Operator in Training

Operator in Training

Salary

$26.38 - $38.50 Hourly

Location

Public Works Utilities Department, AK

Job Type

Full-Time

Job Number

FY2027-00003

Department

Public Works

Division

Utilities

Opening Date

07/14/2026

Closing Date

7/22/2026 5:00 PM Alaska

FLSA

Non-Exempt

Bargaining Unit

302

• Description
• Benefits

Job Summary

Entry level position learning to operate and maintain the City of Wasilla's water treatment and distribution systems and the wastewater collection and treatment systems. Ensure systems are kept in excellent working order by providing excellent customer service while delivering a safe product to the utility customer under close supervision from the upper-level technicians.

Essential Duties

• Learn to operate water production and distributing facilities by controlling well production, storage reservoir volumes, booster stations, pressure reducing stations, and establish new connections.
• Learn to operate wastewater collection and treatment facilities by controlling lift stations, septage receiving facility, bar screens, grit separator, screen press, recirculation pumps, flow meter, aeration blowers, and establish new connections.
• Learn to maintain distribution of mains by exercising valves, servicing fire hydrants, detecting and repairing leaks, and trouble shoot electrical pumps and controls.
• Learn to maintain the sewer collection system by pumping septic tanks at regular intervals, exercise valves, detect and repair leaks, trouble shoot pumps and controls.
• Perform daily and weekend rounds and security checks on systems and facilities, record data on pumps, wells, reservoir activity, collect samples for measuring Cl2, pH, D.O. and adjust equipment as required.
• Ability to respond to utility call outs within 20 minutes from call, follow check list to troubleshoot problems, repair and bring system back into service.
• Perform fire hydrant maintenance by exercising valves, oiling, painting, and winterizing hydrant.
• Perform monthly meter readings, use computer to maintain customer data, upload and download information into hand-held meter reading units.
• Steam thaw mains and service connections, pump vaults, septic tanks, and service key box by operating a mobile steam boiler.
• Vactor mainline valve boxes and serve key box by operating a vacuum jetting truck.
• Locate service utility lines by reading and understanding as-built/record drawings, and use electronic equipment to find buried main lines and service lines.
• Perform other job-related duties and special projects, as assigned.

Knowlege, Skills and Abilities

• Knowledge of standard methods in water/wastewater fields and the State and Federal regulations that is associated with it.
• Ability to communicate effectively and express ideas clearly and concisely both in oral and written communications.
• Basic computer skills along with the skill to effectively read equipment and construction schematics.
• Ability to operate basic vehicles, sewer pumptruck, and a forklift.
• Homeland Security orientation tests (Incident Command Systems) will be required as a term of employment taken on-line Entry level IS-100 within fifteen days of date hire and IS-200, IS-700, and IS-800 within 45 days of date of hire.

Experience, Education Certificates, and Licenses

• High school diploma, GED or equivalent.
• One year experience in water distribution or sewer collection preferred.
• Experience operating with mechanical devices, pumps, motors, and hydraulic pressures.
• Must have or obtain State of Alaska Provisional level certification in water distribution, wastewater collections, water treatment, and wastewater treatment within 1-year of hire. Convert all 4 provisional certifications to level 1 within three years from date of hire.
• Must possess a valid Class A or B Commercial Driver's License with Tanker endorsement at time of application and be able to operate a motor vehicle.
• Must provide a current driving record from the state in which driver's license is held (dated within 30 days of request).
• Must obtain a valid State of Alaska Class A or B Commercial Driver's License with Tanker endorsement with satisfactory driving record within 30 days of hire.

Please read the below information carefully. This applies to your application submission.

Attaching a resume or curriculum vitae is not an alternative to filling out the application in its entirety. Leaving sections of the application blank, noting "see resume or CV" or any similar response on any portion of your application may lead to a determination your application is incomplete and removal from consideration for this job posting.

At time of application, applicants are requested to submit if applicable:

• Copy of academic transcripts (unofficial are okay, please ensure that the institution name/URL is listed on the transcript) if using education to meet the minimum qualifications.
• Three (3) professional references, two of which must be from a current or former supervisor (not applicable for internal positions).
• Reference requests are automatically sent upon submission of your application for certain positions.

SUPPLEMENTAL QUESTIONS

For your application to be evaluated you must answer the Supplemental Questions. Be sure to read each question carefully, answers cannot be changed once your application is submitted. Supplemental questions regarding certification, licenses or experience will be verified against information in your application and/or resume, failing to list required experience may cause your application to be denied.

