Utility Operator

Job Description

The salary range for this position is: $4,446 – $6,847 monthly, depending on qualifications.

• Utilities Operator 1 – $4,446 – $5,914 monthly
• Utilities Operator 2 – $5,147 – $6,847 monthly

 

Thurston County Public Works is currently recruiting for one (1) Utilities Operator to join our dynamic, energetic, and innovative Water Resources team. Depending upon qualifications, the successful applicant will be placed either as a Utilities Operator I or Utilities Operator II.

Essential functions may include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Assists in the operation of County utility systems, including wastewater treatment plants, well heads, water distribution systems, reservoirs, water treatment facilities, sewer STEP tanks, sewer collection systems, community drain fields, and other systems, ensuring compliance with local, state, and federal environmental protection and health standards.
• Performs troubleshooting and general maintenance on pumps, motors, valves, pipes, tools, electrical/mechanical components, and a variety of other equipment.
• Inspects utilities-related construction projects for compliance with County development standards.
• Collects samples, performs laboratory tests, and records data to support regulatory compliance and operational needs.
• Serve on an on-call rotation to facilitate 24-hour response to emergency conditions within the County’s utility service areas. May respond to emergencies such as broken pipes, equipment failures, or other malfunctions requiring immediate attention.
• Utilize various software tools, including email, spreadsheets, SCADA software, and asset management software to communicate information, record data, and monitor various processes.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

 

To view the full job classification, click here: Utilities Operator I : Utilities Operator II

Essential Personnel: This position is considered to be an essential worker and may be required to work during non-business hours or closures in order to meet operational requirements and needs, such as maintaining utility system operation during extreme weather events or other upset conditions.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

• Work Environment – Utilities Operators will spend most of their day at one of the County’s sewer treatment facilities and in the field.
• Schedule – This position will initially work a 9/80 schedule. In the future, the schedule may shift to a 4/10 or 9/80 schedule which may include weekend work.
• Travel Requirements – Occasional travel may be required to attend meetings or trainings and perform field work.
• Customer Interactions – Interacts in-person and via telephone with utility customers.

 

WHO WE ARE: 

The Thurston County Public Works Department, located in Olympia, Washington, is a nationally award-winning agency in delivering quality projects to our community. Our mission is to provide excellent public services in all areas of our business. We actively help our staff develop and grow professionally, we bring together resources across divisions to achieve organizational goals, we are always ready to respond to community needs, and we are an American Public Works Association-accredited agency, consistently meeting industry best practices benchmarks.

Our Core Values:

• Accountability – We take responsibility for our actions and the resulting outcomes.
• Customer Service – We provide our customers with the highest level of service and quality.
• Innovation – We strive to continuously improve processes, performance, and results.
• Safety – We demonstrate an uncompromising commitment to safety.
• Teamwork – We work together toward achieving a common recognized end.

 

Mission – To provide excellent public services in all areas of our business.

Vision – The premier public works organization, accountable and transparent in all services we provide to our community.

Thurston County values the diversity of the people it hires and serves. Inclusion to us means fostering a workplace in which individual differences are recognized, appreciated, and responded to in ways that fully develop and utilize each person’s talents and strengths. We are dedicated to recruiting and developing a talented workforce from various cultures, lifestyles, backgrounds, and perspectives who are committed to our vision and core values. Thurston County Racial Equity and Inclusion Webpage.

 

WHAT WE OFFER OUR EMPLOYEES:

• Work-Life Balance: We are committed to ensuring that our staff experience the reward of public service, while also sustaining a routine that suits each individual’s lifestyle.
• Plan For Your Future: As a member of our team, you will enjoy great employee benefits, including a retirement plan, pre-tax savings accounts, as well as comprehensive health care and dental/vision care for you and your family.  Please visit Thurston County Employee Benefit Plans for more information.
• Paid Leave: Full-time regular employees earn paid vacation in addition to paid holidays.
• Robust Training Program: Employees are encouraged to attend County-paid training to help them further their career, learn new skill sets, and stay on top of emerging trends in our industry. We also encourage our staff to participate in professional organizations and attend conferences.
• Flexible Work Schedules: Some of the options that employees may take advantage of include alternative or compressed schedules and/or remote working.
• Deferred Compensation: The County offers 3 voluntary deferred compensation plans for employees who would like to set aside additional deferred tax dollars into a retirement savings plan.
• Flexible Spending Account (FSA): Employees can take advantage of Section 125 flexible spending accounts for out-of-pocket health care and daycare expenses with pre-tax dollars.
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness: This is a federal program that allows full-time public service employees who have made qualifying payments for certain loans to get their student loans repaid. Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program.

