Wastewater OIT/Class I

General Purpose

The City of Ammon is seeking motivated individuals to join our Public Works Department as Wastewater Operators (Operator-in-Training, or Class I). Whether beginning a career in wastewater operations or bringing advanced certifications and experience, this position offers an opportunity to play an important role in protecting public health, maintaining essential infrastructure, and supporting the community.

Wastewater Operators at all levels help ensure the safe, efficient, and continuous operation of the City's wastewater collection and related stormwater systems. Team members monitor and maintain wastewater infrastructure, operate and repair equipment, troubleshoot system issues, perform inspections, and assist with maintaining regulatory compliance. Depending on certification, experience, and demonstrated competencies, employees may perform entry-level learning tasks, skilled operational duties, or advanced technical maintenance, system diagnostics, and training responsibilities.

The work requires mechanical aptitude, problem-solving abilities, physical capability, and a commitment to public service, environmental protection, and workplace safety. The City of Ammon supports professional development and provides opportunities for employees to advance through the wastewater operator levels as they obtain certifications, develop technical skills, and demonstrate increased competency.

The roles are supervised by the direction of the Wastewater Foreman, with latitude granted for the exercise of independent judgment and initiative appropriate to the employee's level of training and experience. The principal duties of this position are performed in a shop and outdoor environment that may involve inclement weather, physical exertion, and potential personal hazards.

Placement within the Operator-in-Training or Class I levels will be based on the candidate's certifications, experience, demonstrated competencies, and the operational needs of the City. Each level has its own established pay range.

No formal supervisory responsibilities. May assist in training, providing technical guidance, and demonstrating proper work practices to other employees, depending on certification, experience, and assigned responsibilities.

*Duties will vary depending on assignment and operator level; therefore, the following lists are illustrative only.

Performs entry-level wastewater collection and stormwater system operations and maintenance while developing the knowledge, skills, and certifications necessary to advance to Wastewater Operator Class I.

• Assists with daily inspections of lift stations, storm pumps, buildings, sewer mains, and related facilities.

• Assists with monitoring SCADA systems and reporting alarms, irregularities, and equipment concerns to the Wastewater Foreman.

• Assists with routine maintenance and cleaning of storm drains, sewer mains, lift stations, pumps, and related equipment.

• Assists with collecting wastewater and stormwater samples and maintaining operational logs.

• Assists with locating, servicing, and replacing sewer lines; contacting Digline for utility locates; excavating and backfilling trenches; and restoring disturbed areas.

• Assists with operating and maintaining pumps, valves, mechanical equipment, and other wastewater infrastructure.

• Learns to identify equipment malfunctions, perform basic troubleshooting, and report maintenance needs.

• Assists with operating sewer cleaning equipment, CCTV inspection equipment, and other specialized wastewater tools.

• Performs general maintenance of vehicles, equipment, tools, buildings, and facilities.

• Assists with weed abatement, snow removal, sanding, de-icing, and other seasonal maintenance activities.

• Operates hand tools, power tools, and vehicles and equipment as training and qualifications permit.

• Assists with delivering official notices and performing water service shutoffs when necessary and as directed.

• Follows established safety procedures and participates in required safety training.

• Provides assistance to other Public Works divisions as operational needs require.

• Performs related duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

Education and Experience:

• Graduation from high school or GED equivalency is required.

• No specific wastewater experience is necessary.

• Any equivalent combination of experience and training that provides the knowledge and abilities necessary to perform the duties of this position may be considered.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Some knowledge of mechanical equipment, machinery, tools, and their operation, maintenance, and repair; basic construction and utility maintenance practices; and hazards and precautions associated with wastewater operations.

• Ability to learn wastewater collection processes, equipment operation, maintenance procedures, and applicable safety requirements.

• Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing, with supervisors, coworkers, and the public.

• Ability to operate a variety of hand and power tools and equipment related to the maintenance of wastewater facilities and infrastructure.

• Ability to follow instructions, maintain accurate records, develop effective working relationships, and work safely in a team environment.

3. Special Qualifications:

• Must possess a valid Idaho driver's license.

• Must obtain a minimum Class B Commercial Driver's License (CDL) with tanker endorsement within twelve (12) months of hire.

• Must obtain an Idaho Wastewater Collections Operator-in-Training (OIT) certification within twelve (12) months of hire.

• Must demonstrate the ability and willingness to progress toward Idaho Wastewater Collections Class I certification.

Performs skilled wastewater collection and stormwater system operations, maintenance, inspections, and repairs with increasing independence. Demonstrates working knowledge of wastewater infrastructure, equipment, and operational procedures.

