Water System Operator

1. Role and responsibilities

This role is responsible for the comprehensive security, operational integrity, and maintenance of the water system compound, pump houses, generator houses, and associated equipment. Key duties include strictly controlling facility access based on prior authorization; ensuring all safety equipment is properly located and functional; maintaining site cleanliness; safely operating pumps, generators, water treatment systems, and solar power according to protocols under EMO direction; assisting technical staff with maintenance and repairs; monitoring and refilling generator fuel/oil; conducting water treatment operations (jar testing, chemical dosing, cleaning); managing chemical and spare parts inventory; continuously monitoring water supply levels and system performance; meticulously recording operational data; promptly reporting any malfunctions, hazards, or security breaches; and being available 24/7 to relay emergencies via radio/phone to relevant personnel.

Specific responsibilities 

• Maintain security at the water system compound, pump houses, and generator houses to prevent theft, burglary, vandalism, and ensure the safety assets.
• Strictly regulate entry to all facilities, verifying that all visitors possess valid, prior authorization from NRC management before granting access.
• Ensure all safety equipment (fire extinguishers, dust masks, first-aid kits) is correctly positioned, fully accessible, and functional.
• Maintain the cleanliness, orderliness, and general upkeep of the water system compound, pump houses, and generator houses.
• Safely operate pumps, generators, water treatment systems, and related equipment as directed by the Electromechanical Officer (EMO), adhering to all operational procedures.
• Perform precise daily startup, operation, and shutdown for generators, pumps, and solar power systems according to the NRC protocols.
• Perform scheduled inspections and maintain close observation of pumps, generators, control panels, and associated equipment to ensure optimal performance and identify potential issues proactively.
• Assist Electromechanical Officers/Assistants and Plumbers during scheduled servicing, maintenance, and repair activities for generators, pumps, and water systems.
• Monitor generator fuel and oil levels; perform timely refueling and oil replenishment as required.
• Conduct daily operational activities at water treatment facilities, including jar testing, precise chemical dosing (chlorine, alum), and cleaning of treatment units, service reservoirs, and clean water storage facilities.
• Properly safeguard, store, and maintain inventories for water treatment reagents, chemicals, consumables, and spare parts.
• Continuously monitor water supply levels and system performance to ensure adequate, reliable water delivery to the camp.
• Record daily water meter readings, generator operating hours, fuel/oil consumption, and water quality test results meticulously and accurately in designated logs.
• Implement daily water quality tests at reservoirs and treatment plants, ensuring optimal disinfection (chlorination) and coagulation (alum dosing) according to established technical protocols.
• Immediately report any equipment malfunctions, damage, safety hazards, security breaches, operational problems (generators, pumps, solar systems, treatment plants) to the Supervisor, Electromechanical Officer (EMO), and relevant technical staff (EM Assistant, Plumbers).
• Remain available 24/7 to receive and relay critical radio/telephone communications concerning water system emergencies or urgent operational issues to the Operations Team, EMO, Assistant EMO, and Plumbers without delay.
• Perform any other reasonable tasks assigned by the Supervisor or Electromechanical Officer pertinent to the role’s responsibilities and site operations.

Critical interfaces

Relevant interfaces for this position are:

• External: local authorities, community leaders.
• Internal: WASH Team Leader, Plumbers/Electromechanical Officers, Support Departments (Logistics, Finance), other CC teams.

Professional competencies:

• Primary education complete and two years’ experience in similar position.
• Self-motivated, honest, responsible, and punctual.
• Ability to work under pressure in a potentially unstable security situation
• Committed to serve the refugee and host communities
• Basic English.

2. Behavioral competencies

The following NRC’s competencies are essential for this position:

• Managing resources and achieving results
• Handling insecure environments
• Communicating with impact and respect
• Working with people
• Coping with change
• Planning and delivering results.