Senior Utilities Operator-Water

The City of Tomball is accepting applications for the position ofSenior Utilities Operator - Water this position will be responsible for performing advanced technical, operational, and supervisory work involving the operation, maintenance, monitoring, and regulatory compliance of the City's water production, water treatment, water distribution, wastewater collection, and natural gas systems. This position serves as a lead operator within the Utilities Division and is responsible for ensuring compliance with all applicable TCEQ, EPA, Railroad Commission of Texas, OSHA, and AWWA standards along with overseeing daily utility operations, and supervising utility personnel, operating and maintaining water treatment facilities and groundwater wells. Monitors SCADA systems, responds to emergencies, and assists management in maintaining reliable utility infrastructure and regulatory compliance. The position operates under general direction from the Utilities Superintendent.

FLSA:                              Non-Exempt

Pay Grade:                     T-140

Essential Functions:

Supervisory Responsibilities

• Direct, schedule, and oversee the daily activities of Utilities Operators and Technicians.
• Train personnel in operational procedures, safety requirements, regulatory compliance, and equipment operation.
• Conduct field inspections to ensure work quality and adherence to City policies.
• Assist with employee evaluations, disciplinary actions, and performance improvement initiatives.
• Coordinate emergency response activities and after-hours callouts.

Water Production and Treatment Operations

• Operate water treatment plants in accordance with TCEQ, EPA, and AWWA standards and guidelines.
• Monitor treatment processes to ensure safe, continuous, and effective water production.
• Inspect treatment facilities, water wells, booster stations, storage tanks, pumps, motors, chemical feed systems, and related equipment.
• Monitor meters, gauges, instrumentation, and control systems to optimize system performance.
• Review and analyze operational data to ensure treatment objectives and regulatory requirements are achieved.
• Monitor and adjust chlorine, fluoride, polyphosphate, and other treatment chemicals as required.
• Perform and document chlorine residual, fluoride, bacteriological, and other water quality testing.
• Conduct daily inspections of all City groundwater well sites and ensure equipment remains operational.

SCADA and System Monitoring

• Monitor SCADA systems, alarms, reports, and telemetry data to identify operational issues and maintain system reliability.
• Respond to system alarms and coordinate corrective actions as necessary.
• Maintain operational records, production reports, flow data, treatment logs, and system performance reports.

Utility System Maintenance

• Perform and oversee preventive maintenance programs for water plants, wells, pumps, treatment equipment, gas regulator stations, wastewater infrastructure, and related systems.
• Troubleshoot mechanical, electrical, instrumentation, and process control issues.
• Perform minor electrical, plumbing, and mechanical repairs as necessary.
• Coordinate major repairs with contractors, vendors, and City staff.
• Report equipment deficiencies and recommend corrective actions.

Water Distribution System Operations

• Maintain and operate the City's water distribution system.
• Coordinate monthly flushing of dead-end water mains to maintain chlorine residuals and water quality.
• Respond to water pressure, water quality, and service complaints.
• Investigate and repair water leaks and service line issues.

Wastewater and Natural Gas Operations

• Assist with operation and maintenance of wastewater collection systems, lift stations, and sewer infrastructure.
• Assist with operation, inspection, and maintenance of natural gas regulator stations and distribution infrastructure.
• Coordinate utility service turn-ons and turn-offs and assist with emergency utility response activities.
• Support cross-training initiatives among utility divisions.

Regulatory Compliance and Reporting

• Ensure compliance with TCEQ Public Water System regulations, wastewater regulations, and applicable Railroad Commission requirements.
• Ensure operations are conducted in accordance with current AWWA standards and accepted industry practices.
• Maintain accurate records of operations, maintenance activities, sampling results, inspections, and regulatory reporting.
• Assist with TCEQ inspections, sanitary surveys, audits, and compliance reviews.
• Prepare reports and documentation required for regulatory agencies and City management.

SALARY RANGE:

• Hiring range - $63,490 - $67,934 ($30.52 - $32.66)
• Salary range -$63,490 - $90,156

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement -The City of Tomball does not discriminate on the basis of Race, Color, National Origin, Sex, Religion, Age or Disability in employment or the provision of services

Qualifications

Experience

• Minimum five (5) years of progressively responsible municipal utility operations experience.
• Minimum three (3) years of experience operating water treatment facilities and groundwater well systems.
• Previous supervisory or lead operator experience preferred.
• Experience with SCADA systems and telemetry preferred.

Licenses and Certifications

• TCEQ Class C Water Operator License required.
• TCEQ Class C Wastewater License required.
• Ability to obtain higher-level TCEQ licenses within a specified timeframe.
• Natural Gas Operator Qualification Certifications.
• Poly Welding Certification preferred.
• Valid Texas Driver's License.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Thorough knowledge of water treatment plant operations, groundwater production systems, and water distribution systems.
• Thorough knowledge of wastewater collection and natural gas distribution systems.
• Thorough knowledge of TCEQ drinking water regulations and reporting requirements.
• Knowledge of AWWA standards, best management practices, and utility industry operating procedures.
• Knowledge of SCADA systems, telemetry systems, instrumentation, and process controls.
• Ability to supervise, train, and evaluate personnel.
• Ability to analyze operational data and make process adjustments.
• Ability to respond effectively during utility emergencies.
• Strong leadership, communication, organizational, and problem-solving skills.