Chief Water/Wastewater Operator (Closing 11/22/19)

  • Full-time

Company Description

The Town of Clarkdale (Pop. 4,300) is seeking a Chief Water/Wastewater Operator to  ensure daily operations of all aspects of our Water Services Division including water and wastewater treatment, water distribution and wastewater collection while assisting with the oversight of the division.

The starting pay for this position is $20.74 - $27.00.  This is an hourly, FLSA non-exempt position.

Located in central Arizona, Clarkdale is a charming, historic town, on the banks of the Verde River and at the base of Mingus Mountain. Ideally situated above the heat of the desert and below the cold of Arizona’s high country, Clarkdale enjoys a moderate year-round climate at an elevation of 3,500 feet. 

Job Description

DESCRIPTION: Under direct supervision from the Public Works Director and general supervision of the Public Works Superintendent, this position assists in overseeing the operations of the Water Services Division while performing day-to-day tasks relative to the Town’s water and wastewater operations, related regulatory compliance, and the repair and maintenance of Town wastewater facilities and infrastructure. This position assists in a broad range of project management functions related to wastewater Capital Improvement Projects; performs inspections as needed on water and wastewater construction projects in various stages of construction for conformance with approved plans and Codes; processes and answers questions concerning construction requirements; makes field inspections on a variety of public and private construction projects in conformance with applicable standards, specifications, and Town ordinances. This position understands public trust and models the highest standards of personal and professional integrity expected of those working in public service. Employees in this class typically work a forty (40) hour work week, however schedules may change depending on the needs of the organization.

CLASSIFICATION: Positions in this class are characterized by a thorough knowledge of municipal water and wastewater systems and related infrastructure(s) and regulatory requirements; project management including design, budgeting, scheduling, selection of professional services, contract documents, bidding, and timely onsite construction management. An employee successful in this position is also an effective team player.  Highly responsible job functions require the ability to think independently, use good judgment and apply strong communication and customer service skills. Abnormal working hours may be required from time to time.  This is a FLSA non-exempt, at-will position with benefit package.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS AND DUTIES:

Essential functions and duties may be modified at any time at management’s discretion.  Typical duties may include, but are not limited to the following:

  • Participates in the implementation of goals, objectives, priorities, policies and procedures of the Town of Clarkdale and the Water Services Divisions;
  • Assists with the organization and operations of the Water Services Divisions;
  • Provides oversight of the operation and maintenance of the Town’s water system and related infrastructure; wastewater treatment plant, sewer lift stations, and related infrastructure; such duties include supervising and training subordinate personnel, inspecting work in progress and completeness for compliance with safety requirements, department policies, and state and federal requirements;
  • Reviews laboratory data on sewage flow, digester operations and sludge to maintain the treatment plant within compliance with the operational guidelines of APP and discharge limits established in the Town’s NPDES discharge permit when applicable;
  • Operates, monitors and maintains pumps, blowers, chlorinators, filters and other processing equipment;
  • Assists in scheduling and logging daily crew assignments;
  • Assists in developing, implementing and monitoring preventative maintenance processes and policies;
  • Assists in the development of specifications for equipment for the Water Services Division and in the administration of construction, maintenance, and operation contracts; assists with bid prep and review;
  • Works with Public Works Superintendent to develop long-range Capital Improvement Programs for the Water Services Division;
  • Prepares a variety of professional reports relative to the water and wastewater operations as needed including a monthly DOE and EPA report;
  • Responds to and resolves citizen inquiries and complaints relating to the operation of the Water Utility, Wastewater Treatment Plant, and related facilities;
  • Conducts inspections of work in progress and verifies completeness for compliance with safety requirements, department policies, and state and federal requirements;
  • Compiles daily readings, operational information and data for reports and record keeping;
  • Performs as needed repairs, maintenance and construction activities of the division and coordinates related projects with other Town departments;
  • Operates equipment including vehicles as needed to perform repairs, maintenance, and construction activities of the Town’s water/wastewater systems;
  • Performs maintenance on Town reservoirs, effluent holding ponds, treatment facilities, distribution system and or collection system components;
  • Regularly performs work with and around reagents and chemicals used to sample water and or wastewater, and in the treatment of water and/or wastewater;
  • Performs work with hand tools and power equipment for the maintenance and repair of water and wastewater lines;
  • Performs other duties as needed or as assigned.

Qualifications

Education and/or Experience

Any combination of education and/or experience that has provided the knowledge, skills and abilities necessary for satisfactory job performance is acceptable. Possession of a High School Diploma or GED is the minimum education required.  Five (5) years’ experience operating a municipal water and/or wastewater system is required with a minimum of two (2) years supervisory level experience.