 

Why you’ll love it here: Thurston County is located between Seattle and Portland in Western Washington’s South Puget Sound Region. Perched between the mountains and the ocean, the area boasts the perfect blend of year-round outdoor activities, including boating, hiking, skiing, and more. The region is also home to the state capital city of Olympia, known for its many restaurants, microbreweries, coffee shops, farmers’ markets, kids’ activities, history, and art events. Discover more about life in Thurston County at Experienceolympia.com.

Message to potential applicants: We understand that some potential applicants are less likely to apply for jobs unless they believe they meet every one of the functions or skills listed in a job description. We are most interested in finding the best candidate for the job, and we understand that it may be someone who will learn some of these skills on the job. If you are interested in this position and meet the minimum qualifications, we encourage you to go ahead and apply! Feel free to think about how you will bring your own set of skills to the role and tell us about the potential that you hold.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• High School Diploma/GED.
• Must have and maintain a valid Washington State Driver’s License.
• Must be able to operate a computer and applicable software to perform essential job functions of the position.
• First Aid/CPR Certification (or one obtained within six (6) months of hire date).
• Must complete county-provided trainings to include lock-out/tag-out procedures, confined space entry procedures, forklift operation, crane operation, and other certifications as required.

 

AND 

 

Utilities Operator I:

• Six (6) months of experience relating to millwright, mechanical, plant maintenance, utility installation/construction, water treatment or collection, or other equivalent experience.
• Three (3) year limit at this level unless approved by the Department Director.
• Maintenance of certifications is required; loss of certifications may result in loss of associated certification pay, and/or termination.

 

Utilities Operator II:

• Six (6) months of experience relating to millwright, mechanical, plant maintenance, utility installation/construction, water treatment or collection, or other equivalent experience.
• Possession and maintenance of the following certifications: Water Distribution Manager (WDM) Level 1, Cross Connection Control Specialist (CCS), Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator (WWTPO) Group 2, with demonstrated and supervisor-documented ability to independently operate the Tamoshan and Olympic View wastewater and water system locations.
• Five (5) year limit at this level unless approved by the Department Director.
• Maintenance of certifications is required; loss of certifications may result in loss of associated certification pay, demotion, and/or termination.

 

DESIRED SKILLS:

• Knowledge of water distribution system operations and processes.
• Knowledge of wastewater treatment facility and sewer collection operations and processes.
• Knowledge of cross connection control.
• Ability to utilize technical manuals, regulations, wiring diagrams, blueprints, and operating manuals.
• Ability to perform troubleshooting and maintenance on a wide variety of pumps, motors, valves, pipes, tools, and electrical, mechanical, and electronic equipment.
• Ability to perform basic electrical wiring and carpentry.

 

OTHER RELATED RECRUITMENT INFORMATION:

Questions about this recruitment? Please contact Joe Plahuta at (360) 463-2627 or joe.plahuta@co.thurston.wa.us

 

This position is:

• Represented by a Union
• Eligible for overtime under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA)
• Eligible for benefits

 

Items required for consideration:

• Application
• Resume
• Letter of Interest

 

Learn more about Thurston County at: Thurston County

Please note: Information in this announcement is subject to change without notice at any time during the length of the job advertisement.

THURSTON COUNTY IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

Thurston County is committed to provide equal opportunity to all persons seeking or having access to its employment, services and activities, which is free from restriction based on race, sex, marital status, color, creed or religion, national origin, age, sexual orientation, including gender expression or identity, pregnancy, status as an honorably discharged veteran or military status, genetic information, or the presence of any sensory, mental or physical disability, unless based upon bona fide occupational qualifications. Applicants with disabilities who need accommodation with the application or selection process should contact Thurston County’s Human Resources at (360) 786-5498.  Those who are deaf, deaf-blind, hard of hearing, or speech impaired may use the statewide relay system to reach Thurston County offices and departments to conduct their business telephonically. Relay users can simply dial 7-1-1 (or 1-800-833-6388) to connect with Washington Relay.