Water Plant Lead Operator

Description

This posting is expected to close on 4/19/24.

General Statement of Duties

This non-exempt position is responsible for leading a team of operators and for performing a wide variety of semi-skilled and manual work involved in the maintenance, installation, and repair of the District’s water treatment plants. Lead and assist in the supervision of operators, and inspect and review work methods, performance, and quality. This position is a working lead and may perform all the duties of an A-D Operator. A minimum of Colorado Class C Water Treatment certification required at time of hire. Must obtain a Colorado Class B Water Treatment certification within 6 months of starting position.

Supervision Received

Works under the direct supervision of the Water Plant Supervisor and the general direction of the Water Production & Distribution Manager.

Primary Duties and Responsibilities

• Responsible for leading, training, and directing a team of operators of various educational, certification and practical skill levels in the water treatment area of operations.

• Responsible for trouble shooting equipment and process control issues and working closely with the maintenance and IT departments, vendors and contractors for equipment repairs and scheduling. Performs appropriate follow-up procedures and keeps the Water Plant Supervisor informed.

• Oversees assigned operators and along with them, operate pumps, engines, generators and valves to control processes at the water treatment plant according to standard operating procedures. Inspects equipment and makes recommendations to the Water Plant Supervisor regarding necessary repairs and maintenance.

• Assists with scheduling staff in within the Water Resources Department and makes recommendations to staff schedules. Assists Water Resource Supervisors with the implementation of any schedule changes.

• Responsible for training and ensuring compliance of all operators in the use of safety equipment and standardized safety procedures. Anticipates possible unsafe situations and advises operators in proper and safe procedures.

• Serves in a project manager capacity coordinating operators, working with other departments and contractors to ensure the efficient completion of assigned projects.

• Responsible for and may collect daily samples of chemical and biological concentrations, perform multiple laboratory tests, maintain accurate laboratory records, and makes routine process control changes. Ensures that required daily permit related tests are completed and reviews parameters. Performs quality control on data entry and lab results.

• Records data required for regulatory and operational reporting on physical changes. Data recorded includes, but not limited to: Alarms, adjustments made, troubleshooting, equipment rotations, and instrument readings. Inputs data into database, generates trending reports and generates raw data for monthly departmental reports. Compiles information necessary to prepare additional reports as directed.

• Verbally reports emergency and major malfunctions to the Water Plant Supervisor and initiates proper action per procedures. Performs appropriate follow-up procedures.

• Calculates chemical orders based on technical expertise and standard operating procedures. Maintains adequate chemical and supply inventories. Delivers chemicals to locations, as needed.

• Operates and maintains the water treatment system. Supervises and inspects repairs by contractors.

Other Duties and Responsibilities

• Submits budget recommendations to Water Production & Distribution Manager.

• Generates P.O. requests, schedules work orders and equipment repairs.

• Calibrates operational equipment as needed.

• Handles hazardous and non-hazardous chemicals during delivery, storage and use.

• Routinely performs physical cleanup and housekeeping of work areas, equipment, and buildings using standard cleaning equipment and material, and chemical cleaning procedures.

• Attends technical and safety training meetings, courses, and seminars as required.

• Assists with District public relations by conducting plant tours; representing the District in the community; or responding to telephone inquiries and complaints.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Solid lead worker skills, direct, and train operators of various education, certification, and practical skill levels.

• Excellent organizational skills required for efficient project management and the scheduling of manpower resources.

• Ability to accurately compile, analyze and interpret data to troubleshoot, make judgments and solve problems on process and equipment.

• Ability to effectively communicate verbally and in writing, organize activities in order to complete tasks in accordance with priorities, address multiple demands and meet deadlines. Ability to work independently with broad direction and limited supervision. Ability to work effectively with supervisors and co-workers and deal tactfully with the public.

• Knowledge of Federal, State, and local collection and distribution regulations and permitting requirements.

• Solid knowledge of equipment and procedures used in the operation of collection and distribution systems.

• Solid knowledge of chemistry, biology, and mathematical and statistical calculations necessary to conduct, analyze and interpret the results from standard laboratory tests; and calculate chemical feed rates, water usage, and production rates.

• Solid knowledge of electricity, hydraulics, and pneumatics to inspect equipment and request repair and maintenance.

• Solid understanding of SCADA computer system functions. Solid computer knowledge including, but not limited to Microsoft Word, Excel and Outlook.

• Solid knowledge of safety procedures and use of personal protective equipment and ability to apply safety principles on all job tasks. Ability to anticipate unsafe circumstances; act accordingly to prevent accidents, and promptly report accidents and hazardous conditions.

• Ability to read and interpret documents such as Safety Data Sheets, safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, procedure manuals, blueprints, and technical documentation.

• Ability to operate basic hand and power tools in a safe and efficient manner.

Qualifications / Experience

• A minimum of Colorado Class C Water Treatment certification is required. Colorado Class B Water Treatment certification required within 6 months of starting position.

• Previous lead/supervisory experience preferred.

• Must have a Motor Vehicle Record within the Acceptable or no less than Borderline rating according to the Vehicle Policy.

Working Conditions / Physical Activities

• 40 hours per work week. Subject to mandatory overtime on an as needed basis to work within the department and for other duties as assigned.

• May be required to rotate weekend and emergency on-call duty schedule in addition to the regular work week. Operates as the backup to the on-call operators.

• Performs strenuous physical labor and stands for extended periods of time.

• May work in a wastewater plant where elevated levels of noise, irritants, dust, dirt, bacteria, hazardous chemicals/air/materials and fumes are always present. May come into contact with raw wastewater. The Hepatitis B Vaccine is strongly recommended and is offered at no cost by the District.

• Work may take place outside in all weather conditions. May be exposed to risks typically associated with working around water, chemicals, electricity, and other man-made and natural hazards.

• Use of a respirator may be required for some tasks and may work in confined spaces.

• Lifting and handling objects up to 50 pounds occasionally and/or up to 20 pounds frequently. Regularly moves and handles chlorine cylinders weighing 230 pounds.

• Frequently performs activities requiring a full range of body movements including stooping, twisting, kneeling, bending, leaning, reaching, climbing (heights), stretching and working in awkward positions. Requires eye/hand and hand/foot coordination for operation of tools, equipment and driving vehicles.

• Vision to read manuals and record data and monitor and observe instruments and gauges; hearing/listening for troubleshooting and warning signals; speech communication to provide technical information and communicate with employees and citizens.

Benefits Overview

Parker Water & Sanitation offers a robust benefits program including:

• Low-cost health premiums
• 100% District paid dental and vision insurance
• District HSA contribution for those on our HDHP insurance
• Social Security Replacement program – 401(a)
• 457 (b) retirement plan with District match up to 5%, fully vested right away
• 100% District paid Short- and Long-Term Disability
• 100% District paid Life and Disability Insurance (2x annual salary)
• Tuition Reimbursement up to $5250 per year
• Employee Wellness program

For a more in-depth overview of the many benefits PWSD offers please visit www.pwsd.org/careers and click on the Total Rewards Program link.