Lead Utility Operator

The City of Soldotna is recruiting for a regular full-time Lead Utility Operator. This position is open until filled with a first review of applicants on 01/28/2025.

The Lead Operator, under the general direction and supervision of the Utility Department Manager or his/her designee, is a working Lead responsible for coordinating, directing, and participating in all work necessary to operate, maintain and repair the City of Soldotna’s Wastewater Treatment Plant and the Distribution/Collection Systems, including associated structures, buildings, and grounds. Duties may include scheduling and coordinating the work activities of Utility Operators, as well as performing all regular duties and responsibilities of the Utility Operator position. The Lead Operator position has contact with contractors, consultants, the public, and state and federal representatives. This position will be required to perform manual labor, occasionally in inclement weather and confined spaces. Participates in the preparation and administration of the Utility budget; submits budget recommendations to the Utility Manager; monitors expenditures. Trains assigned employees in their areas of work including proper utility methods, procedures, and techniques. Participates in the development and implementation of goals and objectives as well as policies and procedures; makes recommendations for changes and improvements to existing standards, policies, and procedures; monitors work activities to ensure compliance with established policies and procedures. Identifies resource needs; reviews needs with Utility Manager; allocates resources accordingly. Schedules work sequence of major maintenance projects, at the direction of the Utility Manager. Attends training programs; participates in and occasionally leads safety discussions; works safely. Supervises and participates in performing field locates of existing water and sewer lines, and inspections for new construction of water and sewer lines. Leads and participates in operating, maintaining, and repairing the wastewater treatment plant to meet the State of Alaska APDES Permit. Operates the distribution systems to meet the State of Alaska Drinking Water Regulations and operates the sewer collection system. Troubleshoots equipment and makes all necessary repairs. Informs Utility Division Manager of plant performance and any repairs that need to be made or equipment that is down for repairs. Leads and participates in operating, maintaining, and repairing collection, distribution and wastewater treatment plant equipment; including, but not limited to: incline screw pumps, belt filter press, screens, grit handling systems, flumes, clarifiers, aeration basins, blowers, chlorination equipment, ultraviolet disinfection system, aerobic digester, conveyor belts, dump trucks, vactor trucks and stand-by power plants. Keeps all equipment clean and in operable condition. Participates in decisions for the procurement of parts and supplies needed for operations, repair and maintenance of equipment; assists with procedures for the custody and accounting for these assets; conducts periodic inventory and prepares inventory reports. Oversees operation of the laboratory, including record keeping, quality assurance procedures, and ordering of chemicals and supplies used in the laboratory. Collects samples and performs the following laboratory analysis: pH, temperatures, chlorine residuals (DPD Method), total suspended solids (SM 2540 D), settleable solids, volatile solids, fecal coliform, dissolved oxygen and Biochemical Oxygen Demand (SM 5210 B). Logs all analysis and keeps accurate records. Interprets data for process control decision and inputs into a computer database and understands and practices quality control. Calculates the following: mean cell residence time, sludge volume index, detention time, BOD, F/M ratio, loading rates, gallons to pounds, mg/L to ug/L, chemical dosages and sludge age. May be required to learn and perform new tasks as assigned. Applies knowledge of the technical aspects of wastewater treatment plant systems, including primary treatment, secondary treatment, activated sludge, solids handling, disposal systems, disinfection systems, sampling/testing procedures and regulations. Stays abreast of new treatment technologies and methods and best available technology. Knowledge of federal and state regulations applicable to water, collection, and wastewater treatment systems and safety. Utilizes knowledge of electrical, instrumentation, plumbing and mechanical systems as they relate to the water/wastewater industry. Uses gas and air monitoring equipment to ensure safe working environments. Operates SCADA system for remote monitoring and response. Operates computers including data input and retrieving information. Uses mathematical skills that apply to water and wastewater. Expected to read and apply written instruction and to work with limited or general supervision. Conducts private and public tours of the wastewater, distribution and collection systems. Interacts with members of the public, contractors, agencies, and other City department representatives on issues related to the Utility. Assists the Utility Manager in resolving customer complaints. Communicates effectively via radio, cell phone, and e-mail; communicate effectively with co-workers and the public. Performs other duties as assigned.

EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE:

Four (4) years experience in a municipal utility system with experience operating wastewater treatment or collection/distribution systems and a High school diploma or GED, required. Possess a Level III Wastewater Collection or Level II Water Distribution or Level III Wastewater Treatment certification from the State of Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation. Must achieve the next level certifications from the State of Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation for operation of Treatment, Distribution, Collection, and Wastewater Treatment, within 1 year of acquiring the required hours of operation and education. This requirement continues until Operator reaches the level of the facilities they are operating. Must have, or obtain within an agreed timeframe, a valid Class B Alaska Commercial Driver’s License. Must have and maintain a good driving record. The employee must be available to work varying schedules including weekends, holidays, occasional shift extensions into the late evening hours in order to respond to after-hours emergencies, and approved on-call shifts. The employee will be required to respond to emergency call outs when available and comply with any requirements of approved on-call pay.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

While performing the duties of this job, this position is frequently required to communicate orally. Must be able to work up to 14 hours per day when provided reasonable notice. Fine motor skills are required for the operation of heavy equipment, hand tools and supplied air. Must be able to pass a respirator fit test. Past work history must demonstrate excellent safety, attendance, operator and maintenance skills, troubleshooting skills, team building skills and communication skills. The employee may occasionally be required to lift, push, and pull up to 70 lbs. Work includes climbing and standing on ladders; crouching, bending, and kneeling to perform duties. Work involves solving problems, making evaluations, and reaching conclusions based on subjective or objective criteria. Frequent task changes require use of different aptitudes, techniques, technologies and procedures. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the job.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

The position involves frequent exposure to extreme temperatures and weather conditions. Temperatures will range from -45 degrees to 110 F. Employee may be exposed to significant levels of noise and vibration while operating equipment. Use of chemicals such as chlorine, petroleum products and salt is common. At times, employee may be required to make repairs in confined spaces. Safety equipment and training is provided to complete all jobs safely as well as for the safety of the employee. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the job. The City of Soldotna is an equal opportunity employer. Employment is based on qualifications free of personal and political considerations, with equal opportunity for all with no discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, marital status, changes in marital status, pregnancy, parenthood, genetic information or any other basis prohibited by law. #J-18808-Ljbffr