Public Works Lab Technician/Operator
The City of Perkins is accepting applications for a full-time Public Works Lab Technician/Operator. Reporting to the Water and Wastewater Treatment Manager, the responsibilities of this position include, but are not limited to, performance of a variety of chemical and bacteriological analyses relevant to wastewater treatment plant operations, including sludge and various process control samples; monitoring the functionality of the wastewater treatment plant; maintaining related equipment and machinery; and producing and storing reports and data. Additional duties include manual labor of more than ordinary difficulty, which often involves the use of acquired skills, as well as the use of manual and power equipment, in the performance of a variety of water and sewer line maintenance and repair, grounds keeping, parks, and right-of-way maintenance functions. Training will be provided to the successful candidate.
The Public Works Lab Technician/Operator is a full-time, non-exempt position. The City of Perkins offers excellent benefits including health, dental, and vision insurance, with optional life insurance, disability, and accident/disease coverage, and a retirement plan, as well as paid holidays, vacations, and sick leave.
HOURS & WAGE: The salary range for this position is $14.50 – $16.50 per hour ($30,160 – $34,320 per year), commensurate with licensing and experience. The regular workweek for employees is Monday-Friday, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.
The weekly schedule will be set, however, the position will require occasional weekend, after-hour, or holiday hours. Subject to overtime work. All City of Perkins full-time staff are considered essential and may be required to report to work during emergency situations.
Job Location:
Primarily at the Wastewater Treatment Plant, Perkins, Oklahoma
Post-Offer Requirements:
- Criminal history/sex offender check
- Driving record check
- Drug screening
- Background check
Post-Hire Requirements:
- Periodic driving record checks
- Periodic drug screening
QUALIFICATIONS
- To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential job function satisfactorily. The requirements below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required*. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Requirements:
- High School Diploma or GED
- No disqualifying criminal convictions
- Valid Oklahoma driver’s license and acceptable driving record based on City of Perkins specifications
- Perform work safely in accordance with City safety policy and procedures and specific departmental, state, and Federal safety procedures
- Self-starter; must be able to complete tasks as assigned unsupervised and to take initiative
- Basic math proficiency
- Clear and concise communication skills
- Basic computer skills such as typing and knowledge of Excel and Word software
Job Functions:
- Provide courteous, efficient, and friendly service to all citizens
- Collect and store samples necessary for required wastewater analyses; analyze for contamination using a variety of Environmental Protection Agency-approved methods and procedures; interpret test results
- Record information, results, and procedures on tests run; prepare monthly reports for State Department of Environmental Quality
- Monitor plant compliance with State and Federal treatment regulations; inform supervisor of procedures, analysis results or trends that could result in any violation of regulations
- Perform required process control and quality assurance testing according to the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System permit
- Ensure analytical precision of laboratory results is achieved through Quality Assurance/Quality Control process
- Maintain laboratory and related equipment; maintain records on equipment service, usage, and repairs; monitor inventory of laboratory supplies and prepare reagents from base chemicals
- Conduct laboratory tests for other City Departments as requested
- Serve as a plant operator to perform regular inspections, monitor plant equipment and undertake custodial duties as required
- Perform repairs and maintenance on sanitary sewer collection and treatment systems
- Install and troubleshoot equipment and machinery; perform routine preventive maintenance of same
- Report to supervisor any equipment malfunctions or plant performance problems
- Operate a variety of equipment and machinery including, but not limited to, riding and walk-behind mowers, power tools, backhoe, dump truck, industrial chipper, tractor, sewer jetter, etc.
- Perform repairs and maintenance on water storage, production, and distribution systems and storm water drainage systems
- Assist with the repairs, cleaning and maintenance of city buildings and grounds, including snow removal, trash removal, weed eating, mowing, weeding, etc.
- Perform other duties as assigned
Preferred:
- One year of proven full-time work experience
- One or more years’ experience in a public works setting
Certifications
- Possession of, or ability to obtain within 6 months of hire, a valid Class “D” Water & Wastewater Operator’s certification from the Oklahoma Department of Environmental Quality.
