The City of Idaho Falls is accepting applications for a Wastewater Collection System Operator. This position performs a variety of skilled duties related to the cleaning, maintenance and repair of City Wastewater Systems. Operates light and heavy equipment during various phases of construction and maintenance projects.

Maintains and services all wastewater lift stations; maintains systems by cleaning, repairing, video inspection, root control and replacement of lines. Inspects new and repaired water and wastewater service lines, verifies and reports water line size and materials used, completes service line inspection cards, verify contractor permits; confer with contractors and property owners to enforce State and City plumbing codes, discusses code problems or conflicts with contractors and property owners and determine solutions.

Performs equipment preparation and preventive maintenance; monitors oil, grease, and fuel levels to ensure proper lubrication on a daily basis; makes minor adjustments to improve equipment performance; makes minor repairs in the field as needed.

Travels wastewater routes to monitor line condition; observes system flow, may take flow meter readings and removes debris and obstructions to prevent system back-ups and property damage; inspects, cleans and maintains wastewater systems; operates high velocity hydraulic jetter and vacuum truck in cleaning wastewater lines.

Removes blockages in wastewater systems; ensures proper containment and decontamination during and after backups and spills to prevent public health hazards and protect environment.

Assists with driving and operating heavy and technical equipment in the maintenance, construction, and repair of main and lateral sewer lines; including backhoe/loader, jet flusher/vacuum, jet flusher/non-vac, TV truck; drives and operates boom truck, dump truck(s).

Conducts daily manhole surveys to check for damaged lids and rings; maintains, cleans and inspects manholes and covers and exposes manholes; keeps manholes and easements free of debris and accessible; prepares written reports on manhole condition; conducts underground utility locates, operates a variety of hand and power tools and equipment as needed to install, maintain and repair manholes, grates etc.; replaces or resets manholes as needed to bring them to grade; may perform as a safety flagman during highway operations.

Drives and operates equipment in the maintenance and repair of wastewater lines; including jet flusher/vacuum, jet flusher/non-vac, boom truck, truck hoist and dump truck.

Performs preventative maintenance line cleaning and flushing; may enter manholes to remove obstructions; utilizes various equipment and apparatus in the daily performance of projects, including early warning devices, harness, winch, gas detector, pumps, compressor, compactor and fork lift; identifies and records wastewater system problems; reports problems to Wastewater Collection System Foreman.

Reads, uses and interprets wastewater system electronic and paper plans and maps; maintains wastewater system lift stations.

Adheres to and complies with all state, federal, and local regulations, policies, and procedures pertaining to safe work practices and all operation and maintenance duties.

Acts as Responsible Charge Operator responding to after-hour emergency and customer service calls while serving on 24-hour standby shift, including weekends and holidays; responds to system problems and performs inspections on domestic installations.

Assists with snow removal duties as required.

Performs related duties as required.

1. Education and Experience:

A. Graduation from high school or equivalent; plus, one (1) year of specialized training related to environmental control, engineering or related science; AND B. Two (2) years of experience performing the above or closely related duties, one (1) year working as an OIT (Operator In Training); OR C. An equivalent combination of education and experience.

2. Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

Working knowledge of city wastewater system networks, line and manhole locations; hazards and precautions associated with trench work and wastewater construction; basic hand and power tools required to install and maintain mainline; traffic control layout; operation and maintenance of sewer cleaning and televising equipment; typical water and sewer line problems; working knowledge of tools and equipment required to lay and repair wastewater lines; working knowledge in use and care of required tools and equipment; city policies and procedures; laws, ordinances and regulations governing wastewater collection. Some knowledge of basic bacteriology; basic automotive mechanics; and hydraulics.

Skill in the operation of heavy mechanized equipment as required by the position.

Ability to adapt to emergency or unusual situations; tolerate weather extremes in the work place; communicate effectively, verbally and in writing; perform strenuous manual labor; develop working relationships with supervisors, co-workers and the public. Ability to lift 70 lbs.

3. Special Qualifications:

• Must possess a valid Idaho Commercial Driver's License, Class B, with Tanker Endorsement.
• Must possess a valid Idaho Class I, Wastewater Collection System Operator License.
• Must work on a twenty-four (24) hour stand-by shift or on call.
• Must complete 0.6 Continuing Education Units in Wastewater annually.
• Residency Requirement: Shall be expected, within six months of hire, to establish residence within a 45-minute notification to respond zone from the Wastewater Treatment Plant.

Employees in this position normally work in an outdoor environment, subject to changing and seasonal weather extremes. Frequently, tasks require a variety of physical activities, generally involving muscular strain, related to walking, standing, stooping, sitting, reaching, and lifting; daily potential for hazardous exposure to electrical shock, industrial wastes and raw sewage (containing pathogens such as typhoid, paratyphoid, dysentery, polio, tetanus, etc.); daily exposure to moving parts and equipment such as pumps, motors, heavy equipment, etc.; Talking, hearing, and seeing are essential to performing required job functions. Common eye, hand, and finger dexterity required. Mental application utilizes memory for details, verbal instructions, emotional stability, discriminating thinking and creative problem solving.