Water Treatment Plant Operator I

Description

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.

Examples 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, and on-line quality instruments such as fluoride, ph, temperature, chlorine, etc.

Monitors and operates 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, odor control, and fluoridation; adjusts chemical feed rates manually or remotely to maintain proper treatment. Handles, mixes, and 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 and water treatment facilities by performing janitorial duties such as: painting, watering, weed and pest control, and assisting in making repairs to structures. Performs routine plant cleaning and maintenance such as backwashing filters, cleaning lines, and 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.

Typical Qualifications

Requires knowledge, skill, and mental development equivalent to completion of four (4) years high school or GED, with some experience in a water treatment plant preferred.

Knowledge of the methods and techniques of water treatment, quality, and supply.

Knowledge of laws and regulatory codes and requirements applicable to water treatment including standard quality tests, water sampling techniques, and bacterial and chemical analysis.

Knowledge of the mechanical, electrical, and hydraulic principles pertaining to water treatment.

Knowledge of the operation and maintenance of pumps, motors, valves, metering control systems, and chemical feed equipment.

Ability to use hand and power tools used in routine plant maintenance.

Ability to prepare a variety of logs and reports detailing plant activities.

Ability to properly record data and perform basic mathematical calculations correctly.

Ability to communicate effectively in verbal and written form.

Ability to operate a computer, tablet, and related electronic devices with appropriate training.

Ability to maintain effective working relationships with employees, contractors, vendors, and the general public.

Ability to work various shifts including nights, weekends, holidays, and overtime as assigned. Must also be available to respond to emergency situations 24 hours a day if necessary.

Ability to work independently with limited supervision.

Requires knowledge of the geographical area in the City of Rock Island.

Assists in the general maintenance and housekeeping of City owned property and buildings.

Requires ability to operate vehicles skillfully and safely; observes safe driving practices.

Requires ability to perform work in a variety of weather conditions.

Complies with established safety standards and rules including the use of safety equipment, personal protective equipment, and other devices and procedures necessary for protection.

Supplemental Information

Requires possession of a valid Class "D" Illinois Vehicle Operator's License or an equivalent license issued by the employee's state of residence.

Requires, as a condition of employment, to possess or obtain a Class C IEPA Water Treatment Certification within 2 years of hire.

Physical Demands
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, and 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.

Additional Information
Selected candidates must meet a residency requirement, which includes living in the state of Illinois or Iowa and must report within 60 minutes after being called into work for an overtime assignment.