Description

Field Technician I (Temporary)

Job Type: Full-Time, Temporary, FLSA Non-Exempt, Overtime Eligible

Department: Field Operations

Location: Thurston PUD Field Office - Olympia, WA

Reports to: Director of Field Operations

Pay Range: $35.00 per hour

Definition

This is a temporary position with at least a four (4) month duration. Under the supervision of the Director of Field Operations, the Field Technician is responsible for installation, maintenance, and repair of drinking water infrastructure at PUD-owned and operated water systems. The Field Technician performs a broad range of manual and technical labor to provide safe drinking water that meets state and federal regulations.

Essential Duties ( Duties may include but are not limited to: )

• Assist in maintaining overall operations and efficiency of the water distribution systems, including water treatment, within local, state, and federal regulations.
• Assist in maintaining all water systems in safe working order to current sanitary survey standards.
• Perform skilled work in construction, maintenance, and repair of water mains, water service lines, and other water facilities at a journeyman level of work.
• Read and repair meters; perform associated meter maintenance as needed. • Perform water quality samples, per local, state, and federal regulations.
• Respond to customer complaints in a timely and courteous manner.
• Provide excellent customer service, keeping customers informed in a timely and courteous manner.
• Travel to PUD water systems to perform routine checks and distribute equipment and supplies as needed.
• Complete required paperwork and forms in a timely manner.
• Assist the Director of Field Operations to schedule maintenance and repairs for PUD water systems.
• Help with identifying capital improvements for all PUD-operated water systems. • Maintain inventory, and stock vehicles to respond to emergencies.
• Perform grounds maintenance tasks (e.g., operating a weed eater, lawn mower, operating) as needed.
• Perform facilities maintenance tasks (e.g., roofing work, working with hand tools, pressure washing, and painting) as needed.
• Performing manual labor to assist with repairs and projects (e.g., digging, lifting, and carrying heavy objects).
• Collect and update data for Asset Management Plan.
• Train and assist other Field Operations staff on water system repairs (including emergency repairs and infrastructure replacement) and/or meter replacements, as needed. • Train and assist other staff with locates at all water systems, as needed.
• Create, maintain, and update distribution maps to all water systems.
• Work with Director of Field Operations to maintain the Cross Connection Control Plan for all PUD water systems.
• Work with Director of Field Operations in writing scopes of work for planned projects. • Work with the Director of Field Operations to accomplish the PUD's strategic plan, vision, and goals.
• Manage required paperwork at each water system and update as needed. • Assist in scheduling maintenance and repairs for PUD water systems.
• Perform lead worker duties as needed.
• Perform duties all Meter Reader job classification duties as needed.
• Other duties as required.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Must possess knowledge of principles, regulations, practices, materials, and operating procedures pertinent to the operations and maintenance of multi-water distribution, supply, and treatment systems.
• Must possess the ability to communicate technical information clearly and concisely to a variety of audiences, including but not limited to, customers, field and office employees, state, county and municipal oversight agencies, and management.
• Must possess effective communication skills, both written and verbal.
• Must be team-oriented but able to work independently.
• Must be able to work under pressure, handle multiple tasks, and meet deadlines. • Must be able to deal with irate or disgruntled individuals that will require the use of conflict management skills.
• Ability and willingness to be on call, and work if needed during evenings, weekends and on holidays.
• Must have the ability to comply with all PUD policies and procedures and maintain confidential information.
• Must maintain a safe driving record and be able to serve as the primary operator of a District owned vehicle.
• Must be safety-conscious and committed to safe work practices.
• Must keep assigned vehicle and equipment clean and in good working order. • Work in accordance with District and generally accepted industry safety practices.

Minimum Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalency (GED).
• Valid Washington State Driver's License with a driving record acceptable to the PUD's insurance carrier.

Preferred Qualifications

• One (1) to two (2) years of experience working with multi-water distribution and drinking water treatment systems.
• Prior experience in construction, plumbing, or water utility service industry • First Aid/CPR/AED certification

Physical Requirements

• Position requires the ability to stand, walk, bend, and lay for extended periods of time. • Position requires the ability to work in small spaces for extended periods of time. • Position requires the ability to drive up to 250 miles or more per day, frequently enter and exit a vehicle, walk up to a mile to job sites, and walk on uneven, steep, or marshy terrain. • Position requires the ability to lift objects up to 75 pounds in weight.

• Position requires employee to perform simple grasping and fine manipulation, use a telephone, and write and/or use a keyboard to communicate through written means.
• Position requires the ability to work dexterously using multiple hand and power tools for extended periods of time.
• Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, the ability to adjust focus and the ability to distinguish between shades of color.

Working Conditions

Work is primarily performed outdoors in all weather conditions in a field environment. Field Technician will travel from site to site, up to 250 miles per day. Exposure to extreme temperatures, adverse weather conditions, excessive noise, high voltage, toxic chemicals, environmental/seasonal allergens, and other hazards is possible. Field Technician may also be required to work near moving traffic. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.

Level of Authority

Work is performed under the general direction of the Director of Field Operations. The Field Technician I is expected to perform most assignments independently.

Apply

To apply, send your resume that highlights your qualifications to Thurston PUD using one of the methods below.

Email: HR@thurstonpud.org

Fax (360) 357-1172

Mail or In Person: Thurston PUD

Attn: Human Resources

1230 Ruddell Rd SE

Lacey, WA 98503

Resumes will be accepted until the position is filled. For questions regarding this recruitment, please contact our Human Resources Team at HR@thurstonpud.org or call us at (360) 357-8783.

During the recruitment process, background checks (e.g., criminal history records, employment reference checks, driving record checks, etc.) will be conducted on the top candidates. The PUD is an Equal Opportunity Employer and maintains policies for a drug-free and smoke-free work environment.

About Thurston PUD

Established in 1938, Thurston PUD is a special-purpose municipal agency located in Lacey, WA. The PUD currently owns and operates 271 water systems, serving a population of approximately 25,000 people, including families, businesses, schools, and parks. Thurston PUD provides water planning and utility services to the citizens of Thurston County and operates water systems in Pierce, Lewis, King, and Grays Harbor counties. The PUD is governed by three Commissioners who are elected by the voters of Thurston County to serve for six years.

The PUD offers a competitive and comprehensive benefits package for full-time, permanent positions that includes:

• Group healthcare coverage (medical, dental, vision) with low employee premiums, • Group term life insurance, long-term disability coverage, and accidental death and dismemberment coverage at no cost to PUD employees,
• Participation in the State of Washington retirement plan,
• Voluntary participation in the State of Washington Deferred Compensation Program, • Ten paid holidays and two personal holidays each year, in addition to sick and vacation leave benefits,
• PUD-paid training and certifications, and

• Clothing allowance for administrative staff. For Field Operations staff, the PUD provides safety clothing, work boots, and other equipment.