Utility Process Control Specialist (Water Plant Operator)

This position requires a Kansas Water Supply System certification: The typical salary range for this position with a Kansas Class IV water Supply System Operators certificate is $34.53 - $41.93 hourly.  

This is highly skilled, technical work to monitor and control production, pumping, and distribution systems to meet water drinking water system demands and water quality permit requirements for a plant that is being constructed at 2120 N. Hoover in Wichita. This position exercises a high degree of decision-making regarding water treatment, flows, and pressures, based on independent judgement on how to maintain multiple water quality parameters within regulatory limits. Work includes supervising other staff when the Shift Supervisor is not present.

This position is eligible for progression through four competency levels with increasing levels of responsibility and corresponding pay ranges. Progression requires a combination of plant experience and specialized training.  

• Operates and monitors production, pumping, and distribution systems from a control center utilizing data from the Supervisory, Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) system and the Geographic Information System (GIS). 
• Monitors and maintains flows and pressures within all systems, including making independent decisions regarding how to balance flows to basins and reservoirs to maintain water storage requirements. 
• Monitors water levels in reservoirs and towers and makes appropriate pump changes. 
• Collects water samples and performs basic chemical tests. Utilizes results to make process change decisions. 
• Operates chemical feed equipment and controls feed rates, determines chemical dosage needs for varying conditions, and makes appropriate changes in chemical feed rates as required to maintain water quality. 
• Troubleshoots treatment problems associated with pH, solids level, mixing intensity, chemical dosage, and biological processes. 
• Monitors weather and forecasts daily water consumption and production requirements. 
• Operates and maintains a water treatment plant, including maintenance of equipment. 
• Records information about plant performance on log sheets or computer databases. 
• In charge of plant and staff when Shift Supervisor is not working. 
• The examples of work performed are not intended to be all-inclusive. 
• The City of Wichita reserves the right to assign additional responsibilities as needed, including but not limited to tasks performed by IEC Specialists, Water Quality Specialists, and O&M Specialists.

• Current and New hires to the division must be capable of achieving the following within two years of hire:
  • Obtaining a Kansas Class IV Water Supply System certification
  • Knowledge of federal and state regulations pertaining to producing and distributing safe drinking water
  • Thorough knowledge of the principles of specialized water treatment operations
  • Knowledge of the functions and mechanics of pumps, chemical analyzers, and other equipment used in a water treatment plant, and ability to perform basic preventive maintenance on equipment. 
  • Ability to calculate flows and solution strengths.
  • Ability to collect data and make decisions based on data from on-line analyzers.
  • Ability to monitor, evaluate, and make decisions about SCADA information.
  • Ability to utilize GIS data for decision making. 
  • Ability to interpret, validate, and analyze complex data.
  • Basic understanding of the principals of biology and chemistry as they relate to water treatment.
• Ability to use a computer to access, interpret and record information
• Ability to tolerate exposure to airborne environmental nuisances associated with open grounds, exposure to chemicals used in water treatment, and equipment and machinery noise (with the use of earplugs).
• Ability to walk variable distances multiple times per shift and climb stairs and ladders and to bend, twist, push, pull and reach as necessary to evaluate equipment/instrumentation function 
• Ability to lift and carry up to 40 pounds.
• Ability to exert up to 40 pounds of pressure to operate valves and fire hydrants.
• Ability to work outdoors in inclement weather.
• Ability to read and interpret technical manuals.
• Ability to develop and maintain effective working relationships with associates, employees of other departments and representatives of outside agencies
• Ability to communicate clearly and effectively, both orally and in writing
• Ability to acquire and maintain a valid Kansas driver's license
• Ability to drive at night.
• Ability to be available for after-hour emergencies including on-call duties.
• An employee shall not pose a direct threat to the health or safety of other individuals in the workplace.

1. Applicants must meet one of the following:

• Kansas Class IV Water Supply System Operator certification.

• Class II plus 6,000 hours of hands-on operations control experience (experience after receiving the Class II certification) at a surface water or softening treatment plant 

OR

• Class II plus 4,000 hours of hands-on operations control experience (experience after receiving the Class II certification) at a surface water or softening treatment plant that includes control of a distribution system

Note - Out-of-state certification holders from large water utility / surface water treatment must complete the Kansas reciprocity process within six (6) months of hire.

Offers of employment are contingent upon passing a pre-employment physical which includes drug screening, and upon satisfactory evaluation of the results of a criminal record check. 

Salary : $30 - $44