Water Service Operator I

Be a part of a dynamic team whose common goal is to make a difference in our community. It is amazing to know that by being a part of the City of Idaho Falls team, you would be doing important work for our community that affects people’s lives. Every day brings new challenges and rewards!

The City of Idaho Falls Public Works Department is accepting applications for a Water Service Operator. This position performs working level Water Distribution duties with moderate supervision primarily related to field locating City of Idaho Falls’ underground utility infrastructure, including electric, broadband, culinary water, wastewater, storm sewer, and pressurized irrigation, to prevent damage, ensure public safety, and ensure compliance with Idaho excavation laws. The position also assists with accurate and efficient troubleshooting of issues and completion of customer service calls regarding the supply of quality drinking water and pressurized surface water to customers.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED Works under the general supervision of the Water Service Lead Operator. Wors under moderate field supervision of senior Water Service Operators. SUPERVISION EXERCISED Provides close field supervision to Water Operators-in-Training and Water Laborers assigned to Water Service operations.

Generally works alone but may also work in tandem with other Water Service Operators to complete job functions related to field locating of existing City utility infrastructure, completion of customer service calls, and troubleshooting drinking water and pressurized surface water system issues as described below: Field Locating City Utilities Responds promptly to 811 excavation locate tickets and customer locating requests. Protects the integrity of City utilities including electric, broadband, culinary water, wastewater, storm sewer, and pressurized irrigation systems by accurately field locating utility infrastructure. Reads and interprets GIS mapping systems, utility maps, blueprints, and as-built drawings to identify exact locations of underground water lines, electrical conduits, fiber optic networks, and sewer mains or service connections.

Identifies discrepancies between GIS mapped and existing field locations and data for utility assets. Correctly edits component locations and data in GIS field maps to accurately reflect existing field locations and data. Operates electromagnetic locating equipment, ground-penetrating radar, sonic pipe tools, and other technical devices to accurately trace underground utilities.

Marks utility locations accurately using industry-standard APWA color codes (paint, flags, or stakes). Inputs accurate field data, notes, and digital photographs into the City’s locate management software to verify work completion. Ensures absolute compliance with Idaho State Code Title 55, Chapter 22 (Underground Facilities Damage Prevention).

Serves as a liaison between Idaho Falls Power, Idaho Falls Fiber, Idaho Falls Water, and Idaho Falls Wastewater regarding infrastructure preservation. Coordinates with construction contractors, excavators, property owners, and city engineering crews to clarify utility locations and resolve field conflicts. Investigates and documents instances where underground City utilities are struck or damaged.

Collects evidence, measures clearances, drafts incident reports, and provides technical input to determine liability or necessary repairs. Customer Service Calls: Quickly and efficiently responds to emergency customer service calls regarding broken or leaking water and pressurized irrigation lines, valves, and other components; flooding of property; and frozen water services. Disconnects drinking water or pressurized irrigation service as necessary to prevent property damage and hazards to the general public.

Determines whether City or property owner responsibility for required repairs to faulty drinking water or pressurized irrigation facilities. Effectively communicates any required repairs to the property owner or to supervisor as conditions require. Responds to customer, contractor, or City service requests to connect or disconnect water service for repairs, vacancies, transfers of occupancy, non-payment status, waste, or backflow violations.

Flushes hydrants as necessary for water quality control resulting from water quality complaints. Consults Water Supply personnel regarding any potential backflow violations resulting from water quality complaints. Accurately employs a variety of troubleshooting methods while investigating service complaints in drinking water and pressurized irrigation distribution systems.

Operates valves, curb stops, and meter boxes as necessary for investigation. Notes any irregularities discovered during investigation and discusses findings with supervisor. Consults with property owners and/or customers regarding possible resolutions to pressure issues.

Consults with Water Operations Specialists or Water Supply personnel as necessary to investigate potentially larger issues related to system pressure complaints. Inspects drinking water and pressurized irrigation system installations in public rights-of-way or utility easements to verify compliance with City standards and construction requirements. Flushes hydrants as necessary to restore water quality resulting from water quality complaints.

Reads water meters when required and recommends repairs or replacements. Completes service and work orders for all customer service requests and maintenance, recording all tasks performed and listing all materials, equipment and time involved in completing the work. May also work as a crew member with Water Heavy Equipment Operators, Water Distribution Operators, Water Operators-in-Training, and Water Laborers, in operating all equipment and performing all distribution job duties as assigned.

Responds to after-hour emergency and customer service calls while serving on 24-hour standby shift on evenings, weekends, and holiday

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