Water Treatment Plant Operator I

JOB
Under general supervision, performs a variety of tasks in the routine operation, inspection and maintenance of the City's water treatment plant and related facilities; performs routine tasks in the cleaning of treatment facilities; may provide training to new operators.

EXAMPLE OF DUTIES
Observes and monitors water flows directly as indicated by instruments at the intake structure, pumping stations, reservoirs, and treatment plant. Maintains and calibrates pressure transmitters, flow meters, valve position and limit switches, level transmitters, on-line quality instruments such as fluoride, ph, temperature, chlorine, etc.Monitor and operate the water SCADA (supervisory control and data acquisition) system.Monitors and adjusts flows at the Water Treatment Plant to meet the demands of water users and reservoirs and adjusts the pump sequence at the pump stations and wells to maintain the reservoirs at an acceptable level to provide adequate water for fires or other emergencies and for scheduled maintenance such as flushing mains. Manually and remotely adjusts valves and pump controls to regulate flow rates.Maintains daily log on filters, chlorine residual, pressure, flows, reservoir levels, etc; changes charts and enters information into the computerized collection system. Maintains record of work though a computerized work order tracking system.Collects water samples and performs water quality tests for regulatory compliance and system operation.Adds correct amounts of chemicals for disinfection, coagulation, filtration, taste and odor control and fluoridation; adjust chemical feed rates manually or remotely to maintain proper treatment. Handles, mixes, stores a variety of chemicals used for water treatment including polymers, sodium hypochlorite, aluminum sulfate, ploy aluminum chlorides, calcium hypochlorite, caustic soda and fluoride. Receives chemicals from suppliers.Assists Maintenance Mechanics with maintaining, calibrating and repairing of a variety of equipment such as chemical feeders, pumps and motors, air compressors, pneumatic valves and air cylinders.Maintains structure and grounds as required to maintain the cleanliness and proper appearance of the pumping station, water treatment facilities by performing janitorial duties such as: painting, watering weed and pest control and assist in making repairs to structures. Performs routine plant cleaning and maintenance such as backwashing filters, cleaning lines, hosing filters and basins. Maintains and assists repairing the Water Treatment Plant, pumping station building and all related systems including plumbing, heating and cooling systems, carpentry and other duties.May answer telephone calls from customers regarding service problems and questions; may serve as a central communication point, taking and relaying information to and from department personnel on routine and emergency needs and services.Participates in skills and safety programs; learns and implements technical changes and safety rules, regulations and emergency procedures.Performs other duties as assigned within the scope of the position.

SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION
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 is regularly required to talk or hear; frequently required to sit; and occasionally required to stand, walk and reach with hands and arms. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds and requires ability to tolerate extremes of weather. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus. The employee is occasionally exposed to fumes or airborne particles, toxic or caustic chemicals and risk of electrical shock. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.

Environmental Conditions: The work is performed inside and/or outside and includes being exposed to extreme cold, extreme heat, noise, vibration, mechanical hazards, electrical hazards, chemical hazards, atmospheric conditions that affect the respiratory system or skin and oils, may work in confined spaces, darkness or poor lighting conditions, trenches, and/or isolation.