WATER TREATMENT PLANT OPERATOR

Department / Division: PUBLIC UTILITIES / WATER TREATMENT

FLSA STATUS: Non-Exempt
CLASSIFICATION: Personnel System
PAY GRADE: 11

Purpose of Job

The purpose of this job is to perform generaltechnical work functions associated with operating the water treatment plant and to ensure a continuous, adequate supply of potable drinking water meeting federalstate 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. 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. Records plant operation data from observations, instrumentation and laboratory tests records test results for reporting to state agency as appropriate. Prepares andor 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 andor 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. Must be available by phone at all times.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

Has general knowledge of the policies, procedures, and activities of the Public Utilities Department as they pertain to the performance of duties relating to the position of Water Treatment Plant Operator. Have the ability to compile, organize, prepare and maintain an assortment of records, reports and information in an effective manner and according to departmental andor governmental regulations. Has comprehensive knowledge of the terminology used within the department. Has the ability to communicate effectively with supervisors and other staff members. Has the ability to use independent judgment in routine and non-routine situations. Has the mathematical ability to handle required calculations. Is able to utilize and understand computer applications and techniques as necessary in the completion of daily assignments. Has the ability to plan, organize andor prioritize daily assignments and work activities. Is able to comprehend and apply regulations and procedures of the department. Has a good working knowledge of departmental policies and procedures, and of other procedures and methods as required in the performance of duties. Has a good working knowledge of federal and state laws and regulations concerning safe drinking water. Has a good working knowledge of water system operations, of water treatment plant operations, and of the handling and application of chemicals necessary to maintain a safe water supply. Has a good working knowledge of laboratory procedures and safety procedures. Has skill in basic math and chemistry, and in oral and written communication. Has skill in water plant operation and in the use of maintenance equipment and water analysis equipment. Has the knowledge and skill to operate various 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. Has skill in utilizing various software programs relevant to the position.

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 or distribution as required.

(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, andor in excess of fifty pounds of force frequently. Physical demand requirements are at levels of those for very heavy work.

DATA CONCEPTION:

Requires the ability to compare andor judge the readily observable functional, structural, or compositional characteristics (whether similar to or divergent from obvious standards) of data, people, or things.

INTERPERSONAL COMMUNICATION:

Requires the ability to speak andor signal people to convey or exchange information. Includes givingreceiving assignments andor directions tofrom co-workers, assistants or supervisors.

LANGUAGE ABILITY:

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.

INTELLIGENCE:

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.

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 treatmentsystems and mechanical terminology.

NUMERICAL APTITUDE:

Requires the ability to utilize mathematical formulas add and subtract totals multiply and divide determine percentages interpret graphs compute discount, interest, profitloss, ratioproportion, etc. perform calculations involving variables, formulas, square roots and polynomials. FORMSPATIAL APTITUDE: 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.

MOTOR COORDINATION:

Requires the ability to coordinate hands and eyes in using equipment.

MANUAL DEXTERITY:

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 eyehandfoot coordination.

COLOR DISCRIMINATION:

Requires the ability to differentiate between colors and shades of color.

INTERPERSONAL TEMPERAMENT:

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.

PHYSICAL COMMUNICATION:

Requires the ability to talk andor 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 andor two-way radio.

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