Water Operator 1

Position Summary

The primary function of an employee in this position is to perform meter reading duties and semi-skilled installation, maintenance, and repair duties of the City’s water storage and distribution systems.  The work is performed under the direct supervision of the Lead Operator / Foreman and general supervision of the Water Superintendent.  The principal duties of this position are performed in an environment that may include working in adverse weather conditions, and hazards involving the use of power tools, heavy equipment and exposure to hazardous and allergenic materials.  Due to the on-call nature of this position, the working hours vary and may include weekends, evenings and holidays.

Primary Responsibilities

• Reads residential and commercial user water meters and records usage;


• Locates, flags, and records water main, valve, and lateral locations for contractors, general maintenance and repair;


• Maintains and repairs water meters and fire hydrants;


• Inspects for leaks in water service facilities;


• Prepares and installs water service systems;


• Performs and logs routine maintenance in pump stations, including monitoring fluid levels, equipment operation and operating records;


• Operates a variety of hand tools and job-related power equipment;


• Operates motor vehicles such as trucks and maintenance equipment;


• Performs vehicle checks to ensure proper and safe operation; performs minor vehicle maintenance checks as directed;


• Performs general maintenance, cleaning, grounds keeping and snow removal duties around well house, pump station, water meter, boxes, and related water treatment facilities;


• Compliance with Federal, State, County, City and other applicable public health environmental and safety standards;


• On call rotation after hours to respond to emergency situations;


• Performs other duties as required;

Specialized Knowledge

• Valid Idaho Driver’s License;


• Idaho Water Distribution Operator certification within 24 months of date of hire;


• Working knowledge of light and heavy equipment operating principles, practices and procedures (including power and hand tools) as well as a knowledge of minor equipment maintenance and repair functions;


• Working knowledge of mechanical apparatus, electrical, pump, pipe fitting and plumbing methods and techniques;


• Basic math and science principles required to perform routine testing, sampling and reporting;

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• High school diploma or GED equivalency required OR any equivalent combination of experience and training which provides the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to perform the work;


• Accurately follow written and oral instruction;


• Accurately read and interpret system technical and operational manuals and guidelines;


• Accurately read and interpret meters, gauges, control panels, testing and monitoring equipment;


• Operate manual and automated valve, pump, and control systems;


• Operate heavy equipment and hand tools;


• Operate standard office equipment, including a computer using program applications appropriate to assigned duties;


• Learn and interpret test results, make visual inspections, and adjust processes accordingly;


• Prepare written reports and maintain system performance records;


• Communicate clearly and effectively with supervisors, the public, and other employees;

Essential Physical Abilities

Sufficient clarity of speech, hearing, manual dexterity and personal mobility and stamina, with or without reasonable accommodation, which permits the employee to:

• discern verbal instructions, communicate with other employees and the public, and discern warning or emergency alarms, including vehicle backup warnings;


• comprehend written work instructions and work orders, technical and operational documents and diagrams, and read and record meters and gauges;


• operate a variety of power and hand tools, including specialized meter reading equipment, and to make adjustments to equipment;


• frequently lift and/or move objects up to 75 pounds, and work in an outdoor field environment

Sufficient visual acuity required by this job, with or without reasonable accommodation, including close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and the ability to adjust focus;