Westlands Water District

Fresno, CA

Operator

Bargaining Unit: Miscellaneous Non-Supervisory Unit
Salary Code: 15
Fair Labor Standards Act Designation: Nonexempt
Revision Date: May 16, 2024

GENERAL DESCRIPTION:

Under general supervision and direction of the Supervisor of Operations and/or Senior Operator, performs and may provide direction to a crew involved in a variety of duties related to the operation of the water distribution to a crew involved in a variety of duties related to the operation of water distribution and drainage systems. The Operator position is assigned to one of four geographic areas in which the incumbent is responsible for repair and maintenance of water delivery meters, and the accurate reading and recording of water utilization for proper billing, and other technical work throughout the District.

EXAMPLES OF WORK PERFORMED:

The information below is meant to serve as examples of the job duties and responsibilities for this classification. This list is neither inclusive nor exclusive, but indicative of several types of duties performed.

  1. Installs, removes, operates, reads, records, maintains, and makes minor repairs on both vertical and horizontal water delivery meters.
  2. Inspects water applications with respect to delivery connections for compliance with District requirements, land eligibility or tailwater control, and meter readings to ensure that ordered flow and odometer readings correspond to indicated flow.
  3. Initiate’s odometer updates and provides information to the Customer Accounting Department.
  4. Operates and troubleshoots manual, computer integrated, and remote-telemetered pumping plants and reservoirs.
  5. Manipulates the distribution system utilizing the meter control panel and telemetry system as required to isolate equipment to be tested.
  6. Drains and refills pipelines ranging in size from 8” to 90” according to established filling criteria.
  7. Conducts regular maintenance, assists in weed control, and exercises a variety of valves above and below ground on distribution and drainage system facilities.
  8. Responds to and investigates Underground Service Alert calls concerning the distribution and drainage system.
  9. Performs other duties as assigned.

CLASSIFICATION REQUIREMENTS:

Education and Experience

Any combination of equivalent education and experience that has led to the acquisition of the knowledge required by the position. A typical way of acquiring the knowledge would be:

Possess a United States’ high school diploma, GED, or equivalent and three (3) years of experience performing work in water distribution and drainage systems.

Knowledge of:

  • Recordkeeping practices.
  • Maps and legal descriptions.
  • Safety precautions, equipment and tools used in the construction, maintenance, and repair of water distribution and drainage systems.
  • Preventive maintenance and inspection methods.
  • Computer terminal operating methods and office software.

Skills/Abilities to:

  • Work safely and independently.
  • Understand, follow, carry out and prepare both oral and written instruction.
  • Communicate effectively.
  • Perform a variety of skilled and complex tasks in the operation, construction, maintenance, repair and service of the Districts water distribution systems.
  • Locate mains, pipes, and meters.
  • Develop and maintain accurate records.
  • Perform mathematical calculations.
  • Operate assigned tools and equipment as part of the operation and maintenance of a water distribution system.
  • Read and interpret plans and specifications pertaining to water distribution systems and agricultural pumps and motors.
  • Respond to emergencies on pipelines, pumping plants, and reservoir systems.
  • Operate computer equipment including but not limited to laptop, HMI, and adding machines.
  • Establish and maintain effective interpersonal relationships with coworkers and with the public.
  • Operate a District vehicle and/or equipment observing legal and defensive driving practices.

WORKING CONDITIONS

  • Lift, carry, and/or push heavy materials up to 100 pounds.
  • Use hazardous materials.
  • Possess physical strength and agility to work outdoors under adverse climatic conditions.
  • Respond to emergency calls on a 24-hour-a-day basis, when required.
  • Possess physical characteristics to perform the critical and important duties of the job, including the ability to climb stationary ladders up to 100 feet in height and use various types of respirators.

STANDARD REQUIREMENTS

  • Possess a valid California Class C Driver’s license with a driving record acceptable to the District’s automobile insurance provider.