Water Plant Operator

JOB DESCRIPTION

POSITION SUMMARY 

This position operates, monitors, maintains, and trouble-shoots the water treatment facility, equipment, and its processes.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS 

The following duties are normal for this position.  However, they are not to be construed as exclusive or all–inclusive.  To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each duty satisfactorily.  Other duties may also be required or assigned.

Not all duties may be assigned to each position.  The allocation of duties for this position will be dependent upon certification level.

1. Reads meters and gauges to ensure plant equipment is working properly.
2. Takes samples and run tests to determine the quality of the water being treated.
   1. Collects, prepares, and analyzes water, and sludge samples.
   2. Collects and handles water samples for process control and industrial sampling.
   3. Documents and prepares test results for Federal, state and local reports.
   4. Calculates, reviews, and reports results.
   5. Maintains complete and accurate reports and records of analysis for compliance with local, state and federal requirements and regulations.
   6. Informs plant personnel of test results to make necessary adjustments to plant processes.
   7. Confers with Manager on laboratory findings that may affect compliance with state and federal regulations.
3. Adjusts chemical feed rates and treatment plant processes added to the water based on test results.
4. Performs plant maintenance such as cleaning and backwashing, cleaning and calibrating chemical feeders and assisting with cleaning clarifier basins.
5. Operates, maintains, and performs repairs of the water treatment facility, equipment, buildings, and grounds, including system lines, equipment, meters, and pumps.
6. Performs proper effluent quality monitoring, and all processes involved with facility functions, including sampling, monitoring, analysis, and treatment as necessary.
7. Inspects system operations and equipment, diagnoses and repairs mechanical, electrical and process control problems.
8. Installs and replaces pumps, compressors, motors, and related equipment.
9. Lubricates bearings, replaces seals, gaskets, springs, and gears.
10. Inspects and cleans pumps, mechanical drives, electrical components, feeding systems, etc. as part of a formal preventive maintenance schedule to avoid unnecessary equipment malfunctions.
11. Troubleshoots complex systems using a wide variety of diagnostic equipment to determine source of malfunction.
12. Performs routine building clean and grounds maintenance, including mopping, bush trimming, lawn mowing and similar activities.
13. Maintains and updates record keeping and performs data entry regarding equipment repairs, maintenance, and discharge monitoring data for various local state and federal reporting requirements.
14. Ensures all activities are carried out in a safe manner; adheres to all safety regulations; ensures all regulations pertaining to the safe use of equipment are understood and followed.
15. Reports all accidents to the appropriate authority. Follows all policies for reporting.
16. Provides backup assistance to other department personnel as needed.
17. Performs emergency repairs and work as necessary.
18. Reports to work for after hour needs, as assigned.
19. Other duties as assigned.

REQUIRED JOB COMPETENCIES

1. Basic knowledge of the principles and practices of water plant and water distribution systems.
2. Basic knowledge of Federal, State, County, and Local regulations as they relate to water systems. Knowledge of the maintenance, repair and installation of equipment in water distribution systems.
3. Skill in reading and understanding schematics and blueprints.
4. Knowledge of how to read, interpret and calibrate gauges and other recording devices related to water treatment plant operations.
5. Ability to take liquid and solid samples and perform routine laboratory tests.
6. Knowledge of industry safety rules and ability to utilize all Personal Protective Equipment necessary.
7. Ability to understand and follow oral and written instructions.
8. Knowledge of computer software including word processing, spreadsheet and database applications consistent for this position.
9. Skill in organizational and time management to prioritize duties to accomplish a high volume of work product while adapting to constant changes in priority.
10. Ability to understand and effectively carry out local policies and procedures; written instructions, general correspondence, and Federal, State, and local regulations.
11. Ability to perform detailed work accurately and independently in compliance with stringent time limits with minimal direction and supervision.
12. Ability to prepare and maintain accurate and concise records and reports consistent with the position.
13. Ability to communicate clearly, concisely and effectively in English with staff, administration, and the public in both written and verbal form.
14. Ability to define problems, exercise sound judgment, and address a variety of situations.
15. Ability to think quickly, maintain self-control, and adapt to stressful situations.
16. Ability to maintain professionalism at all times.
17. Ability to work as a member of a team.
18. Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with others.
19. Ability to perform mathematical calculations required of this position.
20. Ability to work the allocated hours of the position and ability to work flexible hours to include evenings, nights, weekends and holidays due to adverse weather conditions, construction projects, or other emergency service.

PHYSICAL AND WORK ENVIRONMENT

The physical and work environment characteristics described in this description are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions or as otherwise required by law.  Employees needing reasonable accommodation should discuss the request with the employee’s supervisor. 

• This work requires the occasional exertion of up to 50 pounds of force; requires strenuous manual labor including, but not limited to digging, shoveling, sweeping, raking, hauling, crawling, bending, lifting, pushing, pulling, twisting, and climbing.
• Work performed may require walking or standing to a significant degree on rough terrain or may involve sitting for long periods with pushing and pulling of arm and/or leg controls.
• Work may be performed above or below ground, to include confined spaces.
• Work has standard vision requirements.
• Vocal communication is required for expressing or exchanging ideas by means of the spoken word.
• Hearing is required to perceive information at normal spoken word levels.
• May be subject to hazardous chemicals and materials.
• Work is performed primarily in a plant environment
• Frequently works near moving mechanical parts and is frequently exposed to cold, wet and/or humid conditions, noise, and vibrations.