City of Cornelia, Georgia Position Description Utilities Operator / Laboratory Technician DEPARTMENT Utilities DIVISION Wastewater Treatment Plant SUPERVISOR Utilities Superintendent / Laboratory Director CLASSIFICATION Full-Time, Non-Union, Technical DEFINITION: Under general direction, performs skilled work in the operation and maintenance of water and wastewater systems. Those designated may oversee part-time, seasonal, or full-time employees in the same or lower classifications. May be assigned to one functional area within the Division, such as water, wastewater, or infrastructure. Under direction of the Utilities Superintendent/Laboratory Director, assists with and conducts chemical testing programs involved in control and treatment of wastewater treatment, industrial pretreatment, environmental control testing, and related laboratory analysis. EQUIPMENT/JOB LOCATION: The Utilities Operator is required to drive to every facility which is operated and maintained by the Utilities Division, and have the mobility and agility to move about each site as the work demands dictate. In the role as a Laboratory Technician the employee will work primarily at the Wastewater Treatment Plant. The job requires driving to various industries and other sampling locations to collect wastewater samples. The employee must also be skilled in the use of standard laboratory instruments and apparatus associated with conducting wastewater and water treatment analyses. The employee is furthermore required to drive to every facility which is operated and maintained by the Utilities Department, and have the mobility and agility to move about each site as the work demands dictate. Finally, the employee must be able to operate vehicles and equipment associated with water/wastewater utilities work. ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS OF THE JOB: • Performs analysis, including, but not limited to pH, total suspended solids, chemical oxygen demand, carbonaceous biochemical oxygen demand, grease and oil, fecal coliform, nitrates, nitrites, alkalinity, dissolved oxygen, and ammonia. The Operator/Laboratory Technician will pick up samples from local industries/municipality sites and transport them to the laboratory for analysis. • Performs the administrative functions of requisition and supply, and primary records-keeping for the laboratory and the treatment plant, as assigned. • May assist the Utilities Superintendent / Laboratory Director with inspection of facilities under the pretreatment program. • Attendance during regularly scheduled work hours. • Effective and respectful communication and interactions with other employees, supervisors, individuals from other organizations, and citizen customers. • Performs work related to the operation of a water or wastewater system and equipment. • Operates utility trucks, air compressors, pipe saws, tractors, tractor loaders, backhoes, electronic locating equipment, chemical and TV equipment, rodders, jetters, and other power driven equipment and tools. • Paints, repairs, and services equipment and facilities. • Must be available for emergency overtime work. ADDITIONAL FUNCTIONS OF THE JOB: • Performs other related functions as assigned or apparent. REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE AND ABILITIES: • Knowledge of chemistry and biology as applied to the treatment of water, sewage, and industrial wastes. • Thorough knowledge of tests and procedures in sampling and testing water. • Ability to assist the Utilities Superintendent / Laboratory Director in performing frequent and complex chemical tests and analyses. • Ability to maintain effective working relationships. • Knowledge of water and/or wastewater system components and practices, tools, and materials used in water and sewer service work. • Knowledge of standard water and/or wastewater treatment tests and test procedures. • Performs heavy manual labor. • Knowledge of the occupational hazards and safety precautions necessary in the operation of a water and/or wastewater system. • Ability to read meters and gauges correctly and to act quickly and independently in operational emergencies. • Mechanical aptitude. • Knowledge of basic first aid training. • Ability to use a personal computer. MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: Must possess a high school diploma or GED, and college or technical college level courses in chemistry and/or biology, such as, but not limited to, analytical chemistry, general chemistry, microbiology, or limnology amounting to approximately 20 credit hours. PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS: Possession of a valid State of Georgia Class B Commercial driver’s license. CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT: Must possess a valid Georgia driver’s license. Must possess or obtain a valid State of Georgia Class III (3) Biological Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator License or State of Georgia Laboratory Analyst License within eighteen (18) months of employment. Satisfactory completion of background examination, physical examination, and drug/alcohol testing. Must comply with organizational and departmental policies. WORK SCHEDULE: Working hours are flexible, Monday through Friday, 40 hours per week, with some weekends as needed.  

