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.