Description

TITLE: BCWA Water Utility Operator

REPORTS TO: Operations Foreman

RESPONSIBILITY:

Under the immediate supervision of a Foreman performs skilled maintenance, repair, and construction work on the Bristol County Water Authority (BCWA) potable water treatment and distribution system; operates maintenance and construction tools and equipment; performs a variety of maintenance tasks relative to the operation of the water system. This job description may be amended from time to time by the BCWA.

CHARACTERISTICS:

This class is distinguished by performance of tasks and duties ranging from routine to complex in nature depending on the experience and certification level of the employee. Employees in this position are expected to perform with independence of direction and judgment on matters related to established procedures and guidelines. Employees will work under the guidance of a more experienced employee when learning a task or duty.

REPRESENTATIVE DUTIES:

The following duties are typical for this classification. Incumbents may not perform all of the listed duties and/or may be required to perform additional duties from those set forth below to address utility needs and utility practices.

A Water Utility Operator will perform work in the operation and maintenance of all facets of the BCWA water system. Responsibilities will include the installation, testing, and reading of water meters; the installation and repairing of water mains, service lines, and other system appurtenances; operation and maintenance of facilities, equipment and property; conducting water quality sampling and analysis, maintaining written and electronic records of daily activities, system maps and records; locate and mark water utility piping, inspect work by others, handle customer service inquiries and complaints. Perform related duties as required.

QUALIFICATIONS:

The following generally describes the knowledge and ability required to enter the job and/or be learned within a short period of time in order to successfully perform the assigned duties.

Knowledge of:

1. Use of common tools, materials, motorized vehicles and equipment used in maintenance and construction work.
2. Principles of water treatment and distribution maintenance and repair.
3. Basic mathematical principles.
4. Safe work practices and policies.

Ability to:

1. Work with the variety of tools related to water system maintenance.
2. Learn to safely operate a variety of types of maintenance equipment.
3. Perform heavy manual labor.
4. Perform semi-skilled maintenance duties.
5. Understand and follow oral and written instructions.
6. Read, interpret, and understand schematic diagrams.
7. Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.
8. Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.
9. Work with basic computer programs.

Education and Experience:

Education: High school diploma or equivalent.

Thirty (30) credit hours of post high school work in the sciences or engineering preferred.

Experience: 3-5 years of experience performing manual labor in the construction field.

Licenses or Certificates:

1. Must have and maintain a valid Rhode Island driver's license. Must obtain and maintain a Class B CDL license within twelve (12) months of employment.
2. Must obtain and maintain a Rhode Island Hoisting Engineers backhoe license within twelve (12) months of employment.
3. Must obtain and maintain Rhode Island Grade I Distribution and Grade I Treatment Operator certifications within twelve (12) months of employment.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORKING ENVIRONMENT

The conditions described in this job description are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential job functions.

Environment:

Work is performed primarily in an outdoor field environment; travel from site to site; exposure to noise, dust, grease, smoke, fumes, noxious odors, gases, mechanical and electrical hazards, and all types of weather and temperature conditions; work in or around water; exposure to hazardous traffic conditions; work and/or walk on various types of surfaces including slippery or uneven surfaces and rough terrain; work at heights; incumbents are required to respond to emergency and public calls after hours including evenings and weekends.

Physical:

Primary functions require sufficient physical ability and mobility to work in a field environment; while performing the duties of this position, the employee is regularly required to talk and hear. The employee is frequently required to use hands or fingers to handle or feel objects, tools, and controls. The employee is frequently required to stand, walk, sit, reach with hands and arms, grasp, climb, balance, stoop, kneel, crouch, bend, and crawl.

The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to fifty (50) pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this position include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, and the ability to adjust focus.

Employee Acknowledgment

By accepting the position described in this job description you acknowledge that you can perform the required functions.

A passing grade on a pre-test scheduled for Wednesday, October 1, 2025, at 3:30pm is required for consideration. The application and job description are available at www.bcwari.com.

Please email resume to [email protected]. Applications are due by Friday, September 26, 2025 .

Bristol County Water Authority is an EEO Employer