Water Works Maintenance and Operations Specialist

JOB DESCRIPTION

Job Title:

Water Works Maintenance/Operations Specialist

Department:
Water Works

Reports to:

Water Works Superintendent

FLSA Status:
Nonexempt

Salary Grade: 13A

2026 Wage: $24.78 per hour

JOB SUMMARY

This position is responsible for performing specialized duties in the maintenance of plant equipment, facilities, vehicles and grounds. Position will act as a relief/temporary Water Operation Specialist on a regular basis.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Inspects, repairs, and maintains electrical motors, pumps, air compressors, valves, chemical feed equipment, gear assemblies, vehicles, tractors, small engines, HVAC systems, boilers, buildings and grounds, and diesel generators.

Maintains, services, and repairs facilities and equipment, including chlorination, other chemical feed systems and pumping devices, storage facilities, and related equipment.

Develops and documents maintenance procedures and trains operators to perform routine maintenance of plant process equipment.

Maintains appropriate documentation of all repairs and services.

Maintains assigned tools and equipment.

Reads and interprets blueprints, cut-sheets, schematics, and shop manuals.

Fabricates parts from metal.

Responds to after-hours emergencies.

Attends required training classes.

Covers open shifts and duties of Operations Specialists.

Responsible for security and oversight of the facilities to include monitoring and observation of trespassing, theft, or other criminal activity and reporting it at the time of observation.

Performs related duties.

KNOWLEDGE REQUIRED BY THE POSITION

Knowledge of the installation, repair, and maintenance of mechanical and electrical equipment.

Knowledge of department and city policies and procedures.

Knowledge of electrical components and wiring.

Knowledge of plant operational processes.

Knowledge of building and grounds maintenance principles.

Skill in the operation of grounds maintenance equipment.

Skill in the operation of hand and power tools.

Skill in planning, organization, and decision making.

Skill in oral and written communication.

Collects samples; performs laboratory analyses to ensure that treatment facilities are operating efficiently; carries out corrective actions.

Monitors the SCADA system to ensure proper plant operations.

SUPERVISORY CONTROLS

The Maintenance Supervisor assigns work in terms of general instructions. The supervisor spot-checks completed work for compliance with procedures, accuracy, and the nature and propriety of the final results.

GUIDELINES

Guidelines include federal and state drinking water regulations, OSHA regulations, and city policies and procedures. These guidelines are generally clear and specific but may require some interpretation in application.

COMPLEXITY/SCOPE OF WORK

The work consists of related specialized duties. Unexpected equipment failures contribute to the complexity of the position.

The purpose of this position is to perform specialized duties in the maintenance of water treatment plant equipment, buildings, and grounds. Successful performance helps ensure the provision of safe drinking water for all customers.

CONTACTS

Contacts are typically with co-workers, vendors, contractors, and the general public.

Contacts are typically to give or exchange information, resolve problems, and provide services.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS/ WORK ENVIRONMENT

The work is typically performed while intermittently sitting, standing, stooping, walking, bending or crouching. The employee frequently lifts light and heavy objects, climbs ladders, uses tools or equipment requiring a high degree of dexterity, distinguishes between shades of color, and utilizes the sense of smell.

The work is typically performed indoors, at water treatment facilities, and outdoors, occasionally in cold or inclement weather. The employee may be exposed to machinery with moving parts, contagious or infectious diseases, or irritating chemicals. Work requires the use of protective devices such as masks, goggles, gloves, etc.

SUPERVISORY AND MANAGEMENT RESPONSIBILITY

None.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Ability to read, write and perform mathematical calculations at a level commonly associated with the completion of high school or equivalent.

Sufficient experience to understand the basic principles relevant to the major duties of the position usually associated with the completion of an apprenticeship/internship or having had a similar position for one to two years.

Possession of or ability to readily obtain a valid driver's license issued by the State of South Dakota for the type of vehicle or equipment operated.

Possession of or ability to readily obtain a South Dakota Class I Operators Certificate in Water Treatment within eighteen months of hire.

Upon passing the state certification, an incumbent in this position may be designated Specialist II and placed at grade 14, Specialist III and placed at grade 15, or Specialist IV and placed at grade 16.

RESIDENCY

All new hires must reside within 40 miles of city limits unless specific approval of City…