Working conditions:
The Americans with Disabilities Act requires identification of the general aptitudes and physical requirements needed to perform the job listed above, as well as the unavoidable, externally imposed conditions under which the work must be performed and that could create hardship. Individuals who have the position must be able to perform all essential job functions unaided or with reasonable accommodation.
Environmental Conditions – The nature of adverse environmental conditions affecting the incumbent
Some work will take place outdoors. Successful applicant is able to work in extreme heat, cold, and other weather conditions. A tolerance for loud noise and strong smells is required.
- Exposure to potentially hazardous chemicals in gaseous, liquid and powdered form.
- Exposure of tripping hazards of stairs, inclined walkways, gratings, as well as slippery surfaces during inclement weather.
- Exposure to laboratory chemicals (reagents) and bacteriological life forms commonly associated with wastewater and biosolids.
- Requires the wearing of appropriate safety apparel while working with various chemicals and reagents in the laboratory, treatment plant, electrical equipment and other worksites.
- Requires continuous attention and monitoring of safe working conditions and ensure that all safety standards are observed.
- Requires exposure to dusts and pollen, fumes/noxious odors, weather conditions, extreme noise levels, animal/wildlife, heights, close quarters, and disease/pathogens.
General Aptitudes:
- Works according to set procedures.
- Possesses mental acuity for attention to detail and accuracy.
Physical and Dexterity Requirements
Physical and dexterity refers to the requirement for physical exertion and coordination of limb and body movement.
Must possess ability to distinguish color and color changes.
Requires medium-to-heavy work that involves walking, standing, stooping, stretching, lifting all of the time and involves exerting between 20 and 50 pounds of force on a regular and recurring basis; exceptional skill, adeptness, and speed in the use of fingers, hands, or limbs in tasks involving very close tolerances or limits of accuracy.
Stooping, kneeling, crouching, and/or crawling: Must have ability to bend forward or down from the middle of the waist or the middle of the back, to bend downwards, to lower oneself and/or to move freely on hands and knees 5-20 times/day. Must have ability to climb, work from ladders, and work in confined spaces.
Must be able to lift and load up to 50 pounds. Must be able to walk several miles as necessary. May require periods of prolonged standing or sitting and entering data into computer terminal.
Does related work as required involving street resurfacing and maintenance, sewer and water line repair and maintenance. This is routine work involving the use of some skills acquired by experience and on-the-job instruction.
Performs demanding physical work for extended periods of time under varying climatic conditions. Subject to weekend and overtime work.
Works under the supervision of a director who issues oral work orders and inspects work frequently.
Verbal Abilities
- Speaking/Talking: Must have ability to answer telephone or radio, communicate with general public, volunteers, vendors, supervisors, and other employees. Present clear and concise oral reports.
- Hearing/Listening: Must have ability to communicate with public, volunteers, vendors, supervisors, and/or other employees.
- Reading (ability to read and understand text): Must have ability to read and write in English.
Spatial Abilities
- Must have ability to estimate size, shape, distance, time.
Driving Abilities
- Must have the ability to transfer or convey in a vehicle. Must have ability to drive car, van, pickup truck, lawn mower, and tractor.
Sensory Demands – The nature of demands on the senses
- Visual: Must have ability to perceive or comprehend by the sense of light. Specific vision abilities required include close vision, distance, color and peripheral vision, depth perception, adequate eyesight to read computer screens, perform detail work, as well as the ability to adjust and focus.
- Other: May be exposed to unpleasant sights, sounds, or odors.
*DISCLAIMER
This job description is provided as a guide and is not to be considered a contract. The City of Perkins reserves the right to make changes to the job description as necessary. It is intended to identify the major responsibilities and requirements of this job. The employee may be requested to perform job-related responsibilities and tasks other than those stated in this description.
Application Information: Applications are available at:
Perkins City Hall
110 North Main
Perkins, OK 74059
Between the hours of 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m., Monday – Friday
or
download applications at www.cityofperkins.net
Resumes must be accompanied by a completed City of Perkins job application.
Applications will be accepted until position is filled.
The City of Perkins is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
