Principal Water Systems Operator

DEFINITION

Under direction of Operations Supervisor and/or Chief Operations Officer, the Principal Water Systems Operator leads and participates in performing a variety of skilled tasks in the operation and maintenance of District facilities, including water diversion, groundwater recharge ponds, surface water screening, and dam facilities; operating and maintaining vehicles and construction equipment. Additionally, the Principal Water Systems Operator performs related duties as assigned.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS

The Principal Water Systems Operator will carry out projects and daily tasks as specified by the Operations Supervisor – Distribution and serves as the lead-worker in the series. This single-position class is distinguished from the Senior Water Systems Operator in that the Principal, in the absence of the Operations Supervisor, will be responsible for daily operations of the District’s facilities. The primary focus of the position will be centered around providing oversight of the Saticoy facility, for assigning and reviewing work, and setting work priorities.

EXAMPLES OF ESSENTIAL DUTIES

NOTE: The following are the duties performed by employees in this classification.  However, employees may perform other related duties at an equivalent level. Each assigned individual in the position does not necessarily perform all the duties listed.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

Employees in this classification must be able to participate in rotating shift operator duty, which entails being on call for one calendar week at a time. While acting as shift operator, the employee must be available to respond to plant or system emergencies 24 hours per day, with a 30-minute maximum response time.

Separate from shift operator duty, employees in this classification may be called upon to respond to other District emergencies, including chemical releases or events caused by extreme weather conditions or natural disasters.

EMPLOYMENT STANDARDS

Knowledge of:

• Methods, materials, and tools used to maintain mechanical, hydraulic, and electrical systems;
• Methods, materials, and tools used in general construction, including plumbing, carpentry, electrical, concrete, and other trades;
• Methods, materials, and tools used in the repair and maintenance of vehicles and heavy equipment;
• Operating characteristics of pumps, motors, valves, tools, and equipment used in District facilities;
• Operating a SCADA system to monitor conditions at District facilities and help develop operational strategies during emergencies or extreme weather conditions;
• Safety practices related to chemicals, tool usage, vehicle and equipment operation, and general field operations;
• Demonstrated computer knowledge and capabilities.
• Mathematics sufficient to ensure effective performance of maintenance and recordkeeping tasks;
• Standard written English sufficient to read and understand written instructions and procedures, prepare routine reports, document incidents, and manage record keeping of a variety of documents.

Ability to:

• Plan, organize, assign, and prioritize work of self and others;

• Promote a positive and productive work environment;
• Estimate time and materials needed to complete a repair or construction job;
• Safely and skillfully operate heavy equipment such as tractors, loaders, graders, scrapers, excavators, bulldozers, cranes, man-lifts, backhoes, forklifts, and other equipment used in water utility construction, maintenance, and operations.
• Collect data, analyze problems with facilities and equipment, and select an appropriate course of action;
• Follow written and verbal instructions;
• Read meters, valves, and gauges to collect needed information;
• Read and interpret drawings and diagrams;
• Use hand and power tools;
• Operate vehicles and equipment;
• Maintain complete and accurate records;
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with management, colleagues, customers, consultants, contractors, vendors, and regulators;
• Work independently and make sound decisions;
• Follow safety rules, practices, and procedures in all aspects of work.
• Use computers, tablets, radios, and mobile devices to enter data, complete work orders and inspections, access operational information, communicate through email, and use standard business software.

EDUCATION

Possession of a high school diploma or equivalent is required. Completion of college-level course work in water science, or vocational education or training in construction technology, automotive/equipment repair, or related field, is highly desired.

EXPERIENCE

At least four years of experience in general construction, including plumbing, and operation and maintenance of equipment such as tractors, loaders, graders, scrapers, excavators, bulldozers, cranes, man-lifts, backhoes, and forklifts is highly desired.  At least one year of the required minimum four years should have been in the operation and maintenance of a water production facility or at least one year of experience performing duties equivalent to Senior Water System Operator for the District.

CERTIFICATES AND LICENSES

• Possession of a valid California Class A Driver’s License is required upon hire. Tanker endorsement is highly desired.
• Possession of a valid T2 certificate as a Water Treatment Operator and a valid D2 certificate as a Water Distribution Operator issued by the California Department of Health Services is highly desired.
• Experience operating a variety of heavy equipment typically used in water utility, construction, or public works operations such as tractors, loaders, graders, scrapers, excavators, bulldozers, cranes, backhoes, and similar equipment is preferred.

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.

• Mobility: Job tasks are varied and require standing, walking, sitting, climbing, bending, stooping, kneeling and crouching.
• Lifting: occasional lifting up to 10 pounds; occasional lifting up to 75 pounds.        
• Vision: constant use of overall vision, including near vision, distance vision, color vision and ability to adjust focus.
• Dexterity: occasional grasping, fine manipulation, reaching, pushing and pulling; occasional use of touch to distinguish or identify objects.
• Hearing/Talking: frequent hearing and talking, in person and on the phone.
• Emotional/Psychological: frequent contact with coworkers and others; depending on assignment, may also frequently work alone.
• Environmental: exposure to moderate noise levels but hearing protection must be worn in certain areas.  Frequent exposure to chemicals; occasionally uses smell to distinguish or identify objects.

The employee must be able to wear and use a self-contained breathing apparatus and a Class A Hazardous Materials suit.