Water Plant Operator

SUMMARY:

The incumbent, under the supervision of the Water Plant Supervisor and direction of the Water Plant Chief Operator, is responsible for producing safe drinking water for the City of Fort Smith. The incumbent performs manual and skilled work in the maintenance of the water treatment plant according Environmental Protection Agency, Arkansas Department of Health, and Utility Department standards and policies. Personal actions taken on the job may be subject to EPA/ADH fines and penalties under provisions of the Clean Water Act.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Other duties may be assigned. Note: All City of Fort Smith positions require the employee to provide good customer service to both internal and external customers, maintain positive and effective working relationships with other City employees, and have regular and reliable attendance that is non-disruptive. Must show cooperation and respect to fellow employees and supervisors at all times.

1. Operate and maintain chemical feeders, chlorinators, filters, pumps, electric motors and other ancillary plant equipment in a manner consistent with departmental policy and Federal and State law.

2. Evaluate and make changes to plant process control equipment necessary to maintain peak treatment plant performance.

3. Perform bacteriological and chemical analyses of water samples taken during various stages of treatment to insure proper treatment technique.

4. Maintain computerized plant operations and laboratory records in a concise, accurate manner.

5. Perform janitorial duties as required to maintain the physical plant.

6. Mow and trim grass on plant grounds as necessary.

7. Operate electrical generator according to FERC guidelines. (Lee Creek WTP Only)

8. Operate waste treatment lagoons in a manner consistent with NPDES requirements.

9. Perform preventative maintenance on all plant equipment.

10. Perform related responsibilities as required or assigned.

11. Participates in classes and/or attend conferences that are deemed necessary by the Water Plant Supervisor and/or Treatment Program Manager.

12. Follows City, Utility Department, and Water Treatment Program safety practices and guidelines at all times, including wearing proper personal protective/safety equipment.

13. Regular attendance and timeliness is required.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES:

None

QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS:

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE:

· High school diploma or GED is required.

· Must hold a valid driver’s license.

· Minimum one year previous experience working in a utility plant field is preferred, but not required.

· Must possess or be able to obtain a Grade I Water Operators License within one year, and obtain a minimum of a Grade IV Water Operators License with in the three years. Must possess or be able to obtain a Class I Wastewater Operators License within two years. Higher grades require higher class licenses. Ex: Grade IV needs a Class IV license.

OTHER SKILLS and ABILITIES:

LANGUAGE SKILLS:

Ability to read and interpret complex documents such as federal regulations, policy and procedure manuals. Ability to write correspondence. Excellent communication and interpersonal skills are also required. Ability to effectively communicate with industry representatives, employees, federal or state regulators. Ability to verbally communicate and provide excellent customer service.

MATHEMATICAL SKILLS:

Ability to add, subtract, multiply, and divide in all units of measure, using whole numbers, common fractions, and decimals. Ability to compute rate, ratio, percent, area, circumference, volume, and interpret graphs. Ability to apply concepts of basic algebra and geometry. Ability to use math to compute needed statistics for compliance determination.

REASONING ABILITY:

The incumbent should possess knowledge of the use of tools and equipment in the department.

OFFICE PROCEDURE ABILITY:

The employee should also have knowledge of modern office practices, procedures, and equipment. Employees must be proficient in the use of a personal computer using Windows based word-processing, spreadsheet, and database application software.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee must frequently stand, walk, talk and hear. Occasionally sit, use hands to handle objects, and reach with hands and arms. The employee must stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close, color, distance and peripheral vision. Depth perception and the ability to adjust focus are also required.

The employee must be able to climb and work at heights of up to 75 feet.

The employee is occasionally required to lift up to 75 pounds.

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

The work environment characteristics described here 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.

While performing the duties of this position, the employee is occasionally exposed to fumes or airborne particles, toxic and poisonous chemicals, caustic and corrosive chemicals, biohazardous material, explosive and flammable chemicals, and outdoor weather conditions. The employee occasionally works near moving mechanical parts and is at risk of electrical shock, radiation and vibration, and in high precarious places. The incumbent is also exposed to non-weather related wet, humid conditions.

The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate to loud.

Working holidays, shifts and weekends is required.

No scheduled lunch or rest periods are provided for this position.

Working overtime may be required.

SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION:

Notice of Consent Decree Posting

The City of Fort Smith, Arkansas ("City") has entered into a Consent Decree in litigation with the United States of America and the State of Arkansas ("Consent Decree"). The Consent Decree was filed on April 6, 2015, in civil action 14cv02266PKH, pending in the United States District Court for the Western District of Arkansas Fort Smith Division. The Consent Decree is available for review or copying on the City's website where it may be found at www.FortSmithWater.org.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $13.54 - $26.33 per hour

Benefits:

• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Flexible spending account
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Professional development assistance
• Retirement plan
• Tuition reimbursement
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• 8 hour shift
• Day shift
• Holidays
• Night shift
• Overtime
• Weekend availability

Education:

• High school or equivalent (Required)

Experience:

• Water Treatment & Distribution Occupations: 1 year (Preferred)

License/Certification:

• Driver's License (Required)

Work Location: One location