Water Treatment Plant Operator

Water Treatment Plant Operator

Responsible for performing technical and skilled manual work in the operation and maintenance of the City's water treatment plant. An employee in this class is responsible for monitoring and treating the city's drinking water in the treatment facility. The emphasis of the work is on performing routine tests to ensure optimum quality of water and efficient operation of the plant. Work includes conducting hourly rounds of the plant, maintaining records, performing tests on water and other plant systems, adding required chemicals to water, troubleshooting mechanical problems, assisting customers, and performing related duties. Work is performed under the supervision of the Chief Water Treatment Plant Operator or Water Treatment Manager and is evaluated for quality of water produced, accuracy in tests performed, documentation of records and efficient plant operations.

Essential Job Functions:

• Conducts regular tours of the Water plant to inspect operations; reads and documents readings and calibrations; adjusts chemical feed rates of equipment; and ensures meters and pumps are functioning properly; records readings from plant process control instrumentation (SCADA).
• Collects water samples and performs tests; inspects water treatment plant equipment chemical systems for proper operation; and reports needs for equipment repairs.
• Performs tests on filtered water to determine excess color and records results; conducts tests for turbidity in raw, settled and filtered water, chlorine residuals in filtered water, alkalinity levels in raw and filtered water, and records all results; calibrate fluoride meters; and tests fluoride levels in raw and filtered water and records results.
• Performs tests for coagulation, pH levels and alkalinity; determines optimal chemical dosages; performs tests for settable solids, turbidity, specific gravity, water hardness, color, carbon dioxide levels, dissolved oxygen, chloride, coliform bacteria, alum percentage, caustic percentage, fluoride levels, total organic carbon, chlorine and other colorimetric tests.
• Backwashes and rewashes filters using a backwash pump and fills feeder hoppers.
• Checks levels of coagulants, caustic, fluoride, corrosion inhibitor, total organic carbon, coagulant aid, and other chemicals; and add chemicals as required.
• Assists with replacement of chlorine cylinders and regulates the flow of chlorine; calculates chemical dosage, average readings, and plant performance; and records in logbook.
• Performs routine preventive maintenance and repairs to pumps, motors, and other mechanical equipment, and reports equipment failures to supervisor for replacement.
• Performs associated work such as bulk chemical handling, grounds keeping, and housekeeping duties.
• Participates in classroom and on-the-job training to ensure knowledge level and eligibility for certification renewal is maintained.
• Provides information to citizens, vendors or others who may need assistance with water treatment plant operations.
• Performs other related job duties as assigned.

Qualifications for the Water Treatment Plant Operator Career Ladder:

Water Treatment Plant Operator I - Grade 10 - $40,635.04 - $51,240.01

Education and Experience: High school diploma or equivalent; one (1) year of experience in a water treatment facility is desired; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

Special Qualifications:

• Possession of a valid driver's license to operate a motor vehicle. Requirement exists at the time of hire and as a condition of continued employment.
• Possession of a valid NC Grade C Surface Water Operator certification or ability to obtain within one (1) year of employment.
• Certified in First Aid, CPR and AED preferred.

Water Treatment Plant Operator II - Grade 12 - $44,800.13 - $56,492.10

Education and Experience: High school diploma or equivalent; and two (2) years of experience in the operation and maintenance of a water treatment facility; or an equivalent combination of education and experience. Other related experience in equivalent position(s) will be considered.

Special Qualifications:

• Possession of a valid driver's license to operate a motor vehicle. Requirement exists at the time of hire and as a condition of continued employment.
• Possession of a valid NC Grade B Surface Water Operator certification or ability to obtain within one (1) year of employment.
• Certified in First Aid, CPR and AED is preferred.

Water Treatment Plant Operator III - Grade 14 - $49,392.15 - $62,282.54

Education and Experience: High school diploma or equivalency; and three (3) years of experience in the operation and maintenance of a water treatment facility; or an equivalent combination of education and experience. Other related experiences in equivalent positions will be considered.

Special Qualifications:

• Possession of a valid driver's license to operate a motor vehicle. Requirement exists at the time of hire and as a condition of continued employment.
• Possession of a valid NC Grade A Surface Water Operator certification and NC Grade I Physical/Chemical Treatment Operator certification or ability to obtain within eighteen (18) months of employment.
• Certified in First Aid, CPR and AED preferred.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Knowledge of the operating characteristics and maintenance requirements of a water treatment plant.
• Knowledge of state and federal water treatment and water quality regulations.
• Knowledge of the occupational hazards of the work and necessary safety precautions.
• Knowledge of effective communication techniques when speaking with co-workers, vendors, and the public.
• Ability to make decisions about water quality and water supply in the absence of a supervisor.
• Ability to detect problems in the operation of mechanical equipment and report those problems to a supervisor or the appropriate employee.
• Ability to conduct routine water quality tests and read meters and charts accurately, and record results.
• Ability to perform environmental science calculations and to keep detailed records.
• Ability to understand and follow moderately complex oral and written instructions provided by a supervisor.

Physical Demands:

Work in this classification is defined as heavy work requiring the physical exertion of 100 pounds of force occasionally, up to 50 pounds of force frequently, and up to 20 pounds of force constantly to move objects. Work requires climbing, balancing, stooping, crouching, reaching, walking, pushing, pulling, lifting, grasping, and repetitive motions. Verbal communication is required to express or exchange ideas. Hearing is required to perceive information at normal spoken word levels. Visual acuity is required for visual inspection involving small defects and/or small parts, use of measuring or testing devices, assembly of equipment, operating plant equipment including motor vehicles, determining the accuracy and thoroughness of work performed, and observing general surroundings and activities.

Work Environment:

Work is primarily performed in both inside and outside environmental conditions, including extreme heat and cold. Employees are subject to the noise from motors and pumps in a water treatment plant which may require the employee to shout to be heard above the ambient noise level. Employees are subject to vibrations such as oscillating movements of the extremities or the whole body. Employees are subject to hazards including exposure to mechanical equipment and atmospheric conditions from exposure to fumes, odors, dust, and oils. Employees may be required to wear a respirator, but only if trained in the proper use of said respirator, and employee complies with all other requirements associated with wearing a respirator. Employees may also work in close quarters, crawl spaces, shafts, small, enclosed rooms and other areas which could cause claustrophobia.