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Job Description
Full-Time Public Works Utilities Operator I (Internal & External) The Town of Taos is seeking qualified applicants for the following two (2) full-time positions which includes an excellent benefit package; 100% major medical premium paid for employee with a choice of State of New Mexico Blue Cross Blue Shield, Gold HMO & PPO or Presbyterian, Gold HMO & PPO, United Health Care, HMO & PPO. State of New Mexico Public Employee Retirement Association (PERA) Retirement, personal leave and holiday pay, employee development and training programs and much more! VA#25-26-42
Job Title:
Public Works Utilities Operator I Public Works Department FLSA Classification:
Non-Exempt Hourly:
$20.09
Opening Date:
June 18, 2026
Closing Date:
Open Until Filled
GENERAL PURPOSE
Performs a variety of entry level skilled duties in the operation of heavy and light equipment in the construction, repair, maintenance, and replacement of various components of the Town public utilities systems, including water distribution, wastewater collection or related public utilities operations.
SUPERVISION RECEIVED
Works under general supervision of a Public Utilities Superintendent or Foreman.
SUPERVISION EXERCISED
None.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
General:
Performs routine inspection and preventive maintenance on assigned equipment, cleans equipment and refers defects or needed repairs to supervisor. Performs all other assigned tasks.
Meter Reader:
Operates electronic, hand-held meter reading instruments; reads commercial and residential utility water meters on assigned routes and records meter readings; rereads "exception list" meters; loads meter readings from hand held meter reading units into computer and unloads route information from hand held meter reading units; processes meter data as needed to prepare billing notices for printing and mailing. Performs general customer service in communicating account activity; actions related to connections and disconnections of water service; interacts with the public on meter reading questions. Visually checks operation of meters and reports tampering or damage; may perform general and routine meter repairs; performs seasonal duties, insulates meters to prevent freezing; responds to service calls to thaw frozen lines or connections; utilizes torch or thawing equipment. Notes readings which appear to be high or low and assists in meter repair as needed; maintains accurate records of readings, schedules, damaged meters, etc., and forwards information to the appropriate Town workers. Performs preventative maintenance on assigned vehicle and keeps vehicle in good working order.
Water Systems :
Operates a variety of equipment in the construction, operation, repair, maintenance, and replacement of Town water facilities and systems. Performs installation or repair of water service connections, repairs, maintains or replaces fire hydrants water meters; meter cans, meter valves, etc.; repairs water mains; thaws frozen lines and water meters; insulates water meters; cleans and maintains storage tanks and well houses; connects and disconnects service; searches out main water valves; repairs water line leaks; assists in placement of pipe and water regulators; removes, disassembles, cleans or replaces defective parts of regulators, ; collects water samples to assure compliance with all local, state, and federal standards and regulations. Maintenance of well and water storage tank sites. Inspects and/or repairs Mix equipment or other chlorination units, booster pumping stations, water meters, storage tanks, wells, pump oil units, water softeners, etc., at frequent intervals to insure that all aspects of the systems are functioning properly; maintains a variety of records relating to inspections, maintenance activity, water supply, consumption, etc.; monitors SCADA/telemetry equipment to assure proper operations.
Wastewater System:
operates a variety of equipment in the construction, operation, repair, maintenance, and replacement of Town wastewater and storm drain systems; operates and maintains the wastewater collection system, and lift stations to control flow and processing of wastewater, sludge, and effluent in order to meet NPDES or other local, state or federal regulations. Inspects drainage reservoir and drainage channels, performs maintenance of drainage reservoir and channels including repairing fence, planting grass, removing unwanted vegetation, oiling gates, etc.; uses sewer TV/ camera equipment, gas meters, and other testing devices, monitors explosive and hazardous sewer gasses. Determines where replacement or repair of lines are necessary, determines necessity and quantity of chemicals needed to maintain safe conditions; performs manual and TV inspections of main and side sewer installation for compliance with regulations and requirements; conducts smoke and dye tests to locate problem areas and leaks. Responds to hazardous materials and flood emergencies; works as a member of Hazardous Materials and Flood Control Response Crews; neutralizes spills, performs traffic control; evacuates areas as necessary. Performs grease trap inspections to assure proper flow of sewer line and to meet NPDES or other local, state or federal regulations; maintains proper records of all grease trap inspections. Performs installation of sewer lines and manholes. Provides operational information to the water departments as well as meter readings to finance department; assists utility departments to locate meters when repairs or replacements are required. Assist other departments when needed, or as assigned. Performs related duties as required.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
Education and Experience:
Graduation from high school; AND One (1) year of experience in a field directly related to above duties; OR An equivalent combination of education and experience.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
Entry level knowledge of drawings and specifications, grades, machinery, materials, and methods of constructing water distribution lines, wastewater collection lines and drainage systems, etc.; safety standards related to utility line construction; hazards common to heavy equipment operation; equipment maintenance and repair; legal liabilities associated with utility systems construction, maintenance; basic computer operations and various software applications; the standard practices, methods, materials and
