Water Treatment Operator I

Water Treatment Operator IOpening Date: March 4, 2022Salary Range: $ 25.795 - $32.926/hourClosing Date: Open Until Filled NATURE OF POSITIONPerform specialized and semi-skilled work in the City's Water Treatment Plant, lab, wells, and other water infrastructure. Assist in ensuring that the City’s water quality meets or exceeds Washington State Department of Health standards and regulations. Ensure adequate quantity of water to meet daily demands. Perform water quality analysis as required. Operate and maintain the City water treatment plant to assure compliance with Federal, State, and local laws, regulations, and standards. REQUIRED MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONSHigh school diploma, or GED equivalent. Valid driver’s license. Valid State of Washington Water Treatment Plant Operator 1 certificate, or ability to obtain within six months after acceptance for testing by the State Department of Health. Ability to pass a physical and a full-face mask fit test for chlorine cylinder change out. First aid/CPR certification and confined space certification from City-approved organization within one year of hire. DESIRED QUALIFICATIONSVocational school or college-level course work in water related subjects. Pesticide applicator’s license. Strong electrical/mechanical and environmental professional background. Valid class B commercial state driver's license with hazardous materials endorsement. SCADA and PLC knowledge. Bilingual in Spanish. The City of Walla Walla complies with Title VI, ADA, and other applicable federal civil rights laws and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, disability, religion, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or sex in employment or the provision of services. Equal opportunity employer/minorities and women are encouraged to apply.SUPERVISION RECEIVEDGeneral direction and oversight is provided by the Water Treatment Supervisor and/or the Water Treatment Lead Operator. ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES1. Employees of the City of Walla Walla are expected to model and foster the City’s core values:Service - Integrity - Collaboration - Equity - Leadership – Community2. Assist in the operation and maintenance of equipment at the Mill Creek Water Treatment Plant. Perform skilled and unskilled operations and maintenance tasks. Monitor, adjust, and test various types of equipment in the Water Treatment Plant.3. Collect daily and weekly water samples, deliver samples for lab testing, perform microbial and physical analysis as needed as required by State and Federal requirements.4. Ensure online analyzers are calibrated and in working order to assure water quality requirements are met.5. Perform inspections to check the general operating conditions of all equipment; report unsafe conditions; and ensure appropriate maintenance, repair work, and corrective action is completed in a timely fashion.6. Read and record meters, gauges, analyzers, and charts. Input data for the preparation of daily, weekly, and monthly reports of the plant operations.7. Check and adjust disinfection and other water quality chemical dosages as necessary. Maintain accurate records and logs of tests for reporting to state and federal agencies. Unload and change chlorine gas cylinders.8. Assist in writing Standard Operating Procedures (SOP’s).9. Assist with the operation and maintenance of the City's Hydro Generation Plant, the City's well sites, aquifer storage and recovery system and the SCADA system.10. Engage risk management protocols and procedures as required and participate in review and updating of current program.11. Perform grounds maintenance duties including irrigation system repair, watering, mowing, weeding, and or spraying in areas around Water Treatment Plant and all well sites.12. Perform building maintenance duties including general housekeeping, painting, plumbing, mechanical, welding, and electrical repairs.13. Perform weekly stand-by and call back duties for the City. OTHER JOB FUNCTIONS1. Demonstrate punctual, regular, and reliable attendance which is essential for successful job performance.2. Present a positive, professional image; maintain cooperative and effective working relationships; assure excellent customer service with internal and external customers.3. Execute assignments, projects, and job responsibilities efficiently and within defined timeframes; work independently and effectively with little direction.4. Demonstrate good judgment and employ critical thinking to execute duties, identify issues, seek solutions, and recommend improvements in support of departmental goals.5. Provide assistance to staff and higher-level management; participate in resolving operational or interpersonal concerns; participate in training, meetings, and on committees as assigned.6. Respect the value of diversity in the workplace and the community.7. Perform other duties as assigned.KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES• State-approved water quality testing methods and procedures.• Risk management program protocols and procedures.• Confined space entry regulations and procedures.• Hydraulic principles as affects operations.• Disinfection principles as affects operations.• Record keeping techniques.• Basic laws, regulations, policies, and procedures applicable to the assigned duties.• Basic operating principles of electrical and mechanical equipment.• Chlorine gas handling, storage methods, and precautions.• Electrical and mechanical test equipment.• Analysis of water quality, including a use of variety of test kits and equipment per State and American Water Works Association.• Protect the health and safety of personnel, the public and the environment.• Recognize and respond to operational emergencies.• Determine appropriate actions within defined guidelines.• Learn and perform sampling and water quality testing and various lab tests.• Learn and operate applicable electrical, mechanical, and piping systems including gauges, meters, and valves.• Interpret, analyze, and apply new technology.• Read schematics and blueprints.• Troubleshoot and repair a variety of different equipment.• Prepare reports; record and maintain accurate logs and operating information. TOOLS AND EQUIPMENT USEDOffice equipment including telephones, copiers, facsimile machines, and computers; water baths and oven incubators; chlorine color meters and turbidity testing equipment; hand and power tools; hydraulic press and bearing heater; pneumatic jackhammer; gas powered landscape equipment including riding and push-behind lawn mowers and weed eaters; loaders and backhoe. PHYSICAL DEMANDSDexterity of hands and fingers to operate a variety of specialized equipment and tools; climbing ladders and working from heights; standing for extended periods of time; bending at the waist; lifting and carry heavy objects generally weighing 75-100 pounds; pushing, pulling; kneeling and crouching; seeing, hearing, and speaking to exchange information; perform strenuous physical tasks. WORK ENVIRONMENTIndoor and outdoor work environment; noise from equipment operation; seasonal heat and cold or adverse weather conditions; exposure to gases, chemicals, handling of microorganisms; work around pressurized systems and equipment having moving parts; work at heights and in confined spaces; perform work around electrical equipment and high voltages; subject to responding to emergencies on a 24-hour basis and call back provisions of the City.