Public Works Assistant

Job Description:

To assist the Superintendent of Works and, in his absence, for the management and supervision of the water and sewer departments and all employees in said department:

  • Provide work schedules for all employees, including the supervisor, to ensure efficient and optimum use of the water plant and all the affiliated structures.
    • All water distribution – e.g., hydrants, water plant maintenance, water breaks
    • Required to maintain and repair all equipment therein to provide the services as deemed necessary
    • Maintain and read meters
  • Record Keeping:
    • Provide a schedule for repairs and replacement of all facilities of the water plant.
    • Provide records of all functions performed, including equipment and repairs done, the chemicals used, and maintenance of meters done.
    • To provide a suitable record and coordinate with the Harwood City Auditor’s office about billing and handling of nonpayment of bills.
    • To provide accurate and up-to-date records as required by law, needed for lawful plant operations, and report them to the appropriate affiliates of the North Dakota Department of Health and the EPA.
  • Safety:
    • Provide a safe working environment for employees.
    • Required to provide safe work environments using safety equipment and articles such as goggles, hard hats, earplugs, and steel-toe shoes when and where necessary
    • Required to provide a working knowledge of all equipment, procedures, and safety regulations, especially regarding the use of chemicals (dangerous or otherwise) and the first aid necessary to prevent injury.
  • Certification and Licensing:
    • To provide a working knowledge of all EPA and North Dakota State Health Department regulations governing the operations of the Harwood water and sewer department and affiliated operations.
    • Required to obtain and provide all records or certificates, licensing, and continued education courses necessary for the operation of the water plant and all affiliated structures. All of these must be completed and obtained within the timeline provided in the employment agreement.
  • Other Responsibilities:
    • Must possess the ability to “take charge” of situations such as water breaks or any other malfunctions that may happen within the system if the supervisor is not present
    • Must possess basic computer knowledge to work in a computer-automated treatment plant and to understand the reporting systems that it entails
    • Must possess basic physical abilities such as climbing a ladder or lifting 50 pounds (such as picking up a 50lb chemical bag from ground level)
    • Must possess the ability to conduct themselves respectfully when working with residents.
    • Provide the ability to work with other department supervisors to assist them on projects when necessary.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES:

Carries out supervisory responsibilities in the absence of the Superintendent of Works in accordance with the organization’s policies and applicable laws.  Responsibilities include planning, addressing complaints, resolving problems, and supervising all part-time personnel.

QUALIFICATIONS:

To perform this job successfully, an individual must satisfactorily perform their essential duty.  The requirements listed below represent the knowledge, skills, and/or abilities required.  Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE:

High school diploma or GED; preferably one to two years related experience/training.  Preference will be given to candidates who have a Class III water treatment license or the ability to obtain such a license within one year’s time.

LANGUAGE SKILLS:

Ability to read and interpret documents such as safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, and procedure manuals.  Ability to write routine reports. 

MATHEMATICAL SKILLS:

Ability to work with mathematical concepts such as probability and statistical inference.  Ability to apply concepts such as fractions, percentages, ratios, and proportions to practical situations.

REASONING ABILITY:

Ability to solve practical problems and deal with a variety of concrete variables in situations where only limited standardization exists.  Ability to interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral, diagram, or schedule form.

CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS:

Must hold a current Class C driver’s license.  Must obtain or be willing to get the required necessary certification and/or licensing.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS: 

The physical demands described here are representative of those that an employee must meet to perform the essential functions of this job successfully.  Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit; use hands to handle or feel; and talk or hear.  The employee is frequently required to walk and reach with hands and arms.  The employee is frequently required to stand; climb or balance; and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl.  The employee must often lift and/or move up to 25 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds.  Specific vision abilities required for this job include close, distance, and peripheral vision; depth perception; and the ability to adjust focus. 

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job.  Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.