EDUCATION

If post-secondary education is required to meet the minimum qualifications, you must fill in the Education section of the application. If you have not obtained a degree, please indicate the number of units completed. Copies of transcripts are required to verify educational credentials if used to meet the minimum qualifications for a position. Transcripts can be attached at the time of application or within 48 hours of the close of this recruitment to the contact person listed below.

EEO STATEMENT

The City of Wasilla complies with Title I of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Individuals with disabilities, who require accommodation, auxiliary aides or services, or alternative communication formats, please call 1-907-373-9039. The City of Wasilla is an equal opportunity employer.

DRUG-FREE WORKPLACE POLICY

In compliance with the Drug-Free Workplace Act of 1988 the City of Wasilla prohibits the unlawful manufacture, distribution, dispensing, possession, or use by an employee of a controlled substance as defined in Schedules I through V of Section 202 of the Controlled Substances Act (21 USC 812), and as further defined by policy at 21 CFR 1308.11 - 1308.15 is prohibited in any workplace of the city.

Any individual who conducts business for the city, applies for a position or conducts business on the city's property is covered by the drug-free workplace policy. The policy includes, but is not limited to, all employees, contractors, volunteers, interns, and applicants.

NOTICE

If you choose to be contacted by email, please ensure your email address is correct on your application and that the spam filter will permit email from the 'govermentjobs.com' domains. For information on allowing emails from the 'governmentjobs.com' domains, visit the Lost Password Help page located at https://www.governmentjobs.com/OnlineApplication/User/ResetPassword/User/ResetPassword.

The City of Wasilla offers a robust benefit package for employees. In addition to retirement, health and life insurance, and paid leave, employees may elect supplemental benefits through payroll deduction.

• Health insurance is provided through Blue Cross Blue Shield. The City covers 100% of the monthly premiums for employees and dependents. This plan includes medical, dental, vision, prescription drugs, disability benefits, and more for the employee and eligible dependents. Coverage begins on the first of the month following 30 days' continuous employment. Deductible for individual/family is $300/$600 and Out of Pocket maximum is $2300/$4600. Click here to see the summary plan description booklet: F12-02-SPD-2020-With-Inserts-as-of-08.23.23.pdf (engineerstrust.com).
• 24/7 Telemedicine via SwiftMD. These visits are covered in full and are not subject to the annual deductible or coinsurance provisions of the plan.
• Full-time employees receive 11 paid holidays: New Years Day, President's Day, Seward's Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Alaska Day, Veteran's Day, Thanksgiving and the day after, and Christmas Day.
• 302 members receive two additional floating holidays every July 1st.
• Employees with 0-3 years of service with the City of Wasilla will accrue 144 hours/year (12 hours/month) of paid time off. After 3 years, they will qualify for 16 hours/month, and after 8 years of service, employees qualify for 20 hours of PTO per month. PTO may be cashed out twice per year.
• Retirement is provided through the State of Alaska PERS (Public Employees Retirement System). Employees who first became members on or after July 1, 2006, participate in PERS Tier IV, the Defined Contribution Plan. Participation in PERS is mandatory and the current contribution rate is 8% of gross wages. Defined Benefit (Tier I, II, III) current contribution rate is 6.75% of gross wages. Employees in this Defined Benefit are eligible to participate in the Voluntary Savings Account. The City of Wasilla matches 5% of employee contributions for Tier IV employees and a 22% Cost Share for Tier I-III employees. Upon reaching 5 years of employment with the City of Wasilla, an employee will become fully vested.
• State of Alaska Supplemental Benefit System (SBS) annuity plan is provided in lieu of Federal Social Security (deductions for Medicare will still be required). Participation in this program is mandatory. The current employee contribution is 6.13% of gross wages and is matched by the City. Information can be found online through the State of Alaska Division of Benefits and Retirement at http://doa.alaska.gov/drb.
• Life insurance is offered and 100% paid for employees and dependents through Symetra Life Insurance Company. Employees receive a $50,000 policy and each eligible dependent receives a $2,000 policy. Coverage begins on 1st of the month following 30 days continuous employment. This is a portable policy, and employees can take over the premium payments upon separation if they choose to keep the policy.
• The Employee Assistance Program (EAP) is free to employees and their entire household. The EAP includes valuable work/life balance tools ranging from fitness and nutrition, eight counseling sessions, and legal services. MagellanHealth.com/member 1-800-478-2812.
• Supplemental benefits are available through AFLAC, MetLife, Mission Square, New York Life, Colonial, and Symetra at a cost to employee.

Employer City of Wasilla

Address 290 E Herning Ave

Wasilla, Alaska, 99654

Phone 907-373-9035

Website http://www.cityofwasilla.gov