UPPER SAUCON TOWNSHIP

POSITION: Water System Operator

DEPARTMENT: Water/Sewer

DIVISION: Water

FLSA STATUS: Non-Exempt

REPORTS TO: Director of Water / Sewer Resources, Asst. Director of Water / Sewer Resources and Working Foreman

Date Prepared: 10/23/2026

GENERAL SUMMARY

Performs various tasks with respect to the operation and maintenance of the Water Treatment and Distribution System during On-Call shifts or emergency conditions. Performs other tasks as assigned by Department Head, Assistant Department Head or Working Foreman.

DESIRED DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Preferred and maintains a Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection Class B, Sub Class 7, 11 and 12.
• Ability to understand and abide by regulatory permits, rules and regulations pertaining to the Township water treatment and distribution system.
• Maintains and monitors water treatment processes to ensure compliance with state and federal regulations.
• Starts and stops pumps, regulates valves, observes flow details and reads gauges in order to assure proper operation of the water system.
• Operates the water system pump station equipment, interprets pump station related data and advises supervisor of corrective action needed or taken.
• Performs preventative and routine maintenance on the water system equipment such as lubricating and replacing parts.
• Understands and uses the SCADA system and computer controls for various water pumps, tanks and other facilities.
• Observes variations in operating conditions and interprets meter readings, gauges and test results to determine process requirements.
• Inspects, cleans and performs routine maintenance on water storage tanks.
• With approval of supervisory personnel or in accordance with standard operating procedures, makes process control and operating decisions associated with the operation and maintenance of the water treatment and distribution system.
• Assists with troubleshooting and repairing mechanical and electric problems at the water system pump stations.
• Safely transports, mixes, doses, regulates and maintains chemicals associated with the operations of the Township water system.
• Replace chlorine cylinders and properly regulate the flow of chlorine.
• Works in and around hazardous materials; must display ability to properly use and dispose of hazardous materials.
• Collects water samples and conducts laboratory tests as directed.
• Performs tests required to meet state requirements; prepares chemicals and reagents required in drinking water analysis process; keeps area clean and hazard free; records test results in manual or automated records systems; interprets data and advises supervisor on corrective action.
• Calibrates and maintains chlorine analyzing equipment.
• Installs, troubleshoots and replaces water meters.
• Performs functions of water meter reader as directed.
• Assists staff from other Township departments and / or divisions as needed.
• Loads truck with appropriate material and / or equipment for daily tasks.
• Cleans and maintains tools, machinery and equipment.
• Attend training sessions, workshops and classes related to job duties; completes required continuing education courses to maintain water system certification license.
• Adheres to all safety rules and regulations.
• Maintains regular and reliable attendance.
• Operates vehicles and equipment in a safe and responsible manner.
• Ability to work weekends when scheduled, be on call periodically and respond to emergencies such as water main breaks on short notice. May be required to be on call for snow / ice control operations.
• May advise or provide training to Laborer and /or Equipment Operator I employees.
• Performs flagger and work zone traffic control duties as directed.
• Locates and marks areas for safe digging and / or for PA One Call purposes.
• Behave in a professional and courteous manner when interacting with the public and other employees.
• Plows snow and salts /cinders roadways as directed by the Director or Asst. Director of Roads and Properties. Clears snow from sidewalks and parking areas at Township facilities as directed.
• Performs lawn and garden maintenance care to include mowing (riding and push mowers), raking, watering, weeding, trimming trees and bushes, etc.
• Performs various labor-intensive tasks; include lifting heavy materials, climbing ladders or stairs, shoveling and sweeping.

OTHER DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Performs other related duties as requested.

DESIRED MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS OR ABILITY TO OBTAIN

Education and Experience

• Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection Class B, Sub Class 7, 11 and 12.
• High School diploma or GED and two years relevant experience in water system treatment / operation. 
• Valid PA Driver’s License with Class B CDL endorsement.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Duties require general knowledge of modern methods, procedures, rules & regulations, facilities and equipment used in the construction, treatment, operation, maintenance and repair of water systems.
• Knowledge of processes and equipment involved in water treatment.
• Knowledge of water main and service line installation. 
• General knowledge of computers and related software is required.
• Knowledge of safety regulations and practices relating to water treatment, and water distribution systems, is essential.
• Skill in the operation and maintenance of a variety of light and heavy equipment relating to the treatment of water; skill in the use of hand and power tools. 
• Ability to complete and maintain records, reports and logs. Accuracy and integrity in recording information in reports and logs is essential.    
• Good physical condition is required to perform heavy physical labor
• Ability to tolerate environments containing dust, dirt, mud, grease, smoke, fumes and potential hazards including confined spaces.
• Ability to read and interpret manuals, reports, specifications, regulations, plans, drawings, blueprints and engineering guidelines related to the operation and maintenance of a water system.
• Ability to read and interpret charts, graphs and gauges.
• Ability to write memos and reports.
• Ability to work alone or with others and to work with minimum supervision.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with other employees is essential.
• Ability to use computer hardware and software, including standard word processing, spreadsheets, calendar, email and internet software.
• Demonstrate integrity and commitment to innovation, efficiency and fiscally responsible activity.

SUPERVISION EXERCISED

             None.

Preffered LICENSING AND CERTIFICATION

• Possession of a valid Class B, Subclass 7, 11 and 12, Water System Operators Certificate.
• Continuing education is required in order to maintain Water System Operators Certificate.
• Possession of a valid PA Driver’s License with Class B CDL endorsement, with trailer.
• Flagger certification (or must obtain flagger certification within 6 months of being hired).

TOOLS AND EQUIPMENT USED

Various equipment that is related to the operation and maintenance of the water system, dump trucks, backhoes, pick up trucks, hand and power tools, laboratory equipment, chlorine analysis instruments, pumps, valves, gates, tapping machine, line locators, leak detection equipment, welding equipment, meter reading equipment, lawn equipment, calculator, computer hardware and software, and general office equipment.  

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The physical demands described here 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 functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand; walk; sit; use hands to finger, handle or feel; reach with hands and arms; climb and balance; stoop, kneel, bend, crouch or crawl; talk, see (visual acuity, depth perception and color vision) and hear. Heavy lifting/pushing of 50 pounds or more is occasionally required. Special physical effort may be required when performing routine and emergency maintenance.  

WORK ENVIRONMENT

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

While performing duties of this job in the field which will include water main breaks or at facilities, the employee is exposed to wet and humid conditions, moving mechanical parts, sharp blades or instruments, strong odors, fumes, gases or airborne particles, toxic or caustic chemicals, outside weather conditions, confined spaces, extreme heights, extreme heat; flames, risk of explosion, electrical shock, burns and strong vibration. The noise level in the work environment can be very loud.

The employee may be exposed to mental stress due to public service.

External and internal applicants, as well as position incumbents who become disabled as defined under the Americans with Disabilities Act, must be able to perform the essential job functions (as listed) either unaided or with the assistance of a reasonable accommodation to be determined by management on a case by case basis.