Job Details

WATER SYSTEM OPERATOR I/II
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Position Number: 4195390
Location: Soquel, CA
Position Type: Facilities Management

WATER SYSTEM OPERATOR I/II

Soquel Creek Water District is seeking a Water System Operator I/II to work in our Operations & Maintenance department. This is a full-time, benefitted position. Come join a great team and work for the best!

DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

Inspects, operates, tests, services and maintains water production facilities, control systems, etc. which produces, stores and distributes a domestic water supply.

Level I: Entry-level class in water operations.

Level II: Journey-level class performing the full range of tasks while exercising discretion and independent judgment within established guidelines.

Inspects, operates, troubleshoots, 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, tests for changing conditions, chemical feed requirements; prepares shipping.
Sounds and chemically treats wells, records gauge and levels readings, sample test results, and data.
Utilizes and monitors automated, remote, and local controls for system operations and communications.
Maintains facility sites in a clean, organized condition; monitors safety and security; reports concerns.
Operates, monitors production and maintains wells and associated treatment facilities; takes soundings and field tests, calculates pump run times and pumping rates, and records data.
Inspects and maintains storage tanks for condition, pressure, water quality, access and security; troubleshoots and repairs general maintenance issues.
Tests emergency generators, performs minor maintenance and reports any operating problems.
Reads and interprets plans, blueprints and specifications.
Monitors and records rain and stream gauge readings; performs maintenance as necessary.
Observes safe work methods and safety practices; operates and inspects assigned vehicles skillfully and safely; uses appropriate safety equipment.
Operates and maintains a variety of hand and power tools, technology and equipment.
Responds to emergency situations in off-hours as required.

Qualifications
EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE A typical way of gaining the knowledge and skills outline above is: Level I: High school graduation or equivalent. 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. Level II: Equivalent to the above, plus two (2) years of journey-level experience in the operation and maintenance of pumps, motors and similar equipment found in a water utility.
KNOWLEDGE (please review full job description for other required 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.
Basic technology applications related to electronic instrumentation and control equipment, (PLCs), and control and data acquisition plant monitoring and operation systems (SCADA).
Principles and procedures of record keeping. Principles and procedures of confined space entry. Level II: Knowledge of the above, plus:
Troubleshooting, diagnostic techniques/methods in maintenance of water utility operations & systems.
Understanding operations technology: electronic instrumentation and process control equipment, programmable logic controllers (PLCs), remote terminal units (RTUs), control and data acquisition plant monitoring and operation systems (SCADA).
Principles, practices, codes and regulations related to water distribution and treatment systems regulated by the California Safe Drinking Water Act, EPA standards, etc.

Special Requirements
Class "C" Drivers License w/Tank endorsement and Clean driving record (no multiple or serious traffic violations or accidents for at least two (2) years) & proof of valid insurance coverage.
Grade D-2 Distribution Operator Certificate-Cal. Division of Drinking Water. Must obtain D-3 by timeline.
Grade T-1 (Level 1) or Grade T-2 (Level 2) Treatment Operator Certificate-Cal. Division of Drinking Water. Must obtain by timelines specified.
Ability to perform essential functions of the position: strength and stamina to lift and carry objects weighing up to 50 pounds; exposure to mechanical and electrical hazards, and to water, dust, dirt, chemicals; use power tools and equipment; operate vehicles, work outdoors in all weather conditions, in confined spaces; physically demanding work - stand, walk, stoop, kneel, climb and crouch regularly.
Regularly scheduled on-call, off-hours shifts and non-scheduled emergency response.
Designated as "safety sensitive" under Department of Transportation (DOT) - subject to DOT Drug and Alcohol Testing requirements.

Miscellaneous Information
COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS Compensation: Level I - $30.87 – $43.66 per hour / Level II - $35.49 – $50.21 per hour, Full-Time + mandatory overtime hours Health Insurance: Medical- We pay 90% premiums (base plan). Dental/Vision – We pay 100% premiums Retirement: CalPERS Classic (2.5%@55) or PEPRA (2%@62) membership with shared contribution. Note: District does not contribute to Social Security. Deferred Compensation: Voluntary 457 deferred comp retirement savings plan. Life Insurance & LTD: Term Life & Long-Term Disability- We pay 100%. Voluntary additional coverage. Vacation: 12 to 25 paid days depending on length of service. Holidays: 12 paid holidays plus 2 floating holidays. Sick Leave: 12 paid days.