Operator - Water Treatment Plant

This is a skilled, full-time non-exempt position under the direct supervision of the Water Treatment Plant Superintendent. Under general supervision, performs basic technical work in the operation and maintenance of the City’s water treatment plant and related equipment to ensure the efficient delivery of safe potable water. Monitors plant and distribution system using SCADA; performs laboratory analysis on water samples and prepares related records and logs.

Under direct supervision, adjusts chemical feed levels, pumps, valves, filters, etc. to maintain proper operations. Performs various other operations including filling hoppers with chemicals, backwashing filters, changing pumps, exercising valves, cleaning and repairing basins, etc. Inspects equipment, facilities and grounds for maintenance and safety needs; reports issues that require corrective actions as necessary; exercises emergency generators and motors on a regular basis.

Maintains and repairs well system equipment; maintains well system water flow and chlorine dosage. Maintains accurate technical records, charts and logs as required. Reports to the Water Treatment Plant Superintendent.

• Operates plant following specific regulatory and contractual requirements
• Operates valve and gates manually through local control centers as directed
• Starts, stops, and operates pumps, engines, and other equipment, filters, other chemical treatment, and other process units as directed
• Makes routine rounds of assigned process areas and records operating data, performing mathematical calculations
• Performs necessary process control adjustments
• Regulates rate of water flow within treatment facilities and adjusts filters as needed
• Regulates machines, chemical feed pumps, and maintains chemical used for treatment
• Reads and changes a variety of charts and meters
• Keeps log sheets and prepares operating reports
• Maintains proper water pressure and water storage levels as required
• Participates in preventative maintenance and making minor repairs to mechanical equipment and reports major breakdowns to Assistant Plant Superintendent
• Performs all forms of necessary housekeeping; hosing/cleaning tanks and filters, sweeping floors, shoveling snow and light landscaping duties
• Performs sampling, analysis and data gathering to meet process control and compliance requirements
• Monitors and assists with calibration and troubleshooting of operational equipment
• Changes out and replenishes process chemical supplies as necessary; receives and off-loads chemical deliveries
• Performs chemical tests as required
• Informs management of process problems and mechanical defects

Other duties as assigned.

Employee is exposed to extreme noise of equipment; mechanical, electrical, and explosive hazards; fumes and odors; dust of excavations and toxic substances such as paints and solvents. He or she will work and/or walk for long periods of time on various surfaces including slippery, uneven surfaces and rough terrain. Work is performed indoors and outdoors at field locations within the entire utility system.

The employee is occasionally exposed to high, precarious places; fumes or airborne particles; extreme cold and extreme heat. Employee in this position must be able to lift and carry up to 50 pounds, as well as walk up and down stairs and climb ladders. Employee is subject to drug and alcohol testing according to the City’s policy and will maintain a smoke-free environment.

Continuous standing, frequent walking, bending and stooping, reaching pushing/pulling and twisting of wrists in use of tools;
Occasional sitting, squatting;
Infrequent crawling, climbing, balancing. Vision must be sufficient to read computer screens and printed documents and to operate vehicles and equipment.

Has basic knowledge of the methods, policies, and procedures of the Water Plant Division as they pertain to the performance of duties of the Water Plant Operator I. Has knowledge of the methods, organization and planning as they pertain to the performance of duties of the position and as reflected in the needs and requirements of Water…