Utility System Operator
: Job Details :

Salary: Depends on QualificationsLocation : Albemarle, NCJob Type: Full-TimeJob Number: 2000251Department: UtilitiesOpening Date: 10/15/2024Closing Date: ContinuousJob Description An employee in this class performs a variety of tasks designed to protect, monitor and improve water system and quality and protect underground lines from disruption. Work includes locating and marking water lines and appurtenances for department staff and other contractors and utilities; collecting water samples and transporting to laboratory for analysis; testing for chlorine residual; flushing water lines to ensure supply of fresh water; and related tasks. Work may also involve ensuring cross-connection control and backflow prevention. Work requires general knowledge of water quality standards and regulations, the use of specialized technology and specialized locations equipment, and customer service skills. Work is performed in inside and outside environments and the employee is subject to working in extreme temperatures and hazards such as chemicals, fumes, or gasses. Starting salary is $43,951 or DOQ Examples of Job Duties Receives work orders for locations via internet program; inquires on GIS mapping system for location of lines and appurtenances; operates probe rods, and other location equipment to properly locate lines; uses paint to mark locations; confirms marking is complete on system.Collects water samples and completes water quality report; takes samples and tests for chlorine residual; takes samples and transports to laboratories for lead and copper testing.Participates in regular flushing of hydrants and exercising of hydrants and valves to maintain system quality and integrity; tests chlorine residual and ph in lines to determine flushing needs; investigates complaints of low water pressure, discoloration, or odors in the system.Checks new construction lines for proper installation and water quality; inspects the connection of users to hydrants.Inspects for cross-connection control; ensures there is a dedicated line for fire sprinklers, swimming pools, hospitals, mortuaries, etc.; ensures all proper backflow preventers are inspected annually.Participates in connections and disconnections of service for moving and/or nonpaying customers; participates in investigating customer complaints.Participates in the work of the distribution system crew when needed for maintenance or repair projects; assists in determining where to locate tap.Travels to designated locations and collects water samples in bottles; returns samples to laboratory for testing or shipping to contracted laboratory.Maintains records of samples taken with time, date and location; maintains records of flushing scheduled and completed; maintains records of ph and chlorine residual test results for each sample; completes work order. Additional Job Functions Responds to citizens' questions or complaints.Performs other related work as required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Considerable knowledge of the tools, materials and equipment used in the installation, replacement, maintenance and repair of utility lines.Considerable knowledge of a variety of maintenance and manual methods and tasks involved in the installation, maintenance, repair and replacement of utility lines and appurtenances. Considerable knowledge of the safe use and operation and preventive maintenance of construction equipment.Knowledge of the application of information technology to utility system maintenance.Knowledge of water service policies and procedures.Knowledge of utility location and marking principles and practices.Skill in collaborative conflict resolution, teamwork and customer service excellence.Skill in the operation of a light and medium size construction equipment.Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with supervisors, co-workers and the public.Ability to read utility line maps, as-builts, and operation and service manuals, to understand and follow oral and written instructions, and to prepare records of work activities.Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing. Ability able to exercise tact and courtesy in frequent contact with customers, and to maintain control when dealing with sensitive issues. Ability to prepare and maintain accurate records of work activitiesMust be able to physically perform the basic life operational functions of stooping, kneeling, crouching, reaching, standing, walking, pulling, lifting, and grasping.Must be able to perform heavy work exerting up to 100 pounds of force occasionally; up to 50 pounds of force frequently; and up to 20 pounds of force constantly to move objects.Must possess the visual acuity to read and record numbers, operate construction equipment, operate specialized technology, and visually inspect meter and dials. Qualifications Graduation from high school supplemented by technical training and considerable experience in water distribution or treatment work; or any equivalent combination of education and experience.STANLY COUNTY BENEFITS (Full-time Employees) Employees accrue sick and vacation time each paycheck.Stanly County observes twelve (12) holidays. New Year's Day, Martin Luther King Jr. Birthday, Good Friday, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Veteran's Day, Thanksgiving (Thursday and Friday), Christmas (3 days).Employees receive one (1) personal day per year.INSURANCE BENEFITS:Stanly County provides health & vision insurance with Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina. Our plan is a PPO, 80/20, with a $1000 deductible. Teledoc is offered through our insurance for a $10 co-pay per visit. Primary care visit is a $40 co-payment. Specialist is $50 co-pay. One free eye exam per year. The insurance coverage is FREE to full-time employees. Dental Coverage is with Guardian dental insurance and is FREE to full-time employees.Other volunteer insurance benefits include: Flexible Spending Program, Life Insurance, Cancer, Accident, and Disability policies.Stanly County offers an employee health clinic. Our on-site Advance Practice Provider will see employees and dependents covered on our county insurance plan free of charge. This service does not replace your primary healthcare providers but augments their care. As a wellness benefit, employees have the option of joining the Stanly County YMCA. The County will pay half of the employee's membership.Employee Assistant Program is offered through Atrium Health. Each employee will receive up to six (6) free sessions on a rolling year. Dependent children and/or spouse may also use the sessions.RETIREMENT:Stanly County Employees will be a member of the N. C. Local Government Employees' Retirement System. Stanly County is required to withhold six percent (6%) from each paycheck and deposit it into the retirement system. The County also contributes to the plan. You are vested at five years as a contributing member. After one year of contributing membership in the system, a death benefit is available if you die while still in active service or within 180 days of your last day of service.NC 401(k) (Supplemental Retirement Plan):Employees can contribute to the Empower 401(k) plan upon hire. If the employee contributes at least one percent (1%), Stanly County will match one percent (1%).Additionally, employees may make additional contributions through the following options: 457 Deferred Compensation Plan and Roth Plan Option.LONGEVITY:Longevity pay is earned after three (3) years of continuous Local Government retirement benefited service working with Stanly County government. Longevity Bonus: 3 years but less than 5 years $300 5 years but less than 10 years $60010 years but less than 15 years $90015 years but less than 20 years $1,20020 years or more $1,500