Water Operator II
Job Title: Water Operator II
Department: Public Works, Water Division
Reports To: Chief Water Operator
Open Date: July 27, 2019
Close Date: Open Until Filled
Hiring Range: $16.93 - $21.63 per hour, DOE
Salary Range: $16.93 - $25.39 per hour, DOE
Job Summary:
Water Operator II’s primary responsibilities are to demonstrate and perform a variety of skilled and
semi-skilled tasks in the operation, installation, maintenance, and repair of the City of Meridian’s potable
and recycled water distribution systems. This classification performs a full range of intermediate and
advanced activities. Continually strives to maintain and improve operations and accuracy. The incumbent
must perform work safely, efficiently, and accurately, occasionally under adverse conditions. Provide
assistance and support to the Meridian Utility Billing Services (MUBS) and other Departments when
needed. Expected to exercise initiative and independent judgment both individually, and as part of a
team, in assisting with maintenance, operations, projects and technology-related activities of the Water
Division. Works under the direction of the Assistant Water Superintendent, Chief Water Operator or Lead
Construction Operator and provides guidance to Operator I’s within Division.
Essential Duties & Responsibilities:
Provide excellent customer service to both internal and external customers;
Provide intermediate skillset, operational direction, and mentoring to Level I Water Operators;
Perform troubleshooting, installations, repairs, testing, and replacements of water mains, services, fire
hydrants, meters, and related equipment;
Operate handheld reading devices, accurately reads and records usage, responds to customer requests
to water-related issues, performs connections and disconnections of services, performs leak tests, re-
reading of meters generates work orders for field corrections and follows through;
Perform specialized, skilled, semi-skilled, and general maintenance and operations work to water
production, distribution and treatment systems including but not limited to repair, new installation,
preventative maintenance, troubleshooting equipment failures, water sampling, line locates and service
request completion;
Operate a variety of equipment, machinery, and tools used in department projects and activities, which
may include a utility truck, dump truck, backhoe, vacuum excavator, forklift and/or other related
equipment and hand tools;
Assist other crews, departments, and others with regular maintenance and special projects when required.
Effectively and courteously communicates with supervisor, employees, other departments, public, outside
agencies, or other individuals or groups as needed;
Perform standardized water quality tests as required under drinking water rules and regulations;
Operate a personal computer, SCADA, meter reading equipment and related software;
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Perform general cleaning/maintenance tasks necessary to keep facilities, vehicles, equipment, and tools
in operable condition; reports faulty equipment;
Continuously strive to protect water quality, decrease turnaround times, and streamline work processes;
work cooperatively and jointly to maintain compliance and provide safe and compliant high quality
drinking water and seamless customer service;
Communicate with supervisor, employees, other departments, vendors, and agencies to coordinate work
activities, collaborate, exchange information, or resolve problems; lead by example demonstrating City
CARE values and promoting teamwork;
Follow all safety procedures and utilizes safety equipment to ensure a safe work environment;
Prepare and maintain work records, including work/service orders, according to asset management
program and service order software; capture data and maintain accuracy through the timely collection;
ensure deadlines are met and adjustments/recommend changes as needed;
Maintain thorough and accurate records and computer entries in Division and other department data
bases, understand and follow written and verbal instructions, regulations, and policies, read and interpret
blueprints of the water distribution system, service orders, maintenance manuals, and other related literature;
Maintain and ensure the work environment is in alignment and in compliance with the City’s Standard
Operating Policies, Safety Policies, and other related policies/procedures in regards to safety prevention;
works in a safe manner and reports unsafe activities, conditions, and faulty equipment;
When required, assist administration by answering questions or office phones;
The position is subject to callback, overtime, weekend/holiday emergency call outs and on-call duty;
Perform other duties as assigned. Position subject to cross-training in other sections of the Water
Division, as deemed necessary.
Job Specifications:
High school graduate or GED equivalent;
Three (3) years of progressive experience in water production/treatment, water distribution, and
customer service. Or, any combination of experience, education sufficient to perform the essential duties
of the position.
Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:
Intermediate understanding of water system layout, hydraulic pressure, and volume. Have the ability to
troubleshoot intermediate system flow and pressure problems; ability to read and interpret maps and
plans;
Intermediate knowledge of water system infrastructure and equipment. Have the ability to assist and
provide guidance with the installation, maintenance, operation and repair of fire hydrants, water services,
blow-offs, valves, main lines, and other related water system facilities;
Intermediate knowledge of pumps, wells, chlorinators, and Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition
(SCADA) systems; have the ability to assist in the operation and maintenance of related equipment;
Intermediate knowledge of water meter operations, installations, testing, and selection; have the ability to
install, repair, replace, test and troubleshoot water meters and related equipment;
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Intermediate knowledge of water meter reading and programming equipment; have the ability to assist in
reading and programing water meters;
Intermediate understanding of line locating and one-call rules. Have the ability to perform line locations;
Intermediate understanding of disinfection processes and equipment including adjustment and
maintenance on injection pumps. Have the ability to assist and provide general guidance in the
troubleshooting and repair of disinfection equipment;
Intermediate knowledge of water regulations and water quality sampling. Have the ability to monitor water
quality and assist with water sampling;
Intermediate knowledge of cross-connection control and backflow prevention; have the ability to identify cross
connections and assist with backflow prevention program;
Knowledge of safety standards and procedures, confined space entry, excavation, fire safety, lockout /
tag out and trenching, PPE; have the ability to identify and perform safe working practices;
Knowledge of emergency response procedures and disaster response; have the ability to follow and execute
emergency assistance when called upon;
Requires excellent public relation skills, work closely with the public and business community;
Demonstrate excellent self-management qualities;
Ability to perform intermediate mathematical computations to perform dosage formulae, volume
equations, pressure calculations, and flow formulae;
Ability to effectively communicate orally and written with management, supervisors co-workers and the
public with respect in a pleasant, professional and courteous manner;
Understanding and intermediate ability to effectively operate computers, software, line locators, GPS
devices and related operating systems/platforms and equipment;
Display an attitude of cooperation and the ability to work well with others as a team;
Ability to effectively communicate orally and written with management, supervisors, and co-workers with
respect and integrity in a pleasant, professional and courteous manner;
Must be willing to take classes in related fields to keep skills and knowledge current with the industry.
Licensing and Certification:
Must hold the following State of Idaho licenses:
o Class II Water Distribution Operators License within one (1) year of hire;
o Class, I Water Treatment Operators License within eighteen (18) months of hire;
Must hold and maintain a valid State of Idaho driver’s license and safe driving record;
Must obtain and maintain a Class A Commercial Driver’s License within the State of Idaho within one year
of hire;
Must be Incident Command System (ICS) 100 & 200 certified within one year of hire;
Must be able to attend and complete all required safety training requirements and certifications which
may include but is not limited to: confined space entry, CPR/AED, ICS, fall protection, and flagger/traffic
safety.
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Work Environment and Physical Demands:
While performing the duties of this job, the employee regularly works near or on moving mechanical
equipment in outside weather conditions. The noise level often in the work environment is sometimes
loud;
Occasionally works in high precarious places and is frequently exposed to wet and/or humid conditions
fumes or airborne particles, toxic or caustic chemicals, heavy machinery, vibration, and biological hazards;
Constantly requires driving a motor vehicle or maintenance equipment;
Occasionally is exposed to the risk of electrical shock;
Occasionally requires lifting and moving up to 50 pounds and occasionally lifts and/or moves more than
100 pounds;
Must be capable of walking, climbing, and bending safely without undue strain.
Travel Requirements:
Local travel is occasionally required via city vehicle;
Some in-state and out of state travel may be required for training.