Water Treatment Plant Operator Class I,II or III
WATER TREATMENT PLANT OPERATOR
Class I, II or III
3rd Shift Position
Purpose of Job
The purpose of this job is to perform general/technical work functions associated with operating the water treatment plant and to ensure a continuous, adequate supply of potable drinking water meeting federal/state regulations. Duties and responsibilities include, but are not limited to: analyzing and treating water; mixing chemicals; performing laboratory tests; operating various pumps and valves; repairing and maintaining machinery and equipment; maintaining records; 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.
Safety is an important operator responsibility. Everyone must follow plant safety procedures and understand why safety procedures must be followed at all times. The COC WTPO must be capable of doing many jobs and doing them all safely.
Controls treatment plant processes and equipment to purify and clarify water for human consumption and for industrial and commercial use.
Operates and controls various pumps and valves to regulate the flow of water through the treatment plant and distribution system.
Operates high service pumps to control pressures and tank levels in distribution system.
Operates and maintains dual media filters.
Performs a variety of laboratory tests to determine the chemical composition of water and to ensure compliance with federal and state regulations for turbidity, chlorine, fluoride, pH, iron and manganese; makes adjustments as necessary.
Performs bacteriological tests.
Performs pH, chlorine, fluoride, iron, manganese, turbidity, and other tests to control quality.
Adds lime and chlorine to water supply; mixes chemicals and changes cylinders.
Adds potassium permanganate and phosphate to water supply.
Maintains proper levels for all chemical tanks and containers changes pumps and tanks.
Performs inspections of plant operations for safety, maintenance and proper process operations.
Repairs and maintains machines, equipment, pumps, and electrical equipment.
Helps train newly hired operators; reviews work to ensure compliance with standards.
Maintains log of various data, including daily inventory log of chemicals used in treatment process.
Monitor plant operating guidelines, such as flows, pressures, chemical feeds, levels, and pump and lift stations.
Records plant operation data from observations, instrumentation and laboratory tests; records test results for reporting to state agency as appropriate.
Prepares and/or receives various forms, reports or other documents, processes and forwards as appropriate.
Responds to calls from the public concerning water system problems and sewer complaints.
Responds to routine requests for information from officials, employees, and members of the staff, the public or other individuals.
Answers the telephone; provides information; takes and relays messages and/or directs calls to appropriate personnel; returns calls as necessary.
Uses knowledge of various software programs to operate a computer in an effective and efficient manner.
Performs related shift duties as required.
Minimum Training and Experience Required to Perform Essential Job Functions
High school diploma or equivalent required with one year of experience in water treatment systems maintenance or operations preferred; or any equivalent combination of education, training, and experience which provides the requisite knowledge, skills, and abilities for this position. Must possess or be able to obtain state certified Class III license for water treatment within 6 months of employment.
(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 including a computer, telephone, pumps, streaming current detector, particle counter, chemical feed equipment, bacteriological testing equipment, mechanic tools, power tools, plumbing tools, hand tools, etc. Must be able to use body members to work, move or carry objects or materials. Must be able to exert in excess of one hundred pounds of force occasionally, and/or in excess of fifty 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 giving/receiving assignments and/or directions to/from co-workers, assistants or supervisors. Requires ability to read a variety of manuals, informational documentation, directions, instructions, methods and procedures. Requires the ability to prepare logs, reports, forms, etc., using prescribed formats and conforming to all rules of punctuation, grammar, diction, and style. Requires the ability to speak to people with poise, voice control, and confidence. Requires the ability to learn and understand relatively complex principles and techniques; to acquire and be able to expound on knowledge of topics related to primary occupation; and to make independent judgment in the absence of management. Requires the ability to deal with people beyond giving and receiving instructions. Must be adaptable to performing under minimal stress when confronted with an emergency.
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 administrative, technical or professional languages including water treatment/systems and mechanical terminology. 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 and/or two-way radio.
MOTOR COORDINATION: Requires the ability to coordinate hands and eyes in using equipment.
Requires the ability to inspect items for proper length, width, and shape, visually with a computer, telephone, pumps, streaming current detector, particle counter, chemical feed equipment, bacteriological testing equipment, mechanic tools, power tools, plumbing tools, hand tools, etc. Requires the ability to handle a variety of items such as automated equipment, machinery, chemicals, hand tools, mechanic tools, plumbing tools, etc. Must have the ability to use one hand for twisting or turning motion while coordinating other hand with different activities. Must have average levels of eye/hand/foot coordination.
Requires the ability to differentiate between colors and shades of color.
