WATER FILTRATION OPERATOR

Under the direction of a certified operator, this position is responsible for care and efficient operation of the City Water Filtration Plant through performance of a variety of skilled and technical work in operating, maintaining, repairing and recording Filtration Plant operations on assigned rotating shifts. Work includes covering a large working area, which contains several operating units of the Water Filtration Plant during assigned rotating shifts. Employees normally work independently on the basis of general and specific instruction for the day. Work is reviewed by a supervisor who checks records and charts and makes daily inspections through the plant. Employees work under the general supervision of the Water Filtration Plant Operations Supervisor.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

The following duties are normal for this position. These are not to be construed as exclusive or all-inclusive. Other duties may be required and assigned.

• Control and operate equipment as necessary to assure proper operations of: pretreatment basin, shore well, low lift pumps, rapid mix, floculator, dual media filters, ozone system, granular activated carbon filters, dry chemical feeders, liquid chemical feeders, gaseous chemical feeders, finished water reservoirs (clear wells), emergency generators, high lift pumps and chlorination; monitor booster pump station and all elevated storage towers in the system; inspect motors, bearings and gear boxes for overheating and proper lubrication; maintain proper process control; collect samples; and perform physical and chemical analyses at various points in the process and distribution system. Maintain and prepare all necessary plant operating records, logs and charts. Perform laboratory testing for process control as required. 50%
• Regulate water flow through the treatment plant and make adjustments in the process in accordance with prescribed standards. Take corrective action, make repairs to equipment and assist others in repairs and/or maintenance when necessary. Participate in special assigned projects involving operational processes. 30%
• Know the purpose and function of all Water Filtration Plant treatment processes, elevated water towers, booster pump station and pressure reducing valves. Attend continuing education courses to maintain appropriate certifications. 10%
• Perform custodial tasks throughout the Water Filtration Plant. Maintain equipment, buildings and grounds in a clean and orderly manner. Clean and make repairs to inside of tanks. Comply with policies/requirements regarding personal protective equipment, health and physical condition checks, first aid and CPR training and appropriate State and Federal regulations. 10%
• Perform other related work as required.

REQUIRED MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Necessary Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Knowledge of the methods, practices and principles of operation of Water Filtration Plant equipment.
• Knowledge of standard practices, techniques and principles of water treatment.
• Knowledge of air compressors, motors, pumps, electrical equipment, valves, gates, blowers, computer/control panel/monitors or devices necessary to operate and record Water Filtration Plant operations.
• Ability to maintain and evaluate records and to prepare and submit reports orally and in writing.
• Ability to understand and follow complex oral and written instructions.
• Ability to work and interact with process control computers as well as personal computers.
• Ability to perform laboratory testing for process control.
• Ability to react promptly and efficiently in emergencies.
• Ability to enter confined spaces and conduct work in a safe manner in accordance with established safety rules and procedures.
• Ability to inspect Water Filtration Plant machinery and mechanical equipment as well as peripheral equipment in the operation, and to detect flaws and defects in the operation.
• Ability to accept exposure to operating equipment, loud noise, noxious odors and outside weather conditions.
• Ability to work under general instructions and make independent judgments.

In evaluating candidates for this position, the City may consider a combination of education, training and experience which provides the necessary knowledge, skills and abilities to perform the essential duties of the position.

TOOLS AND EQUIPMENT USED

All tools, equipment, monitors, instrumentation and SCADA systems necessary in the operation of Water Filtration Plant operations.

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.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to stand; walk; use hands to finger, handle, feel or operate objects, tools, or controls; and reach with hands and arms. The employee is frequently required to sit, climb, balance, stoop, kneel, crouch, crawl, talk and hear. Employee is occasionally required to taste or smell.

The employee must be capable of lifting or moving 50 pounds or more with or without assistance.

Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the abilities to adjust focus.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee regularly works in outside weather conditions. The employee occasionally works near moving mechanical parts and in high, precarious places. The employee is occasionally exposed to wet and/or humid conditions, fumes airborne particles, traffic, toxic or caustic chemicals, risk of electrical shock and vibration.

The employee may work in confined spaces and be required to abide by all rules associated with such activity.

SELECTION GUIDELINES

Formal application, rating of education and experience and Waterworks Certification, oral interview, reference checks and job related tests may be required.

The duties listed above are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may
be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related or a logical assignment to the position.

The job description does not constitute an employment agreement between the employer and employee and is subject to change by the employer as the needs of the employer and requirements of the job change.

This position will be filled as either an Operator I or Operator II, dependent upon certification.

Operator I Annual Salary: $49,004 -$55,993
Qualifications

• Associate’s Degree in Water, Wastewater or a related field is preferred; or
• A high school diploma or equivalent with one or more years of full-time work experience, preferably in the Water, Wastewater or a related field;
• Ability to obtain a Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources as a Grade T, Class S Surface Water Waterworks Operator Certification within one year of hire;
• Possess and maintain a valid driver's license.

Operator II Annual Salary: $56,118 - $64,126
Qualifications:

• Associate’s Degree in Water, Wastewater or a related field; or
• A high school diploma or equivalent, and one or more years of experience in Water, Wastewater or a related field or the demonstrated ability to independently and safely perform all the essential duties and responsibilities of the Water Filtration Operator II;
• Possess a Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources as a Grade T, Class S Surface Water Waterworks Operator Certification;
• Possess and maintain a valid driver's license.