Water Operator Trainee

Job Position:
Water Operator Trainee

Division:
Water Quality

Status:
Non‑Exempt

Grade: 102

Job Code: 895

Reports to:

Water Operations Supervisor

Date: 08-01-18

Revised Date: 04-01-22

Last Reviewed Date: 04-01-22

Performs routine technical work in daily operations/maintenance of water treatment equipment and processes. Operates SCADA system to monitor/control water plant/system functions. Makes rounds of plant, checking for proper operation of processes. Measures chemical feed rate and calculates dosages. Checks/calibrates process instrumentation. Operates pumps/valves/sluice gates. Performs accuracy tests/leak surveys/valve locations. Interprets maps/drawings/schematics. Checks/lubricates and repairs pumps/aerators/air compressors/emergency generators/other plant equipment. Assists in water quality lab making routine physical/chemical tests.

Maintain logs. Cleans, paints and performs other general maintenance duties. Graduation from high school/GED equivalent supplemented by coursework in environmental studies/chemistry/water treatment/other related areas. Previous experience preferred. Ability to obtain Class IV Water license from the Virginia Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation for Waterworks and Wastewater Works within 18 months of employment.

• Operates and maintains water production and distribution system.
• Operates SCADA system to monitor and control water plant and system functions.
• Makes periodic rounds of plant, checking for proper operation of processes.
• Measures chemical feed rate and calculates dosages.
• Checks and calibrates process instrumentation.
• Operates pumps, valves and sluice gates.
• Performs accuracy tests, leak surveys and valve locations.
• Interprets maps, drawings and schematics.
• Performs line locations and repairs leaks.
• Operates a variety of equipment such as leak detectors, pipe and metal detectors.
• Assists in water quality lab.
• Performs routine vehicle maintenance.
• Makes routine physical and chemical tests of water samples.
• Keeps accurate records of test results relating to water operations.
• Maintains logs of plant operations.
• Cleans, paints and otherwise repairs the general physical properties of the facilities.
• Checks, lubricates and repairs pumps, aerators, air compressors, emergency generators and other plant equipment.
• Subject to twenty‑four (24) hour call and works varied shifts as assigned.

None.

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Ability to work with minimal supervision.
• Ability to work safely and obey all safety rules.
• Ability to communicate effectively, both verbal and in writing.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationship with coworkers, other Water Authority departments and the general public.
• Ability to read and interpret documents such as safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, maps and procedure manuals.
• Ability to apply common sense understanding to carry out instructions furnished in writing, oral or diagram form.
• Ability to work alone or in a team environment.
• Must possess and maintain a good work ethic with a strong emphasis on good attendance, reporting to work on time, completing job assignments in a timely manner, maintaining a good work attitude, performing all job duties as assigned and/or scheduled.
• Ability to prepare reports and correspondence.
• Ability to speak effectively before groups of customers or employees of organization.
• Ability to deal with problems involving several concrete variables in standardized situations.
• Some knowledge of chemistry and laboratory procedures, and ability to use laboratory equipment.
• General knowledge of principals and practices of operation of a water treatment facility.
• Ability to pass a respirator fit test.

Graduation from high school or GED equivalent with one (1) or more years related experience and/or training in mechanical maintenance work or equivalent combination of education and…