Drinking Water Treatment Technician

Under supervision at least a Level II Water Treatment Plant Operator, a Water Treatment Plant Operator I performs a variety of duties essential to the operation of a conventional water treatment plant and water distribution system. The work is performed in accordance with TCEQ rules and regulations for the operation of a major drinking water treatment facility. The operator treats raw and finished water to ensure customers receive high quality drinking water and that the water is delivered in adequate quantity and pressure for domestic and firefighting use, while following safe hazardous material handling procedures and safe work processes.

This is an entry level training position in the Water Treatment Plant Operator series. Positions at this level have minimal or general skills in plant operations, mechanical repair and maintenance in an industrial work environment, including some experience with instrumentation but are not expected to function with the same amount of program knowledge or skill level as Water Treatment Plant Operator II positions.

Individuals at this level are expected to learn and become fully knowledgeable of the assigned tasks and duties of a drinking water treatment plant operator, and to learn the full range of operations, maintenance, and repair functions assigned to a plant operator. Certification as a Class “D” Water Operator must be obtained from the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality within one year of employment.

Operates the water treatment plant including related subsystems and instrumentation.

• Monitors the treatment process from the control board/computer screen; monitors various processes including coagulant feed, rapid mix, flocculation, sedimentation, filtration, and disinfection; controls the addition of chemicals for taste and odor.
• Monitors water quality by performing laboratory tests at various stages in the treatment process and calibrates laboratory equipment while maintaining laboratory records.
• Determines chemical dosage and makes adjustments to plant processes as necessary.
• Reads gauges and meters; interprets data to maintain proper treatment and distribution operations and alarm status; makes flow adjustments.
• Operates pumps and valves utilizing a SCADA system.
• Monitors systems for alarms, makes adjustments, and provides appropriate response; notifies plant maintenance or other personnel as necessary to resolve problems.
• Operates mechanical equipment including pumps and motors, chemical feed pumps and systems, air compressors, and manual, electrical, and pneumatically operated valves; operates hand and power tools; operates a light truck.
• Operates chlorination equipment related to the chlorine feed system, performs maintenance on the chlorine system, and participates in calibration of chemical feed equipment.
• Takes delivery of bulk chemicals.
• Maintains operational logs and records.
• Performs visual inspections and monitors facilities and roads to ensure adequate security.
• Performs preventative and predictive maintenance on treatment plant equipment; assists maintenance personnel in making major and/or specialized repairs.
• Operates the City’s water production and distribution system, including elevated and ground storage tanks and pump stations, to ensure adequate availability and pressure for all service connections; provides appropriate response to emergencies and spills involving hazardous materials; wears respirators as required.
• Responds to inquiries from the public and directs them to the appropriate staff member to answer questions regarding water quality, low pressure, and leak reports.
• May assist in some basic aspects of training new operators.
• Performs other duties as assigned or required.
• Complies with written and verbal instructions.
• Maintains safe working habits.

• Basic/general operations, services, and activities of a water treatment system.
• Principles, practices, materials, chemicals, and operating procedures related to the operation and maintenance of a water treatment plant.
• Operating principles of plant equipment including valves, pumps, and motors.
• Methods and…