Utility Systems Operator III

To perform midlevel and advanced duties toward appropriate and regulatory compliant operations of water and wastewater systems owned by, or under the jurisdiction of the County to serve its customers and the public.

• Perform duties of mid-level and advanced complexity in connection with the general and specialized operations of water treatment, water storage and distribution, pump stations, biological and chemical treatment of waste water, treated effluent disposal and reuse.
• Performs tasks of midlevel and advanced complexity associated with the operation, maintenance, repair and trouble-shooting of equipment, such as pumps, generators, pressurized vessels, blowers and compressors, metering devices.
• Performs duties of mid-level complexity in the monitoring of chemical water treatment, biological wastewater treatment systems, 
• Adjusts flow rates, monitors and adjusts chemical doses, operates and trouble-shoots pump controls, performs repairs on equipment and maintains clear and accurate records of activities and events
• Performs midlevel and advanced calculations to determine conditions associated with water treatment processes and operations
• Prepares Water and Waste Water Compliance reports to be submitted to New Mexico Environmental Department, supervisors and others.
• Performs midlevel duties in connection with customer service and relations in the field, interacts with technical support staff within and without the County personnel body.
• Performs mid-level and advanced in connection collecting samples of water and wastewater, in accordance with standard procedures and regulatory requirements.
• When required, performs mid-level laboratory testing on water and wastewater samples, interprets results, collects and interprets existing records, collects and interprets meter and gauge data, and maintains up to date operational logs. 
• Under general supervision, monitors and performs operations related with applicable regulatory compliance.
• Performs duties associated with maintaining treatment plant work areas, grounds, equipment and tools, so that conditions are always conducive to a safe and health promoting environment.
• Reports verbally and in writing about malfunctions, abnormalities and potential hazards associated with the daily operations of water and wastewater systems.
• Performs public relations duties, makes presentations to members of the public to advance the public knowledge of water and wastewater systems.
• Provides basic training to Utility Workers and lower level Operators about the general operations of water and wastewater systems.
• When necessary, leads critical and complex evaluations to resolve system operations and maintenance problems.
• Assessment of duties to include cleaning and maintaining facilities in good and health promoting conditions. 
• Performs duties associated with keeping inventory of equipment and tools, and reports about any losses, damage, or other conditions that may need managerial attention.
• Performs mechanical work of mid-level and advanced complexity in connection with preventive and corrective maintenance of equipment typically found in water and wastewater facilities.
• Operates road machinery and associated equipment used in day-to-day operations of water and wastewater facilities.
• Performs work orders as assigned by supervisor.

• Knowledge of physics and arithmetic of midlevel complexity, as necessary to support and justify water and wastewater treatment operations, trouble-shooting and correction. 
• Reading comprehension of midlevel complexity and writing skills
• Ability to learn occupational hazards and safety procedures in the wastewater operations and maintenance; ability to operate powered and manual equipment, machinery, and tools used in wastewater plant operations and maintenance; to establish effective co-working relationships; to understand and follow oral and/or written communication; to observe safety procedures.

• High school diploma or equivalent plus four (4) years of training and/or experience in the operation and maintenance of advanced, complex wastewater treatment facilities or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Must possess a NM Wastewater Systems Level III or Water Systems Level III certification.

Working Conditions:

Work is performed primarily outdoors and under different weather conditions, with exposure to dust, fumes, airborne particles, allergens, wastewater, heights, animals and extreme heat or cold.  Work involves high risk and potentially dangerous situations working near hazardous/moving materials, equipment and machinery; and exposure to vibration and excessive noise.  The use of protective clothing, equipment, devices and materials is required.  Work requires the ability to stand, walk, sit, reach with hands or arms; climb or balance; stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl; talk, hear, and smell; clarity of vision at short and long distance; and the ability to lift up to 50lbs.  Work schedules may include evening and weekend hours, plus 24-hour emergency and on-call duty.  Walking, bending, stooping and lifting up to 100 lbs. is required. Travel outside Santa Fe County may be required occasionally.  

Employee may be called out in emergency situations related to water & wastewater system operations. When contacted, the employee is expected to report to work unless there are special non-recurring circumstances, regardless of the location of the employee’s residence. Must be available for 24-hour emergency stand-by duties when required. Must have telephone in the employee’s residence or be available by an equally effective means of communication.

Conditions of Employment:

Selected candidate must submit to and pass a County paid pre-employment physical and drug/alcohol screening. Additionally, selected candidate must submit to and pass a county paid criminal background screening. Selected candidate must possess and maintain a valid New Mexico Class D Drivers License as incumbent shall be appointed to drive a County vehicle during the performance of his/her duties.   Candidate must obtain and/or maintain all certifications required.

Santa Fe County is an Equal Opportunity Employer
It is the policy of Santa Fe County to ensure equal employment opportunity to all persons regardless of race, color, age, physical or mental handicap, sex, national origin, ancestry, religion, serious medical condition, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, or political affiliation
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