Water Plant Operator

Company Description

Broken Arrow, located in northeast Oklahoma, is the fourth largest city in the state with a population of over 120,000 people. Known for its high quality of life, Broken Arrow offers low crime rates, high-performing schools, and affordable housing. The city is home to the third largest manufacturing hub in the state and numerous attractions such as the Rose District and the Performing Arts Center. The City of Broken Arrow provides top-notch municipal programs and services, promoting a positive environment for families, businesses, community organizations, and visitors.

Position Summary

Under general supervision, operates and maintains the water treatment plant and assigned related facilities including the overall appearance at the plant and facilities. A progression plan is available to the water plant operator consisting of a series of requirements (years of service, certifications and/or licensure, etc.) that demonstrate mastery of skills and abilities for position advancement.

*This position performs duties deemed to be “safety-sensitive" and is therefore subjected to random drug testing under the City’s policies* 

Essential Job Functions:

• Monitors and operates the water treatment plant and assigned related facilities to ensure water quality objectives and systems demands are met and that the water produced and distributed complies with all state and federal standards, regulations and guidelines.
• Operates water treatment plant:
• Monitors instruments, gauges, flowmeters, charts, system control computer, etc.
• Conducts water analysis tests such as hardness, alkalinity, pH, turbidity, chlorine residual, etc., for treatment process control.
• Determines chemical feed rates and adjusts chemical dosages.
• Reads and records chemical usage; fills chemical feeders; mixes chemicals; changes reagents.
• Determines and maintains proper flow rates in accordance with water demand.
• Maintains treatment records in accordance with state and federal regulations.
• Operates in an efficient and effective manner.
• Calibrates and adjusts equipment for optimal treated water output.
• Backwashes filters as needed.
• Cleans all equipment, tools, glassware used throughout daily operation in the laboratory.
• Collects representative water samples from the plant and performs chemical, physical, and bacteriological tests to assure water quality; submits samples for testing as required.
• Assists in the ordering of chemicals and lab supplies.
• Understands water treatment theory and technology and applies that knowledge to the water treatment process and production.
• Maintains all required records such as operating logs, laboratory, chemical and electrical use, repair part inventories, and maintenance logs; distributes information to internal and external personnel.
• Performs routine preventive maintenance on plant equipment to include: operating adjustments and calibrations on equipment, basic mechanical and electrical work and cleaning, lubricating and replacing equipment parts.
• Performs building and grounds maintenance as needed, including mowing, painting, housekeeping duties, cleaning, etc.
• Performs all work in a safe manner using standard operating procedures and required personal protective equipment.
• Checks motors and pumps and other equipment for excessive noise and temperatures.
• Ensures that treatment facilities are safe and secure.
• Operates a tractor, backhoe, or front-end loader to perform maintenance tasks including removal of sludge from the settling basins.
• Responds to and participates in emergency situations.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

Minimum Education and Experience:

Requires a high school diploma or GED equivalent with a minimum of 1 year of related experience; or an equivalent combination of education, training and experience that provides the required knowledge, skills and abilities.

Requires possession of or ability to readily obtain a valid driver's license issued by the State of Oklahoma for the type of vehicle or equipment operated. 

Requires possession of or ability to readily obtain an ODEQ Class D water operator license and a Class C water laboratory license within 18 months of employment; a Class C water operator license is preferred. 

Physical Requirements:

Tasks involve the ability to exert moderate physical effort in medium work, typically involving some combination of balancing, climbing, feeling, handling, hearing, kneeling, mental acuity, reaching, repetitive motion, speaking, standing, talking, visual acuity, or walking, and which involves some lifting, carrying, pushing and/or pulling of objects and materials of heavy weight (up to 50 pounds).