Water Operator (Level I, II, III)

JOB ANNOUNCEMENT
DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC UTILITIES
Water Division

Open Date:    July 12, 2024
Close Date:    Until Filled
Position:         Water Operator (Level I, II or III)
Hiring Wage:  Level I $36.53 – $42.35 Hourly; Level II $39.09 - $45.31; Level III $41.83 - $48.49

The Unalaska Department of Public Utilities is accepting applications for the position of Water Operator in the Department of Public Utilities.  Located in the number one commercial fishing port in the United States, the International Port of Dutch Harbor. Unalaska, Alaska is a coastal community located in the Eastern Aleutian Islands with a multi-cultural population of approximately 4,200 full-time residents with season influxes from multiple commercial fishery operations.

The following duties ARE NOT intended to serve as a comprehensive list of all duties performed by all employees in this classification. Shown are duties intended to provide a representative summary.

GENERAL DESCRIPTION: This is an entry level position, which under the supervision of the Water Supervisor, performs a variety of unskilled and semi-skilled in the construction, operation, repair, maintenance, and replacement of City water production, treatment and distribution systems.  This position is expected to develop into a full-fledged water operator which will include a substantial amount of training via hands-on, correspondence, virtual, and classroom settings.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES: Following training and competency demonstration will be responsible for inspecting, preventative maintenance, servicing, and adjusting equipment to ensure effective operation of motors, pumps, blowers, chemical systems, and other equipment used in the various water plants.   Operates valves and gates and all other process equipment to control flow and treatment processes; starts/ stops pumps and generators as may be required.  Monitors gauges, flow meters, SCADA, and control devices; interprets and records readings. Observes variations in operating conditions and test results to determine processing requirements.  Maintains records, diagnoses equipment and operations malfunctions, requisitions, supplies, takes remedial action to correct, and/or report malfunctions. Collects samples and performs standard water treatment tests or analysis as necessary and applies corrective measures to treatment processes. Ability to obtain knowledge concerning City of Unalaska, State of Alaska DEC and Federal EPA policies, ordinances, rules and regulations regarding water system operations.  Ability to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing. Good interpersonal and problem-solving skills required. 

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE:
High school diploma and or GED required.
Combination of education and experience will be evaluated on an individual basis.

For Level I: minimum two years of experience relating to the operation, construction, repair and maintenance of water treatment distribution systems, including the operation of related maintenance equipment. Requires State of AK DEC Water Treatment Level 1 and DEC Water Distribution Level 1 Certifications.

or Level II: minimum three years of experience relating to the operation, construction, repair and/or maintenance of water treatment distribution systems, including the operation of related maintenance equipment. Requires State of AK DEC Water Treatment Level 2 and DEC Water Distribution Level 2 Certifications.

For Level III: minimum four years of experience relating to the operation, construction, repair and/or maintenance of water treatment distribution systems, including the operation of related maintenance equipment. Requires State of AK DEC Water Treatment Level 2 and DEC Water Distribution Level 3 Certifications.

LICENSES & SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Must be at least 18 years of age
• Must have or ability to obtain Alaska Driver’s License within 90 days of hire
• State of Alaska Water Certifications required within a predetermined time frame, depending upon level
• Successfully pass background test which includes criminal background, professional and reference check; successfully pass pre-employment drug test
• Must be eligible to work in the US; if hired, must complete employment eligibility verification (I-9)

BENEFITS:

• 100% employer paid medical premiums (employee & dependents)
• 100% employer paid basic life/AD&D insurance (employee & dependents)
• 100% employer paid LifeMed insurance (employee)
• Relocation assistance (taxable) up to $7,000, plus airfare for the employee and one family member, if applicable
• Travel allowance $2,500 every year on date of hire after 1^st year of employment
• Longevity bonus $2,000 beginning on third (3^rd) year anniversary
• Education Incentive per month, dependent on degree Associate $200, BA $300, Master $400
• Paid Time Off starting at 16 hours a month
• 10 paid Holidays and 3 Floating Holidays per year
• Free Parks, Culture and Recreation Membership (employee only)
• Eligible for 457 Retirement Plans with MissionSquare or Mutual of America and other Voluntary Benefits
• Eligible for PERS Retirement (Public Employees Retirement System)
• Up to 100% Tuition Reimbursement (must be taken while employed; refer to Title III for details)

TO APPLY: Submit a City of Unalaska Application. All necessary forms are available at City Hall, Administration Department, or downloading on the City Website. Return completed forms to:

City of Unalaska
Administration Department
P. O. Box 610
Unalaska, AK 99685

Or by email to [email protected]

WE ARE AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

The City of Unalaska is an Employer of National Service and encourages AmeriCorps,
Peace Corps and other national service alumni to apply