Title: | Water / Wastewater Technician |
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ID: | 9113 |
Location: | Milbank, SD |
Department: | Public Works |
Job Type: | Non-exempt (hourly) |
Salary Range: | TBD |
Position Summary
To ensure the Milbank Wastewater / Water Facilities are maintained mechanically functional and in acceptable running condition. This role also assists in the collection of water and sludge samples, performs visual checks of equipment, maintains records and logs, and helps locate underground utilities. This must be done in a neat, clean, orderly, safe, and cost-efficient manner.
Essential Functions
- Operate, inspect, and monitor control panels and a wide variety of mechanical and electrical equipment while operating a variety of unit processes used in the treatment of wastewater and water.
- Make regular tours of the wastewater and water facilities; read charts, gauges, and other instruments; and record information on plant logs and adjust as needed or directed.
- Collect wastewater, water, and sludge samples and perform basic field and laboratory analysis on the collected samples. Troubleshoot and calibrate lab equipment.
- Interpret all data accumulated and make equipment and process control changes within guidelines established by management.
- Perform maintenance and labor tasks, including general housekeeping at all facilities including well houses and pressure relief pits.
- Make needed repairs on equipment, pumps, and electric motors both mechanical and electrical.
- Maintain the plant and equipment in a neat, clean, orderly, and good running condition and calibrate as needed.
- Must be able to respond to off-duty emergency situations, maintenance calls as well as work scheduled weekends and holidays.
- Conduct and schedule maintenance and repairs to the collection and distribution system.
- Assist in snow removal operations as required at the wastewater plant, water plant, water tower, wells in Twin Brooks, and assist other departments as needed.
- Maintain a general working knowledge of the wastewater / water facilities to facilitate weekend work schedule as well as any other repairs needed.
- Perform other duties and functions that are necessary or incidental to the proper performance of this position.
- Install, maintain, replace, and repair water meters and automatic meter reading equipment in residences or commercial and industrial establishments and meter pits.
- Turn Water service on/off for residential and commercial customers, check for leaks and unusually high or low readings. Make miscellaneous repairs and adjustments in the field to water meters, hydrant meters, work curb stops, and water valves; report damage and request repair if necessary; may assist customers in identifying possible plumbing or water problems, such as poor pressure, leaks in system, faulty plumbing, or water discoloration.
- Answer customer questions and handle complaints about water services. Respond to lawn watering, backflow, sump pumps and unaccounted water violations. Collect water samples for lab analysis as directed and when water quality is a concern.
- Ensure a safe potable water distribution system by visually inspecting proper flushing of water lines prior to contractors putting lines into service. Set hydrant meters to accurately bill for potable water being used during construction activities. Locate, trace and mark water mains and services for emergency personnel.
- Perform general office work as required, including entering data into computer spreadsheets, typing reports and answering phone calls.
- Must have the ability to handle and monitor inventory of chemicals.
- Work with other departments to perform other duties and/or responsibilities.
- Duties and tasks may change at any time, depending on the needs of the division.
Competencies
- Communication Proficiency
- Detail Oriented
- Organization Skills
- Problem Solving Abilities
- Initiative
- Interpersonal Skills
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
- Knowledge of the fundamentals of physical, chemical, and biological wastewater treatment.
- Knowledge of the methods, materials, tools and equipment used in the water distribution system and water meter installation, adjustment, and repair.
- Knowledge of the machines, equipment and other devices used in the wastewater / water departments.
- Knowledge of sampling and preservation techniques along with maintaining, cleaning, and calibrating equipment as needed.
- Knowledge of the interpretation of laboratory data and its application to process control.
- Knowledge of occupational hazards or safety precautions relating to the safe handling of hazardous chemicals used at the facilities and the safe operation of mechanical and electrical equipment.
- Knowledge of the municipal wastewater / water systems, along with map comprehension.
- Ability to communicate clearly and effectively with others in writing and in personal.
- Must be able to effectively communicate specific technical information accurately and understandably.
- Mechanical aptitude and ability to prevent and troubleshoot equipment failures
Supervisory Responsibility
No supervisory responsibility.
Work Environment
The Milbank Wastewater Treatment Facility began operation in 1982. The plant consists of mechanical pre-treatment, biological secondary treatment, and seasonal chemical final treatment. The collection system consists of ten lift stations and thousands of feet of mainline sewer. Milbank is a Class II Treatment Water Distribution Municipality with a population of 3,500. The water utility system includes spring galleys, deep well pump houses, two main transmission lines, a combination water storage, treatment pumping and control facility and a community wide distribution system. Work will be performed outside in all kinds of weather – heat, cold, wind, rain, or snow. Principle accountability on a variety of terrain, as well as uneven or slippery surfaces.
Physical Demands
Standing for extended periods; walking; sitting; lifting occasionally 50 lbs. individually, or more with help; carrying; pushing; pulling; climbing; gripping; and hand coordination and dexterity.
Position Type/Expected Hours of Work
This is a full-time hourly position allocated 40 hours per week. Normal hours of operation are 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Travel
Limited travel is required for this position but is needed for certification and contact hrs.
Required Education and Experience
- Graduation from high school or GED certification
- Willing to work a varied schedule and rotating shifts to accommodate a 24-hour per day, 7 day per week on-call operation along with off-duty call backs.
- Must possess or be able to possess a valid South Dakota Operator Certification as recommended by the State of South Dakota
- Possession of a valid driver’s license is mandatory. A CDL endorsement would be beneficial