Special Requirements, Licenses, and Certificates

  • Must possess a valid Arizona drivers’ license (or ability to transfer an out-of-state license to AZ immediately) and maintain an excellent driving record;
  • Must possess and maintain a valid commercial driver’s license (CDL) including an air brake endorsement and tank truck endorsement, or have the ability to obtain within 6 months of hire;
  • ·         Must possess and maintain the following minimum AZ Department of Environmental Quality certifications: 
    • AZ State Water Treatment Operator Certification Grade III (minimum level) AND
    • AZ State Wastewater Treatment Operator Certification Grade II (minimum level) AND
    • AZ State Water Distribution Operator Certification Grade II (minimum level) OR   
    • AZ State Wastewater Collection Certification Grade II
  • Must be able to respond to call out within thirty (30) minutes.
  • Must complete online training and testing with National Incident Management System (NIMS) through the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) within six (6) months of hire and maintain current/ongoing certification as needed.
  • May be required to work overtime, holidays and weekends and be on-call 24 (twenty-four) hours per day, per the departmental On-Call Policy. 

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

  • Knowledge of construction practices, procedures, materials and principles related to water and wastewater projects and operations;
  • Knowledge of estimating, scheduling and reporting of water and wastewater operations;
  • Knowledge of public sector budgeting and accounting practices;
  • Knowledge of modern computer software for documentation purposes including development of professional reports, letters, and data analysis reports;
  • Skills to efficiently prepare and monitor a departmental budget;
  • Ability to research, compile data and produce sound reports and recommendations;
  • Ability to train, motivate and develop staff towards achievement of goals and objectives;
  • Ability to effectively communicate whether orally or in writing at all levels professionally and including individuals from various socioeconomic, ethnic and culturally diverse backgrounds;
  • Ability to establish and foster effective working relationships;
  • Ability to organize and prioritize, and to work independently, at times under time constraints and deadlines;
  • Ability to adhere to and enforce safety standards and practices;
  • Ability to effectively safely work around and operate moving equipment (ie. pumps, valves, motors and blowers);
  • Ability to safely and effectively work in confined space situations such as manholes, pump stations, wet wells, dry wells, and storage tanks up to twenty feet (20’) deep for maintenance on controls, pumps, and valves;
  • Ability to climb water tank and construction ladders up to twenty feet (20’) high, operate aerial lift equipment as needed, and work with and around high voltage control panels that operate system wells and treatment facilities;
  • Ability to effectively work around chemicals used to collect samples and in the treatment of water and/or wastewater. Some chemicals may be toxic;
  • Ability to effectively work with and around high pressure cleaning equipment and with power equipment for the maintenance and cleaning sewer lines;
  • Ability to be on call after hours and weekends when scheduled without supervision;
  • Ability to be flexible in the face of change.

 

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. This classification involves work that requires:

  • The physical abilities to traverse uneven terrain, climb ladders, perform repairs on equipment, wear a respirator and use potable water utility equipment;
  • Vision sufficient to read technical, legal and regulatory documents, periodicals, computer screens, computer print outs, business correspondence, audio visual materials, and other documents encountered in the course of work;
  • Hearing sufficient to hear conversational levels in person and over the phone or radio;
  • Speech sufficient to make oneself heard and understood in person, in front of groups, in meetings, and over the telephone;
  • Mobility sufficient to kneel, bend and stoop repeatedly, walk long distances, and safely work in both office settings and outdoor environments;
  • Dexterity sufficient to safely operate equipment including computers;
  • Strength sufficient to lift, carry and move sixty (60) lbs.;
  • Endurance sufficient to sit, walk and stand for extended periods, and maintain efficiency throughout the entire work shift and during extended work hours.

                                                          

WORKING CONDITIONS

  • Work is regularly performed in both an inside environment and outside weather conditions which can include rain and extreme heat, near moving mechanical parts and heavy equipment, and there is occasional exposure to wet and/or humid conditions and to vibration.
  • Work may require travel to manage projects or to attend meetings, training events, etc.;
  • The noise level is varied; it can be usual to that of an inside office environment and outdoor can be potentially loud particularly when equipment is operating;
  • The work environment can be near moving mechanical parts and/or in the presence of vibration.
  • The employee is often required to walk over uneven flooring or outdoor terrain;
  • The employee may be required to work outside normally scheduled hours and/or assigned to report to a specific location for training and/or meeting attendance;
  • While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to sit and talk or hear; use hands to finger, handle, feel or operate objects, tools, or controls and reach with hands and arms;
  • The Town of Clarkdale is a drug-free, smoke-free work environment.

 

SUCCESSFUL COMPLETION AND CLEARING OF A POST OFFER, PRE-EMPLOYMENT SCREENING PROCESS (AT THE TOWN’S EXPENSE) IS MANDATORY, CONSISTING OF DRUG TESTING AND BACKGROUND CHECK. 

 

THE TOWN OF CLARKDALE IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER (EOE).

Additional Information

All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.