of the Chief Water or Wastewater Facilities Operator or their designee. An employee in this position is given extensive leeway in terms of independent judgement and initiative in their daily work in the operation and maintenance of the water or wastewater systems.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Operation and maintenance of water and/or wastewater treatment and conveyance systems
• Inspects, services, and adjusts machinery
• Monitor, record, and adjust operating conditions
• Operate and perform maintenance on equipment such as valves, pumps, chemical systems, meters, monitoring devices, hydrants, and all other equipment in the water and/or wastewater systems
• Collects samples and performs standard water and/or wastewater analysis and records findings
• Performs wash-down, cleaning, painting and minor maintenance of water and/or wastewater treatment systems
• Performs yard clean-up
• Completes various reports for regulatory agencies, maintains data logs, and CMMS
• Locates and documents unrecorded system components
• Troubleshoot and resolve issues including complaints from the public
• Operates facility vehicles including vacuum truck, roll-off truck, and fork lift
• Participates in Household Hazardous Waste events
• Performs other duties as assigned

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

All Operators, level I-III, are expected to have a level of knowledge based on their years of experience in the water and/or wastewater field and length of service with CBS. *

Knowledge of machinery, equipment, material, and operating procedures of water and/or wastewater treatment systems, standard process and chemicals used in testing and treating water and/or wastewater, occupational hazards and safety precautions applicable to working in a water or wastewater environment, federal, state, and local rules, regulations and policies regarding water and/or wastewater

All Operators are expected to have the following skills: *

Skills operating safely and efficiently tools, machinery and equipment, operating computer-based office applications and software including CMMS and SCADA systems

All Operators are expected to have the following abilities. *

Ability to be available for call out during off duty hours, communicate well and maintain effective working relationships with others, understand and follow oral and written policies, procedures, and instructions, make accurate readings and keep operational records, write reports as required, operate all plant equipment and conduct routine tests of water and wastewater samples, diagnose equipment malfunctions and take corrective action

*Operator Trainees will obtain the initial knowledge and develop their skills and abilities while on the job during their initial year of work and as they progress through the certification process and with more year on the job

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Graduation from high school or possession of a GED; and
• Any equivalent combination of experience, education and training which provides the knowledge and abilities necessary to perform the work

All water/wastewater treatment, distribution and collection certification requirements are determined by the State of Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation in accordance with 18 AAC 74. The certifications are in the following areas: water treatment and distribution or wastewater treatment and collection. Employees are expected to acquire certifications at the levels the water/wastewater facilities are classified as per DEC. Employees are expected to maintain their certifications for the duration of their employment.

Operator Trainee (Grade 8)

• Provisional operator certification at the time of application or the ability to obtain a Provisional Operator Certification within one year of service

Operator I (Grade 9)

• Level I operator certification in one of the four areas listed above

Operator I (Grade 10)

• Level I operator certification in two of the four areas listed above

Operator II (Grade 11)

• Level II operator certification in one of the four areas listed above

Operator II (Grade 12)

• Level II operator certification in two of the four areas listed above

Operator III (Grade 13)

• Level III operator certification in one of the four areas listed above

Operator III (Grade 14)

• Level III operator certification in two of the four areas listed above             

OTHER JOB REQUIREMENTS OR EXPECTATIONS

• Possession of, or ability to obtain within 6 months, a valid State of Alaska Class B Commercial Driver’s License (CDL)
• Possession of, or ability to obtain within 6 months, a Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC)
• Possession of, or ability to obtain with 6 months, American Red Cross First Aid and CPR certifications or equivalent
• Possession of, or ability to obtain within 1 year, IS-700 NIMS and ICS 100

WORKING CONDITIONS AND PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

Working Conditions:

• Works in water and wastewater treatment and ancillary facilities with related hazards
• Works in the field outside, often in inclement weather with related hazards
• Non-traditional hours of work may be necessary

Specific Physical Requirements:

• Frequent bending, stooping, kneeling and crouching
• Frequent lifting, pushing, pulling, or carrying up to 50 pounds
• Frequent physical movement (walking, standing, sitting) throughout the workday depending on operational needs

General Physical Requirements:

• Sufficient clarity of speech and hearing which permits the employee to communicate effectively

• Sufficient vision which permits the employee to operate W/WW facility equipment and tools used in operation and maintenance of W/WW equipment

• Sufficient manual dexterity which permits the employee to operate controllers and grasp tools used in the installation, maintenance and repair of pumps and equipment

• Sufficient physical mobility and reflexes which permits the employee to climb, enter and exit confined spaces, inside and outdoors to manipulate equipment and adhere to safety protocols in the inspection, operation, and repair of W/WW facilities and equipment