Utility Systems Operator I

About the Department

To perform duties in the operations, maintenance and repairs of equipment, facilities and infrastructure in the water supply and wastewater collection/treatment/disposal systems.

Position Duties

• Performs basic duties related to the operation maintenance and repairs of all County Utilities’ water supply facilities, well sites; including preventive maintenance tasks for pumps, motors, generators, and other specialized equipment used in processing, conveying, storing water and wastewater; assists in the observation in operating conditions of remote monitoring equipment; performs reading, basic maintenance, calibration and troubleshooting of meters and gauges; 
• Performs water meter reading and interacts with customers as necessary.
• Collects water and wastewater samples, and trains in the interpretation of complex results, and their connection to any necessary operational shifts.
• Performs duties as necessary to maintain facility work areas, grounds, tools and equipment in a clean, safe and orderly condition. 
• Performs minor preventive maintenance on plant equipment and buildings; exercises and lubricates valves, lubricates valves and makes verbal or written reports to Utilities Supervisor.
• Performs minor plumbing and pipefitting tasks as required.
• Assists in mechanical work associated with the preventive and corrective maintenance of pumps, generators and other specialized equipment.
• Performs minor data entry and handling, including basic mathematical operations associated with water and wastewater treatment.
• Performs basic security inspections and identifies deficiencies that may jeopardize system operations or the public health and safety.
• Maintains daily shift log and other records as necessary for the continuous monitoring of water and wastewater operations.
• Performs chemical feed operations, calibration of feed pumps, and maintains accurate records of such operations.

• Knowledge of applied arithmetic in connection with determining flow rates, volumes, concentrations and feed rates in connection with water pumping, and distribution, as well as chemical treatment in wastewater operations.
• Ability to read and comprehend complex technical material and instructions
• Ability to provide written summaries of operations and document events accurately.
• Ability to learn and comprehend the magnitude of occupational hazards and safety procedures associated with normal water and wastewater operations; ability to operate powered and manual equipment, machinery, and tools used in water and wastewater filed operations and maintenance; 
• Ability to establish effective co-worker relationships; provide clear oral and/or written reports.

Minimum Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent plus two (2) years of training and/or experience in plumbing, pipefitting, and operation and maintenance tasks associated with water treatment, distribution and conveyance facilities or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Must possess NM Water Systems Level 1 or Wastewater Systems Level I operator certification.

Other Qualifications

Working Conditions:

Work is performed primarily outdoors and under different weather conditions, with exposure to dust, fumes, airborne particles, allergens, wastewater, heights, animals and extreme heat or cold.  Work involves high risk and potentially dangerous situations working near hazardous/moving materials, equipment and machinery; and exposure to vibration and excessive noise.  The use of protective clothing, equipment, devices and materials is required.  Work requires the ability to stand, walk, sit, reach with hands or arms; climb or balance; stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl; talk, hear, and smell; clarity of vision at short and long distance; and the ability to lift up to 50lbs.  Work schedules may include evening and weekend hours, plus 24-hour emergency and on-call duty.  Walking, bending, stooping and lifting up to 50 lbs. is required. Travel outside Santa Fe County may be required occasionally.  

Employee may be called out in emergency situations related to emergency water and wastewater system operations (i.e. water line breaks). When contacted, the employee is expected to report to work unless there are special non-recurring circumstances, regardless of the location of the employee’s residence. Incumbent must be available for 24-hour emergency on call duty and weekend work when required. Must have personal telephone or be available by any equally effective means of communication.

Conditions of Employment:

Selected candidate must submit to and pass a County paid pre-employment physical and drug/alcohol screening. Additionally, selected candidate must submit to and pass a county paid criminal background screening. Selected candidate must possess and maintain a valid New Mexico Class D Drivers License as incumbent shall be appointed to drive a County vehicle during the performance of his/her duties. Candidate must obtain and/or maintain all certifications required.