Water Treatment and Distribution Operator

Cherokee Metropolitan District

  • Colorado Springs, CO
  • $22.87-33.11 per hour
  • Permanent
  • Full-time
  • 28 days ago
  • Apply easily
Job Description:Cherokee Metropolitan District has an immediate opening for a Water Treatment and Distribution Operator to join our team. This position will be full-time and will support the district water operations of a water/wastewater quasi-municipal special district serving over 25,000 customers.As a Water Treatment and Distribution Operator, you will be assisting with the daily operations of drinking water treatment facilities, wells, and pump stations. The position will require the operator to perform a full range of skilled and semi-skilled duties involving process control, operations, laboratory analysis, and systems maintenance. Qualified operators must have previous working experience or education in water treatment operations or related field and must be able to think critically and demonstrate high-level problem-solving skills. Preferred candidates will have strong computer skills, experience with SCADA, and have knowledge and experience in water quality sampling and laboratory analysis.This position requires the operator to assist with assignments as directed by management that are necessary to enhance the operations of the District and may include work not described. At times this position will be required to assist with meter reading, customer service response, and line locating.Operators will receive all educational training as well as appropriate safety training in accordance with District Rules and Guidelines.Essential Functions:Under the direction of the department supervisor, the Water Treatment and Distribution Operator will perform tasks including but not limited to the following:
  • Utilize SCADA to monitor and operate wells, booster pump stations, water treatment facilities, and distribution storage tanks.
  • Operate and maintain water treatment process equipment, including chlorine and sequestering agent feed equipment.
  • Conduct routine checks at facilities, make observations, and record data.
  • Operate and maintain pumps, valves, and other water conveyance equipment.
  • Conduct regular water quality sampling and perform laboratory analysis.
  • Make process control changes based on regular entry point and distribution sampling and analysis.
  • Assist with monthly, quarterly, and yearly sample collection as required by CDPHE monitoring schedule.
  • Assist in updating spreadsheets, preparing forms, and writing reports.
  • Perform fire hydrant preventative maintenance and flushing.
  • Exercise valves and assist with the repair and replacement of valves.
  • Provide excellent customer service regarding billing and water quality complaints.
  • Perform meter reads, meter re-reads, hang notices, and investigate high water usage.
  • Inspect customer properties for leaks, investigate for leaks in service main or internal system and pressure drops or faulty equipment.
  • Disconnect and turn on water as directed by dispatch.
  • Maintain safety during maintenance activities, such as traffic control and confined space entry.
  • Locate underground utility lines and mark them for excavation purposes.
  • Use utility maps, as-built civil engineering drawings, G.I.S. information, and various pipe and electronic locating equipment.
  • Verify field information and notify District departments regarding updates and corrections.
  • Perform construction inspections to verify adherence to District Standards.
  • May operate heavy machinery such as back hoes and dump trucks .
  • Assist in shut down of mains for repairs or connections.
  • Provide support and backup to the collection system staff.
  • Must be available to work varying schedules, overtime, and on-call duty.
  • Maintain regular attendance and punctuality.
  • Other duties as assigned.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:
  • Strong understanding of the principles and practices of water treatment and distribution operations.
  • Lab analysis of iron, manganese, nitrates, alkalinity, hardness, etc.
  • Knowledge and capability to accurately collect a multitude of lab samples.
  • Aptitude to carefully collect and analyze bacteriological samples.
  • Demonstrated ability to troubleshoot and solve operational issues.
  • Proficiency and experience with SCADA and/or other controls systems utilized for plant alarms, flow monitoring, and other equipment.
  • Strong computer skills, including proficiency in Microsoft Excel and Word to create and update spreadsheets and forms.
  • Ability to perform mathematical calculations related to job responsibilities.
  • Ability to read and understand engineering construction drawings and specifications as required for new water and sewer line construction inspections.
  • Aptitude for operating tools and equipment.
  • Strong attention to detail & legible handwriting.
  • Ability to read, speak, and write the English language.
  • Excellent interpersonal skills & communication (written & oral) .
  • Outstanding customer service skills .
  • Conflict resolution and problem-solving techniques.
  • Ability to work in stressful situations, under time constraints and lead others in a team environment.
  • The ideal candidate will be self-motivated with an enthusiastic, team-oriented attitude.
Education and/or Experience and Qualifications (Required):
  • High School Diploma or equivalent.
  • Valid Driver’s License with an acceptable Motor Vehicle Record.
  • At least six months of experience working in water operations or related field; or completion of an academic and/or technical program in water environment. technologies or similar field. A combination of some related education and applicable field experience may be substituted to meet the work experience requirement.
  • Colorado Class D Water Treatment Operator Certification (within 6 months of hire).
  • Colorado Class 1 Water Distribution System Operator Certification (within 12 months of hire).
  • Proof of U.S. citizenship or lawful permanent residence status.
Preferred Experience and Qualifications:
  • Completion of an academic program in water environment technologies or similar field.
  • Colorado Class C (or higher) Water Treatment Operator Certification
  • Colorado Class 2 (or higher) Water Distribution Operator Certification
  • Familiarity with heavy equipment including backhoe, Vactor, and dump truck
  • Proficiency with coliform collection and analysis or experience in a certified laboratory
  • Experience with Granular Activated Carbon or Ion Exchange water treatment technologies
  • Colorado Class A Commercial Driver’s License
Attractive Benefits Package:
  • 100% Employee medical, dental and vision coverage (choice of plans after 30 days)
  • 75% Spouse and Dependent medical, dental and vision coverage (choice of plans after 30 days)
  • 457 deferred compensation retirement plan with 8% company contribution, no employee match required
  • 30-day vesting
  • 13 paid holidays (On-call duties may require work during holidays, with pay)
  • Paid vacation and personal day (after 90 days)
  • Paid sick leave (accrual begins upon start)
  • Safety gear, including work boot allowance
  • Uniforms provided
  • Company vehicle for duty requirements
  • Cherokee promotes career development and provides opportunities to grow professionally through development of technical knowledge and skills delivering challenging projects.
Additional Information:FLSA Status: Non-ExemptSupervisory Classification: NoProbationary Period: 90 daysThis job description is not intended to list every function of the position, does not constitute an employment agreement or contract, and is subject to change. It is not intended to limit management’s rights to assign, direct and control the work of employees under their supervision and explicitly implies other duties as required.Work is mainly performed outside. Work requires significant walking on a regular basis. Work often can call for lifting, pulling, or pushing of items weighing 50 pounds or more. The operator may be subjected to working near mechanical parts and in all outdoor weather conditions. The operator may be exposed to fumes and toxic chemicals.To ensure the safety of the public and reduce the risk for loss, background screenings and pre-employment drug testing are completed on applicants selected for employment. This position is subject to a screening process including but not limited to criminal history search, reference check, degree and employment verification, motor vehicle record check and ongoing, random drug screening.Interested applicants should submit an application, resume and letter of interest to the Water Treatment ORC, Matthew Mevis ( ), no later than 5:00pm on the close date. Applications are available online at or by contacting Human Resources Administrator, Connie Hughes (chughes@cherokeemetro.org). Applications are also available at the District’s office located at 6250 Palmer Park Blvd. Résumés will not be accepted in lieu of an application and applications submitted via job search websites do not satisfy the requirement to complete the application found at .The Cherokee Metropolitan District is an Equal Opportunity Employer

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