Water Treatment Plant Operator

Job Title: Water Treatment Plant Operator

Job Summary: This position is responsible for skilled, licensed work in the operation and maintenance of equipment in the water plant. Work involves operation of water treatment facilities and equipment to insure compliance with water treatment permits. Maintenance of equipment is also a crucial part of the job.

Class Characteristics:

Operator in Training – Limited experience and training on water treatment

Operator III – An entry level classification, can perform plant operations under supervision

Operator II – A full performance classification level

Operator I – the highest level of state certification

Major Duties:

• Operates water treatment equipment such as pumps, control panels, computer and SCADA equipment, chemical feeders, filters, electric motors, and lab equipment
• Repairs, cleans, and maintains water treatment equipment
• Reads meter gauges and dials, maintains a log of all readings, makes adjustments as needed to maintain proper treatment process
• Collects samples and performs standard tests to insure proper operation, maintains accurate records and reports of test results
• Maintains plant grounds, performs housekeeping duties, performs maintenance around the plant, reports the need for equipment repair, assist in repair of equipment
• Attends classes required to maintain water treatment certification
• May operate city vehicles to perform job duties
• Performs other related duties as assigned

Knowledge Required by the Position:

• Knowledge of City and department policies and procedures
• Knowledge of safety rules and regulations; ability to recognize hazards in the facility and use proper safety precautions
• Knowledge of the operating procedures of a water treatment plant
• Knowledge to repair and maintain water treatment equipment
• Knowledge of chemicals used for water treatment and how to adjust chemical feed for optimum plant operations
• Skill in the operation, maintenance and routine repair of equipment used in water treatment
• Ability to detect changes in operation of plant equipment and to notify management of these changes
• Ability to understand and follow written and oral instructions
• Ability to communicate clearly and effectively
• Ability to perform general maintenance duties
• Ability to interpret instructions and efficiently carry them out

Supervisory Control: work is performed under the supervision of the Water Plant Manager and lead operator

Guidelines: guidelines include Federal, State and local laws, rules, regulations, policies and procedures pertaining to water treatment

Complexity: the work consists of water treatment and maintenance tasks

Scope and Effect: the purpose of this position is to provide quality operation and maintenance of the water treatment plant to insure compliance with the operating permit

Personal Contact: contacts are typically with co-workers

Purpose of Contacts: contacts are typically accessed to exchange information, resolve problems and provide services

Physical Demands: the work is typically performed with the employee intermittently sitting, standing, walking, and bending, crouching or stooping. May be required to climb stairs, ladders, reach over equipment to make adjustments, turn large valves, climb into confined areas, and lift heavy objects.  The ability to distinguish between shades of color is also necessary when performing laboratory analysis.

Work Environment: Water treatment plant environment, some exposure to dust and noise, some heavy lifting, working in inclement weather

Supervisory and Management Responsibility: could be assigned to assist other operators

Minimum Qualifications: An Operator in Training must have a high school diploma or equivalent, with the ability to attend the necessary classes to obtain a Class 3 Water Treatment license