WATER DISTRIBUTION / UTILITY OPERATOR

WATER DISTRIBUTION / UTILITY OPERATOR Loring Development Authority of Maine Location: Loring Commerce Centre, Limestone, Maine Department: Water & Wastewater Utilities Reports To: Utility Operations Manager / President & CEO Employment Status: Full-Time FLSA Status: Non-Exempt Position Summary The Water Distribution Manager / Utility Operator is responsible for the day-to-day operation, maintenance, repair, and reliability of the Loring Development Authority's water distribution system. This is a hands-on field position responsible for water mains, valves, hydrants, service connections, meters, system inspections, preventive maintenance, utility locating, emergency repairs, and related distribution infrastructure throughout the Loring Commerce Centre. The position also assists with wastewater collection infrastructure and other utility operations as needed and works closely with LDA's water treatment personnel to ensure reliable operation of the overall water system. A current State of Maine Class I Water Distribution Operator (1D) license is required. Essential Duties and ResponsibilitiesWater Distribution Perform daily operation, inspection, and maintenance of LDA's water distribution system. Maintain and repair water mains, service lines, hydrants, valves, meters, curb stops, and related infrastructure. Respond to water main breaks, leaks, pressure problems, service interruptions, and other system emergencies. Perform routine hydrant and water-main flushing. Exercise and inspect distribution valves and hydrants. Assist with installation, replacement, testing, and troubleshooting of water meters. Investigate leaks, low-pressure conditions, service problems, and other distribution system concerns. Locate and identify underground water and utility infrastructure. Coordinate water shutdowns and restoration of service associated with maintenance and repairs. Assist with new water service connections and modifications to existing services in accordance with approved plans and applicable requirements. Monitor the general condition and performance of distribution infrastructure and identify needed repairs or improvements. Maintenance and Repairs Perform routine and preventive maintenance throughout the distribution system. Maintain tools, vehicles, pumps, equipment, and materials used for utility operations. Maintain appropriate inventories of repair parts, fittings, pipe, valves, and emergency materials. Assist with excavation and repair activities associated with underground utilities. Coordinate with contractors when specialized equipment or services are required. Assist with planning and scheduling system maintenance and repairs. Support seasonal preparation and winter utility operations. Wastewater and Utility Support Assist with inspection and maintenance of LDA's wastewater collection infrastructure. Assist with sewer lines, manholes, pump stations, and related infrastructure as assigned. Respond to water and wastewater utility emergencies. Assist other LDA utility and facilities personnel when operational needs require additional support. Field Coordination Serve as a primary field contact for routine water distribution activities. Coordinate distribution work with water treatment personnel and other LDA employees. Provide technical assistance and field direction to utility maintenance employees working on the distribution system. Assist with training employees in distribution system operations, equipment, emergency procedures, and safe work practices. Coordinate with contractors, engineers, regulators, and outside utility partners as directed. Maintain working knowledge of Loring's existing water distribution infrastructure and system configuration. Regulatory Compliance and Recordkeeping Perform duties in accordance with applicable State of Maine drinking water requirements and established LDA procedures. Maintain the required Maine Water Distribution Operator license in good standing. Maintain operating logs, inspection records, maintenance records, work orders, and other required documentation. Assist with sampling, regulatory inspections, reporting, and corrective actions appropriate to the position. Follow established procedures for water-main repairs, shutdowns, disinfection, flushing, sampling, and restoration of service. Immediately report significant water-quality, operational, safety, or regulatory concerns to utility management. Participate in required training and continuing education. Emergency and On-Call Responsibilities The Water Distribution Manager / Utility Operator is an essential utility position and is expected to participate in LDA's utility emergency and on-call coverage. Responsibilities include: Responding to water-main breaks and significant leaks. Responding to service interruptions and system emergencies. Assisting with emergency shutdowns and restoration of service. Responding to utility problems outside normal working hours when required. Coordinating personnel, equipment, contractors, and materials necessary for emergency repairs. Supporting continuity of utility service during severe weather, power outages, equipment failures, and other emergency conditions. Evening, weekend, and holiday work may occasionally be required. Safety Responsibilities Follow applicable OSHA requirements and LDA safety procedures. Properly use required personal protective equipment. Follow applicable excavation, trenching, confined-space, traffic-control, chemical-handling, and lockout/tagout procedures. Maintain safe work areas around utility construction and repair activities. Operate vehicles, tools, and equipment safely. Immediately report unsafe conditions, accidents, and damaged or malfunctioning equipment. Minimum Qualifications Current State of Maine Class I Water Distribution Operator (1D) license required. Experience with the operation, maintenance, construction, or repair of public water distribution systems. Working knowledge of water mains, valves, hydrants, meters, service connections, and related infrastructure. Ability to diagnose and respond to water distribution system problems. Ability to operate utility vehicles, pumps, tools, and maintenance equipment. Ability to read utility maps, system drawings, and basic construction plans. Ability to maintain accurate operational and maintenance records. Ability to perform physically demanding field work. Ability to work independently and as part of a utility operations team. Ability to respond to emergency situations and participate in an on-call rotation. Valid driver's license required. Preferred Qualifications Higher-level Maine Water Distribution Operator licensing is preferred. Additional experience or certifications in the following areas are desirable: Water treatment operations. Wastewater collection systems. Heavy equipment operation. Commercial driver's license (CDL). Confined-space entry. Excavation and trench safety. Utility locating. Water sampling and testing. Underground utility construction and repair. Physical and Working Conditions This is primarily a field position. The employee must be able to: Work outdoors throughout the year, including during adverse weather conditions. Perform physically demanding utility maintenance and repair activities. Lift and move tools, equipment, pipe, fittings, and other materials associated with utility work. Work around excavations, underground utilities, mechanical equipment, water facilities, and active infrastructure. Climb, bend, kneel, stand, and work in confined or restricted areas when appropriately trained and authorized. Safely operate vehicles, tools, and utility equipment. Respond to emergency conditions outside normal working hours. Additional Duties The employee may be assigned other duties reasonably related to LDA's utility and infrastructure operations, including: Snow removal and winter operations. Equipment operation. Grounds and infrastructure maintenance. Emergency response. Utility construction and repair projects. Capital improvement projects. Contractor coordination. General facilities support when necessary. Position Purpose The Water Distribution Manager / Utility Operator is a key member of LDA's water and wastewater operations team. The position provides the hands-on field experience and system knowledge necessary to maintain safe, dependable water distribution throughout the Loring Commerce Centre. The position works in coordination with LDA's water treatment operations to ensure that water production and distribution function as an integrated utility system while maintaining clear responsibility for the field operation, maintenance, and repair of the water distribution infrastructure. Equal Employment Opportunity The Loring Development Authority of Maine is an equal opportunity employer. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or other status protected by applicable law. Pay: $40,000.00 - $70,000.00 per year Benefits: Dental insurance Flexible schedule Health insurance Life insurance Paid time off Professional development assistance Vision insurance Work Location: In person