PUBLIC WORKS OPERATOR BUILDINGS & GROUNDS REPORTS TO:  Public Works Superintendent        FLSA STATUS: Non-Exempt   Purpose of Job  The purpose of this job is to perform a full range of groundskeeping duties in developing and maintaining the outdoor environment at the City of Cornelia parks, buildings, and rights-of-way.  Duties and responsibilities include but are not limited to, mowing, pruning trees and bushes, application of chemical treatments, equipment operation and maintenance, and performing additional tasks as assigned.      Essential Duties and Responsibilities  The following duties are normal for this job. These are not to be construed as exclusive or all-inclusive. Other duties may be required and assigned.   

• Performs mowing services; prunes and/or removes limbs, trees, and stumps. 
• Maintains mowed areas as required for specific uses such as lawns, roadsides, parks and recreation areas, and wildlife management areas.
• Operates landscape equipment such as mowers, tractors, trimmers, sprayers, and chainsaws.
• Provides needed maintenance to ornamental shrubs, seasonal flowers or other landscape plantings, including fertilizing, weeding, watering, spraying, mulching, pruning, and/or removing limbs, trees, and stumps. 

• Installs trees, shrubbery, flowers, grasses, and other plantings from general instructions or landscape plans. 
• Performs routine and special events litter control. 
• Determines the need for and applies water to landscape plantings. 
• Applies herbicides, insecticides, and fungicides. 
• Installs and repairs irrigation systems. 
• Performs routine equipment maintenance such as checking and changing oil fluid levels and sharpening of blades. 
• Operates and/or assists with chipping brush and leaf vacuuming.
• Performs traffic control setup for work sites. 
• Assists Sanitation when required.
• Performs other related duties as required. 

  Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities  Has general knowledge of the policies, procedures, and activities of Building and Grounds  as they pertain to the performance of duties relating to the position of Public Works Operator.  Skill in using tractors, backhoes, loaders, utility trucks, mowers, power tools, and a variety of landscape maintenance tools and supplies. Knowledge and proficiency in the use of soil preparation tools, pruning tools, sprayers, spreaders, chippers, construction tools, irrigation tools, landscape supplies, landscape supplies, and safety equipment.  Has general knowledge of the terminology used within the department. Has the ability to communicate effectively with supervisors and other staff members. Has the ability to use independent judgment in routine and non-routine situations. Has the mathematical ability to handle required calculations.  Has the ability to plan, organize and/or prioritize daily assignments as assigned by a crewleader. Is able to comprehend and apply the regulations and procedures of the department.   Minimum Training and Experience Required to Perform Essential Job Functions  A high school diploma or equivalent is required.  A combination of education, training, and experience which would provide the requisite knowledge, skills, and abilities for this position are preferred.    (ADA) MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS OR STANDARDS REQUIRED TO PERFORM ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:  Must be physically able to operate a variety of machinery and equipment such as tractors, backhoes, front-end loaders, fork lifts, various trucks, mowers, tillers, power tools, pruning tools, sprayers and spreaders, construction tools, irrigation tools, and other equipment and supplies needed for grounds keeping and landscape maintenance. Must be able to use body members to work, move or carry objects or materials. Must be able to exert over 100 pounds of force occasionally, and/or in excess of 50 pounds of force frequently. Physical demand requirements are at levels of those for very heavy work.  Attendance is an essential element of the job. INTERPERSONAL COMMUNICATION: Requires the ability to speak and/or signal people to convey or exchange information. Includes receiving assignments and/or directions from co-workers or assistants / from supervisors. Requires the ability to follow directions, instructions, and methods and procedures. Requires the ability to speak to people with poise, voice control, and confidence.  Requires the ability to learn and understand basic principles and techniques; to acquire and be able to expound on knowledge of topics related to primary occupation.  VERBAL APTITUDE: Requires the ability to record and deliver information, to explain procedures, and to follow oral and written instructions. Must be able to communicate effectively and efficiently in a variety of technical and professional languages including medical, mechanic, and electrical terminology.  Requires the ability to inspect items for proper length, width, and shape, visually with mechanics and electrical equipment.  MOTOR COORDINATION: Requires the ability to coordinate hands and eyes in using mechanics and electrical equipment.  Requires the ability to handle a variety of items such as equipment, vehicles, and tools. Must have the ability to use one hand for twisting or turning motion while coordinating other hand with different activities. Must have minimal levels of eye/hand/foot coordination.  Requires the ability to differentiate between colors and shades of color. Requires the ability to deal with people. Must be adaptable to performing under moderate stress when confronted with an emergency.  Requires the ability to talk and/or hear: (Talking - expressing or exchanging ideas by means of spoken words). (Hearing - perceiving nature of sounds by ear). Must be able to communicate via telephone, two-way radio.