Job Title: Water Plant Operator

Division/Department: Public Works

FLSA Status: Regular, Full-Time, Non-Exempt

Classification/Pay Grade: Field Ops II / 27

Salary Group: $24.71 per hour

Created/Revised: April 29, 2024

***TO APPLY: Visit the City website and download an application, email to HR@elgintexas.gov

https://www.elgintexas.gov/Jobs.aspx

SUMMARY:

Under general supervision, operates and maintains Wastewater Treatment Plant and performs related work as required to protect the City’s citizens and environment, and preserve natural water resources. This is a non-supervisory position which requires technical ability. Duties include, but are not limited to, maintaining water pumps, equipment and facilities, collecting samples, performing basic lab testing and other routine plant operations of a regulated facility for compliance with all City of Elgin and Texas Commission Environmental Quality (TCEQ) rules and regulations.

Supervision:

This position reports to Plant Superintendent and has no direct supervision of other positions.

Education/Experience:

High school diploma and/or equivalent AND (3) years of relevant experience in a plant environment, preferable in a water utility plant OR work experience performing maintenance and mechanical repairs to facilities, equipment, and/or machinery.

Preferred: Water or wastewater experience and/or related certification, experience with SCADA systems and computer proficiency in the use of Microsoft Office, including Word. Excel, and Outlook.

License and Certifications:

Applicant must possess a valid Class C Texas driver’s license; must possess a Class D Water or Wastewater Certification as issued by TCEQ and the ability to obtain a Class C Wastewater Treatment or Collection Certification within 12 months of hire.

Essential Job Functions:

• Performs operation, monitoring, maintenance, and repair of the wastewater treatment plant, lift stations, effluent facilities, chemical feed systems, and SCADA system.
• Performs and assists with TCEQ reporting.
• Provides timely communication, troubleshooting, and recommendations for resolution of operational issues, including emergency situations.
• Maintains facilities and grounds to ensure a neat and tidy appearance.
• Ensures plant effluent irrigation systems are in working order and in compliance with City and TCEQ policies and procedures.
• Assists with ordering repair parts and equipment and managing inventory.
• Follows safety policies and procedures.
• Coordinates with staff, consultants and other agency vendors on operational issues and matters.
• Maintains weekly log of duties performed and keeps inventory system up to date.
• Collects samples and completes lab analysis, sends samples to lab facility for additional analysis.
• Completes continuing education directly related to job responsibilities and as required by professional licensing organizations.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Knowledge of City and departmental administrative directives, policies, and procedures, and ability to comply.
• Ability to perform work independently based upon broad instructions and general supervision.
• Ability to follow verbal and written instructions.
• Ability to learn job-related procedures, tools and equipment, primarily through verbal instruction, observation, and on-the-job training.
• Ability to learn pertinent Federal, State, and local laws, codes, and regulations.
• Ability to make inspections to determine facility operating conditions and repair needs on equipment and machinery.
• Ability to maintain accurate and complete logs, records, and files.
• Skilled in computer use and ability to learn job-related software applications as needed.
• Ability to perform manual work requiring sustained climbing, standing, lifting, and walking.
• Ability to handle multiple tasks, prioritize, and organize work assignments, and meet established deadlines.
• Ability to anticipate, identify, and effectively resolve various issues and problems.
• Ability to take the initiative to learn individual job tasks and continue to broaden knowledge levels by willingly accepting new responsibilities and attending training to advance skills.
• Ability to demonstrate satisfactory work performance and regular, reliable, and punctual attendance.
• Ability to provide management with sound, positive advice, and information concerning the area of responsibility.
• Ability to establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with those contacted in the course of work and communicate effectively with the public and other required entities.
• Skilled in reading, interpreting, and applying technical information from manuals, drawings, specifications, layouts, blueprints, and schematics and effectively use this information to make repairs.
• Skilled in safely and efficiently operating, maneuvering, and/or controling the actions of equipment, machinery, tools, and materials used in performing essential functions.
• Skilled in remaining constantly alert and aware of any workplace hazards and follow the safety practices and principles in reporting and preventing accidents.
• Skilled in the use of tools.

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

The work environment characteristics described herein are representative of those an employee may encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

In a typical work setting, the Wastewater Plant Operator:

Interpersonal Relationships

Consistently works with other team members in close proximity and interacts daily with office staff.

Hours/Travel

A typical work week will be Monday – Friday, 7AM – 4PM, with an hour for lunch, and rotating weekend and on call assignments. May be required to work evenings or weekends to meet deadlines or for special projects/assignments. On call?

Physical Demands and Work Conditions

Physical Demands including but not limited to: sitting, talking, hearing, seeing, standing, walking, driving, stooping, kneeling, reaching, pushing, pulling, twisting, bending, crawling, climbing, and using hands and fingers to operate equipment and to lift or move objects up weighing up to 80 pounds, or more with the use of proper equipment.

Work is performed in a plant environment with exposure to indoor and outdoor conditions, inclement weather, temperature extremes, moving mechanical parts and machinery, heights, overhead hazards, noise, vibration, cramped/confined spaces, rough/uneven/slippery surfaces, water hazards, mechanical/electrical hazards, toxic or caustic chemicals, fumes, dust, dirt, pollen, and other airborne particles.

Work shall be performed with tools, appliances and equipment approved by those agencies and bodies that have control, authority, or approval of the design working ranges or limitations of those items; the employee has the responsibility to conform to those ranges and limitations.

Equipment may include but is not limited to: phone, computer, lab equipment, hand and power tools, pumps, motors, gauges, valves, ladders, and City vehicles.

Disaster Service Workers Clause

Always in the event of a declared emergency or any undeclared emergency or natural disaster that threatens the life, health and/or safety of the public, designated employees may be assigned to assist rescue and relief workers. Such assignments may be in locations, during hours and performing work significantly different from the employees’ normal work assignments and may continue through the recovery phase of the emergency.

Job Description statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by employees assigned to this job title. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required. Management reserves the right to add, modify, change or rescind the work assignments of different positions and to make reasonable accommodations so that qualified employees can perform the essential functions of the job. An employee may also perform other reasonable related business duties as assigned by the immediate supervisor. The City of Elgin is considered an At-Will employer, meaning both you and the City may, without any liability, terminate the employment relationship for any reason at any time and without notice.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $24.71 per hour

Expected hours: 40 per week

Benefits:

• Dental insurance
• Flexible spending account
• Health insurance
• Health savings account
• Life insurance
• Retirement plan
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• Monday to Friday
• Weekends as needed

Education:

• High school or equivalent (Required)

Work Location: Multiple locations