• Performs routine inspections of lift stations, storm pumps, buildings, sewer mains, and related wastewater facilities.

• Monitors SCADA systems, reviews operational data, responds to alarms, and reports irregularities or equipment concerns.

• Operates and maintains pumps, valves, sewer cleaning equipment, CCTV equipment, and other specialized wastewater equipment.

• Performs cleaning and maintenance of storm drains, sewer mains, lift stations, and related collection infrastructure.

• Collects wastewater and stormwater samples and maintains accurate operational logs and records.

• Locates, services, and replaces sewer lines; contacts Digline for utility locates; performs excavation, backfilling, and restoration work.

• Troubleshoots routine mechanical and operational problems and performs necessary maintenance and repairs.

• Conducts daily inspections of mechanical and electrical operating conditions of equipment and records findings.

• Assists with preventative maintenance programs and equipment maintenance schedules.

• Performs routine maintenance of vehicles, tools, equipment, buildings, and facilities.

• Assists with construction inspections of wastewater and storm sewer installations and other assigned projects.

• Assists with regulatory inspections, testing, and compliance documentation.

• Operates heavy and light equipment, including dump trucks, backhoes, front-end loaders, tractor mowers, water tankers, and snow removal vehicles, as qualified.

• Performs weed abatement, snow removal, sanding, de-icing, and other seasonal maintenance activities.

• Assists with training new employees and demonstrating proper equipment operation and safety procedures as needed.

• Responds to public inquiries and complaints regarding wastewater services and communicates significant issues to the Wastewater Foreman.

• Provides assistance to other Public Works divisions as operational needs require.

• Performs related duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

Education and Experience:

• Graduation from high school or GED equivalency is required.

• Idaho Wastewater Collections Class I certification is required.

• One (1) year of experience in wastewater collection, public works maintenance, utility operations, or a related field is preferred.

• Any equivalent combination of education, experience, and training that provides the knowledge and abilities necessary to perform the duties of this position may be considered.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Working knowledge of wastewater collection systems, lift stations, pumps, sewer mains, stormwater infrastructure, and related equipment.

• Knowledge of mechanical equipment, tools, and standard practices associated with wastewater operations, maintenance, and repair.

• Knowledge of applicable safety regulations, environmental requirements, and City policies and procedures.

• Ability to operate and maintain wastewater equipment and systems; identify routine mechanical and operational problems; maintain accurate records; and communicate effectively with supervisors, coworkers, and the public.

• Ability to work independently on routine assignments and establish effective working relationships with others.

Special Qualifications:

• Must possess a valid Idaho Class B or higher Commercial Driver's License (CDL) with tanker endorsement.

• Must possess an Idaho Wastewater Collections Class I certification.

• Must maintain required continuing education and certification requirements.

• Computer and network access

• Caselle Connect Online

• Sensus Meter Software, as applicable

• IWORQs Asset and Work Order Management Software

• ManagerPlus Fleet Management Software

• Google Workspace

• SCADA / Ignition Software

• Internet access

• Desk phone

• Cell phone

• Door access

• Fuel access

• Other technology, software, and equipment needs consistent with this job description as determined by the City.

Work Environment

Tasks require a variety of physical activities, generally involving muscular strain, related to walking, standing, stooping, sitting, reaching and lifting (moving up to 50 pounds and occasionally moving up to 80 pounds). Talking, hearing and seeing are essential to performing required job functions.  Frequent exposure to changing weather conditions. Employee frequently works near moving mechanical parts and is frequently exposed to vibration. The employee frequently works in precarious places and is frequently exposed to fumes or airborne particles, toxic or caustic chemicals, and risk from moving traffic. Common eye, hand, finger dexterity exists. Mental application utilizes memory for details, verbal instructions, emotional stability and critical thinking. Daily local travel required in the normal course of job performance.

Travel Requirements

• Some travel required.

Disclaimer Safety Sensitive

This position is a safety sensitive position (defined in section 5.1 of the City of Ammon Personnel Policy Manual). It may be required to drive commercial vehicles for city use and is subject to pre-employment, random, reasonable suspicion and post-accident drug testing.

Disclaimer

Must perform the essential duties and responsibilities with or without reasonable accommodation efficiently and accurately without causing a significant safety threat to self or others.  The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being assigned to this position.  They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and/or skills required of individuals in the job. This job description is not an employment agreement and/or an expressed or implied employment contract. Management has the exclusive right to alter this job description at any time without notice.