HomeMy WebLinkAboutMaintenance Operator - WaterCITY OF IOWA CITY - Job Description
Job Class #10-10 FLSA Non-Exempt
Civil Service
Identification
Position Title: Maintenance Operator - Water
Department: Public Works
Division: Water
Supervisor: Assistant Superintendent – Water / Water Superintendent
Job Summary
Under general direction, operates, inspects, maintains, troubleshoots and repairs all hydraulic,
pneumatic, electrical and mechanical equipment at the water purification plant.
Essential Job Duties and Responsibilities
Monitors, inspects, operates and maintains water treatment plant machines and equipment
including remote reservoirs, pumps, motors, chlorinators, filters, chemical feeders, clarifiers and
laboratory equipment; monitors, troubleshoots and adjusts computerized controllers in the plant and
well field equipment; works with plant shut down and start-up operations.
Performs building and grounds maintenance.
Implements a preventive maintenance program; compiles daily log of maintenance work performed
at the plant and respective conditions; enters data into computer.
Orders necessary materials and supplies; interprets oral and written instructions, specifications, and
wiring diagrams; maintains records of work performed on equipment.
Maintains control and supply systems at the City’s water treatment facilities; troubleshoots, analyzes
and repairs hardware and software failures of water treatment control and distribution systems.
Operates, monitors, calibrates, repairs and maintains all water treatment plant machines and
equipment including remote reservoirs and pump stations, pumps, motors, chlorinators, filters,
chemical feeders, clarifiers and laboratory equipment, etc.
Researches and coordinates repairs and changes with staff and equipment manufacturers and
suppliers.
Performs emergency duties related to water main breaks; responds to after-hour emergency calls;
performs on-call duty.
Operates snow removal equipment in winter months at water plant, trails and peninsula.
Performs scheduled and emergency relief operations for water purification plant operators on rotating
shifts; monitors and inspects process control equipment via computer and visual inspection to ensure
proper operation.
Job Class #10-10 Water
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During relief operations for water purification plant operators, collects water samples and conducts
laboratory quality control analysis of raw, processed and finished water to monitor and adjust the
treatment process to ensure compliance with federal and state regulations.
Monitors, reads and interprets gauges, dials and other plant instrumentation to regulate flow rates,
system pressure, water elevation and distribution of water; records information on paper log sheets
and in electronic logs.
Receives and responds to public inquiries regarding plant operations; assists in training new plant
personnel.
Assists in public tours inquiries and informational programs.
Performs preventive maintenance on operating systems.
Receives and handles hazardous chemicals.
Collects samples for laboratory.
Answers public questions.
Inspects wells and collects well samples to aid in water quality and collection of performance data.
May perform routine or emergency electrical switching operation to facilitate maintenance, switch
plant shut down and restart by generator, in the event of power outage or due to local energy
compliance.
Conducts self in a manner which promotes and supports diversity and inclusivity in the workplace
and community.
Performs all other related duties as assigned.
Physical and Environmental Conditions
The physical demands and work environment conditions described here are representative of those
that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job and are
encountered while performing those essential functions. Reasonable accommodations may be made
to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk and hear. The
employee frequently is required to stand, walk, use hands to finger, handle, or feel, reach with hands
and arms; stoop, kneel, crouch, crawl, taste or smell. The employee is occasionally required to sit
and climb or balance. The employee must regularly lift and/or move up to 25 pounds and
occasionally lift and/or move up to 100 pounds with assistance. Specific vision abilities required by
this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and
ability to adjust focus.
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently exposed to wet and/or humid
conditions and fumes or airborne particles. The employee is occasionally exposed to moving
mechanical parts, high, precarious places, toxic or caustic chemicals, outside weather conditions,
Job Class #10-10 Water
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risk of electrical shock and vibration. May perform job duties in confined spaces. May be exposed to
communicable diseases.
The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.
Minimum Education, Experience and Certification
High school diploma or equivalent required. Two years of related experience and/or education
required. Or equivalent combination of education and experience. Iowa DNR Grade I Treatment Plant
Operator Certification required within 6 months of hire. Iowa DNR Grade II Treatment Plant Operator
Certification Required within three years of appointment. Must live within 17 miles of the corporate
limits of Iowa City, Iowa within one year of appointment to the position. Valid driver’s license with
satisfactory driving record required. Valid Iowa Class B commercial driver's license with air brake and
tanker endorsement required within 90 days of hire. This position is subject to federal drug testing
requirements including screening through the FMCSA Clearinghouse. Must be 18 years of age per
Iowa code 92.8. Must pass criminal background check.
Preferred Education, Experience and Certification
Associate degree or equivalent from an educational institution accredited by a DOE recognized
accreditation body in related field preferred. Four years’ experience in water treatment/maintenance
preferred. Iowa DNR Grade II Treatment Plant Operator Certification at hire preferred.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
Knowledge of the use of computers, mathematics, basic chemistry, biology and microbiology principles
and procedures. Knowledge of the occupational hazards associated with high voltage equipment and
how to take necessary safety precautions. Knowledge of the methods, practices, tools and materials
used in a variety of building, equipment and grounds maintenance and repair activities. Knowledge of
the occupational hazards and necessary safety precautions applicable to building equipment and
grounds maintenance. Ability to make independent evaluations and adjustment of systems operating
conditions within a general set of guidelines. Ability to inspect and troubleshoot mechanical equipment
and operations. Ability to monitor and adjust treatment processes. Ability to read meters, gauges and
charts and maintain records of shift operations. Ability to safely perform technical tasks in the operation
of a water treatment facility and a variety of skilled and semi-skilled tasks in the repair and maintenance
of various types of equipment and facilities. Ability to handle a variety of tasks without close
supervision. Ability to work outside during inclement weather. Physical ability to handle medium to
heavy work with some heavy lifting. Ability to understand and follow written and oral instructions. Ability
to establish and maintain effective working relationships with employees and the general public. Skill in
the building or mechanical trades. Skill in the use and care of tools and equipment necessary to
perform a variety of repair tasks. Demonstrated ability to work effectively as a member of a team.
Demonstrated ability to follow a management style that is input-oriented and values problem solving
and development of partnerships. Desire to be part of an organization that values services, people,
integrity, responsibility, innovation and teamwork. Ability to operate heavy equipment such as a skid
loader and forklift. Ability to work with and adhere to safety rules when working with hazardous gases.
The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by
individuals assigned to this job. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties,
and skills required of personnel so classified in this position.