Job Summary: The Public Works Operator is responsible for the operation, maintenance, and repair of the City's water, wastewater, streets, and parks systems. This role ensures the delivery of high-quality water services by maintaining water tanks, towers, and distribution systems, and by monitoring chemical systems to comply with state and federal regulations. The technician also maintains and repairs wastewater collection and water distribution systems, performs street and drainage maintenance, and supports the upkeep of parks and recreational facilities. Duties include operating various vehicles and equipment, performing preventive maintenance, and responding to customer inquiries and emergencies. The role requires a strong knowledge of safety protocols, the ability to work in diverse environmental conditions, and effective communication skills. The position demands physical endurance and the ability to work in varying conditions, including extreme weather and potentially hazardous environments. Regular attendance, on-call availability, and the ability to obtain necessary certifications are essential.

Primary Duties & Responsibilities:

Duties include, but are not limited to, the following:

Water:

        Performs operation and maintenance of water tanks and towers and maintains proper water levels.

        Monitors chemical systems and assures proper chemical dosages. Makes chemical adjustments as necessary.

        Monitors SCADA computer systems and chart recorders to ensure proper operation of all water tower/ /ground storage levels, chlorination residual, pressure, etc.

        Responsible for recording data in daily logs.

        Ensures and maintains water quality under state and federal regulations and TCEQ optimization guidelines.

        Performs bacteriological and chemical sampling and analysis in the distribution system.

        Responsible for water quality monitoring in the distribution system.

        Responds to customer inquiries and complaints as necessary.

        Refers to Standard Operating Procedures, Texas Commission on Environmental Quality rules and regulations, TEEX training manuals, MSDS, RMP and Hazmat, instrument manuals, policy and procedure manuals, computer manuals, codes/laws/regulations, publications, reference tests, etc.

        Operates a pickup truck, tractor, mower, weed-eater, and various equipment such as personal computers, radio equipment, air conditioner, laboratory equipment, chemical pumps, transfer pumps, filter pumps, calculators, etc.

        Interacts and communicates with various groups and individuals such as Plant Operators, other City employees, delivery drivers, and the general public.

        Performs various repairs and maintenance on water distribution system, Pump station/ground storage, elevated water towers and wastewater system.

        Operates various types of vehicles and equipment in the repair and installation of water lines, sewer lines.

        Performs water connections and disconnections as directed.

        Performs various preventive maintenance duties, i.e., flushing water lines, cleaning and maintaining vehicles, maintaining portable pumps and power equipment.

        Installs new water meters, taps, new mains, valves, fire hydrants

        Follows proper safety protocols as required per work site.

        Attends periodic safety meetings according to department policy.

         Performs routine facility/plant maintenance duties.

        Help in various other utility functions as needed and assists other departments as directed.

        Performs related work as directed.

Streets:

        Repairs and maintains streets by mixing, raking and spreading asphalt, sealing cracks, patching holes, participating in street overlays, cleaning streets and parking lots, measuring and constructing forms and laying cement.

        Provides premier customer service to internal and external customers by responding to requests in a timely and professional manner.

        Repairs and maintains drainage systems by repairing, rebuilding and replacing pipes and inlets, removing obstructions and restrictions and installing culverts and other drainage materials.

        Maintains equipment by performing preventative maintenance on equipment, performing safety checks and ensuring proper operating procedures.

        Performs all other duties as assigned.

Parks Duties: 

        Plants and waters grass, flowers, trees, and shrubs

        Sprays lawns, trees, and shrubs with fertilizer, herbicides, and insecticides

        Cuts lawns, trims and edges around walks, flowerbeds, and walls

        Prunes trees and shrubs to shape and improve growth; removes damaged leaves, branches, and twigs, and rakes and collects leaves

        Cleans and maintains all grounds, including ditches and culverts, removing litter when necessary

        Shovels snow from walks and driveways; spreads salt on public streets and sidewalks

        Maintains (repairs, paints, replaces) fences, gates, walls, walks and outbuildings

        Sharpens and maintains tools including weed cutters, edging tools, and shears

        Makes minor repairs on equipment including lawn mowers, spreaders, and snow removal equipment

        Available to work overtime when needed

        Must wear City approved Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) when required

        Perform daily maintenance, monitoring, repairs and proper disinfectant levels to splash pad.

        Performs all other duties as assigned

Wastewater Duties:

        Perform maintenance and repairs to the wastewater collection system, to include but not limited to collection lines, manholes/covers, lift- stations, and force mains.

        Perform maintenance and repairs to the water distribution system, to include but not limited to valves, lines, and may include pumping sites.

        Utilize proper tools and equipment to perform mechanical and physical repairs to the wastewater collection system and the distribution system.

        Perform chemical dosing to the wastewater collection system for grease dispersion and root control.

        Respond to calls/requests that occur during normal work hours and after hours.

        Complete and submit paperwork related to work orders.

        Communicate with citizens while out in the field or responding to calls/requests.

        Utilize the CCTV Televising equipment to conduct inspections of wastewater manholes and collection lines for various needed repairs, new construction pre-acceptance, and general inspections.

        Perform dye/smoke testing to ensure that service connections are legal, and system function are normal and within regulations.

        Perform all other duties as assigned.