Assistant Utility Operator

SouthWest Water is a privately-held, American-owned service company with decades of high-level customer service. Today, we serve over 600,000 residential and business customers in seven states: Alabama, California, Florida, Oregon, Louisiana, South Carolina, and Texas. Our teams work together to deliver clean, safe, and reliable water and wastewater services so that our customers and communities can thrive.

About Us

Imagine being part of a team that supplies the essential element for life. Water is the very foundation of this planet, the life-giving essence in all of us. Driven, knowledgeable and passionate about this essential resource, the Suburban Water Systems team, a subsidiary of SouthWest Water, is in the business of delivering a product everyone uses and depends on. 

 

We're proud of our work. We make a difference in the lives of people by providing them water and wastewater services daily. Don't wait, the opportunity is now to build yours and our planet's future with SouthWest Water!

Position Overview

The Assistant Utility Operator position is intended as an entry level water utility worker position. This position is different from the Utility Operator 1 in that it does not require DEQ or DWS certification. This position will require significant direction for performing the duties required for Potable Water System Operation and Maintenance, Wastewater Collection System Operation and Maintenance, and Wastewater Treatment Plant Operation and Maintenance from more experienced department personnel.

What We Offer

• 401k Company Match: 100% of the first 6% of your eligible compensation contributed to the Plan
• Vacation Accrual
• Sick Time
• Holiday Pay
• Training, Professional Certifications, and Education Allowance

 

Work Location: Position is based out of Klamath Falls, Oregon.

Job Responsibilities

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS 
Reasonable Accommodations Statement 
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. Reasonable Accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
 
This position will be willing and able to perform the following duties and others as assigned:

 

• Potable Water System Operation and Maintenance
  • Operate and maintain potable water facilities, ensuring compliance with safety and quality standards. This includes managing reservoirs, pumps, valves, and conducting construction activities. 
  • Perform water meter installations, readings, and respond to customer service calls, addressing issues such as leaks, pressure concerns, and high bills. 
  • Uphold quality assurance by ensuring operations align with regulations, conducting sampling, testing, and preparing reports for regulatory agencies. 
  • Test backflow prevention devices, communicate with customers on necessary actions, and maintain a comprehensive Cross Control Program.
• Wastewater Collection System Operation and Maintenance
  • Operate and maintain wastewater collection systems, responding to service calls, repairing pipelines, and addressing issues such as clogs and spills. 
  • Provide customer service by responding to calls, checking sewer backups, and locating sewer line problems.
• Wastewater Treatment Plant Operation and Maintenance
  • Operate and maintain wastewater treatment plant equipment and processes, ensuring proper functioning of various components. 
  • Maintain water quality in effluent holding ponds, conduct routine monitoring and testing, and coordinate plant improvements. 
  • Collect samples, perform monitoring and testing of wastewater, and ensure compliance with regulatory requirements. 
  • Provide input for treatment plant improvements, coordinate construction, and perform light structural maintenance.
• Environmental, Health, and Safety
  • Attend safety classes, prioritize personnel safety, and report/correct hazards. Ensure the use of appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and prioritize safety in decision-making. Adhere to stormwater Best Management Practices (BMPs) to comply with regulations and company policies.
• On-Call Hours
  • Periodically will be considered to be available for on-call duty 24 hours a day. Will be available to respond and be present at the job location within the water system in a reasonable amount of time at times outside of normal business hours according to regulations and company policies.
• Conduct daily inspections, collect operational data, and ensure equipment runs within desired limits.
• Perform routine facility maintenance, inspect plant sites, and address unsafe conditions.
• Maintain SCADA