Water Equipment Operator

Water Equipment Operator

The purpose of this classification is to operate equipment and perform work associated with installation, repair, and maintenance of water / wastewater utilities. Under direct supervision, this position performs the full range of Water Service and Wastewater duties. This is the entry level grade in the Water Equipment Operator series, however, depending on prior experience / training and certifications the department reserves the right to hire candidates and promote accordingly.

The Forsyth County Water & Sewer Department has approved the following promotional track ladder effective March 1, 2023 :

Water Equipment Operator I - Non-exempt starting at $44,371.00 / yr. $44,371.00 (base comp) + $1,000 (Class B / Restricted Class A CDL license supplement) or $3,000 (Unrestricted Class A CDL license supplement) = $44,371.00 - $47,371.00

Minimum requirement included high school diploma or GED; and entry level experience and / or training involving plumbing or water utility maintenance is desirable; or any equivalent combination of education, training, and experience which provides the requisite knowledge, skills, and abilities for this job. Must possess and maintain a valid Georgia driver's license. May require possession and maintenance of valid Department of Transportation Flagging certification.

Water Equipment Operator II - Non-exempt starting at $46,010.00 / yr. $46,010.00 (base comp) + $1,000 (Class B / Restricted Class A CDL license supplement) or $3,000 (Unrestricted Class A CDL license supplement) = $46,010.00 - $49,010.00

Minimum requirement includes high school diploma or GED; supplemented by one (1) year previous experience and / or training involving plumbing or water utility maintenance; or any equivalent combination of education, training, and experience which provides the requisite knowledge, skills, and abilities for this job. Must possess and maintain a valid Georgia driver's license. Must possess and maintain a valid Georgia Department of Transportation Flagging certification, must possess and maintain either a Georgia Water Distribution System Operator certification, or a Georgia Wastewater Collection System Operator certification.

Water Equipment Operator III - Non-exempt starting at $47,650.00 / yr. $47,650.00 (base comp) + $1,000 (Class B / Restricted Class A CDL license supplement) or $3,000 (Unrestricted Class A CDL license supplement) = $47,650.00 - $50,650.00

Minimum requirement includes high school diploma or GED; supplemented by two (2) years previous experience and / or training involving plumbing or water utility maintenance; or any equivalent combination of education, training, and experience which provides the requisite knowledge, skills, and abilities for this job. Must possess and maintain a valid Georgia Department of Transportation Flagging certification, must possess and maintain both a Georgia Water Distribution System Operator certification and a Georgia Wastewater Collection System Operator certification.

The following duties are normal for this position. The omission of specific statements of the duties does not exclude them from the classification if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment for this classification. Other duties may be required and assigned.

Drives / operates a variety of heavy / medium equipment or large vehicles with specialized functions involving performing or maneuvering to exacting tolerances and specifications, driving / maneuvering in and around confined spaces, routine operation to drive from point to point, or operation of complex, moderately complex, or basic maneuvering mechanisms to perform work tasks.

Installs, maintains, and repairs water / wastewater utility lines and mains; locates water lines, sewer lines, and other utilities using metal locator or probing rod; excavates around utility lines, cables, gas mains, and service lines; digs out pipes, services lines, and meters; operates tapping machine to connect services into main lines; attaches water meters to service lines; digs trench lines using backhoe; installs water lines; extends existing water lines for services; repairs and maintains service lines and mains; repairs leaks on water mains and service lines to meters; flushes water lines and mains; repairs water line leaks; performs flow tests, pressure tests, or chlorination tests; assembles hydrants, valves, meters, and backflow devices; installs fire hydrants, service lines, water meters, and manholes; repairs water meters as needed.

Operates, inspects, repairs, and maintains water / wastewater pumping stations and tanks; maintains water tanks, water lines, and sewer lines; utilizes sewer camera to inspect sewer lines; repairs and flushes clogged wastewater lines and pumps; utilizes jetter to unclog sewer mains; checks belts of pump station motors; tests gas / oxygen levels when working in confined spaces.

Performs landscaping tasks associated with projects; restores landscaping to acceptable condition at end of projects by replacing sod, planting grass, raking ground surfaces, or spreading straw; assists in maintaining easements or areas surrounding hydrants.

Maintains current records of location of water lines; locates water lines for contractors or other individuals.

Tests meters and services to ensure proper operations, proper pressure levels, and accurate readings.

Disconnects or reconnects water service to troubleshoot leaks and conduct repairs; locks / unlocks meters relating to non-payment of water accounts as appropriate; records beginning / ending meter readings of meters as appropriate.

Performs customer service functions; provides assistance and information related to meters, consumption, leaks, department procedures, or other issues; responds to routine questions, complaints, or requests for service; initiates problem resolution.

Maintains adequate inventory levels of tools, parts, and supplies on utility truck; ensures availability of adequate materials to conduct work activities; initiates requests for new / replacement materials.

Transports, loads, and unloads various equipment and materials used in projects.

Operates a variety of equipment and tools associated with work activities, which may include a utility truck, dump truck, six-wheel truck, tractor, trailer, backhoe, trencher, boring machine, tapping machine, jetter, sewer camera, gas sensor, oxygen equipment, air compressor, radio communications equipment, meter locator, probing rod, mud pump, water pump, pipe wrench, pick ax, shovel, plumbing tools, or mechanic tools.

Performs general / preventive maintenance tasks necessary to keep equipment in operable condition, which may include inspecting equipment, refueling vehicles, checking / replacing fluids, greasing equipment, washing / cleaning equipment, or cleaning work areas; monitors equipment operations to maintain efficiency and safety; reports faulty equipment.

Assists with traffic control at work sites; flags traffic through / around work sites; sets up safety cones, barricades, barrels, and road / warning signs; assists other equipment operators in maneuvering equipment within work sites.

Follows safety procedures, utilizes safety equipment, and monitors work environment to ensure safety of employees, the public, and other individuals.

Prepares or completes various forms, reports, correspondence, logs, checklists, work orders, hydrant charts, valve charts, flow charts, wastewater pump charts, tank charts, meter readings, vehicle maintenance reports, manhole reports, inventory records, timesheets, or other documents.

Receives various forms, reports, correspondence, work orders, maps, as-built drawings, manuals, regulations, policies, procedures, catalogs, reference materials, or other documentation; reviews, completes, processes, forwards or retains as appropriate.

Communicates via telephone and / or two-way radio; provides information and assistance; records / relays messages; responds to requests for service or assistance.

Communicates with supervisor, employees, other departments, builders, developers, customers, vendors, the public, and other individuals as needed to coordinate work activities, review status of work, exchange information, or resolve problems.

Benefits provided by Forsyth County to full-time employees include :

Personal Leave Accrual : 0 - 4 Years - 20 days per year - 6.16 hours per pay period; 5 - 14 Years - 25 days per year - 7.70 hours per pay period; 15+ Years - 30 days per year - 9.24 hours per pay period

Observed Holidays : New Year's Day, Martin Luther King Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Veteran's Day, Thanksgiving (2), and Christmas (2)

Medical Insurance : The Forsyth County Board of Commissioners offers employees a choice of two medical plans offered by Aetna and a plan offered by Kaiser Permanente.

Dental Insurance : The Forsyth County