Water System Operator

Operational Technical Services (OTS) is one of the fastest growing private water and wastewater utility staffing providers in the country. We provide certified water treatment, distribution, wastewater treatment, collections, engineering, laboratory, water quality, maintenance, and training professionals to municipalities, special districts, and private utilities throughout the country. OTS offers temporary, temp to hire, direct hire and emergency on-call opportunities including great benefits.

POSITION: Water System Operator

PAY RATE: $47 - $55

LOCATION: Orange County, CA

Under moderate supervision during day shift and independent after hours and weekends, maintains control over water system operations by use of the SCADA (Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition) systems and is responsible for dispatching crews using Outage Management systems (OMS) to ensure reliable service to customers.

Typical Duties

• Use of a SCADA system to monitor and adjust system equipment to meet varying demands and conditions, including responding to alarms and taking corrective actions.
• Perform flow, pressure and chemical adjustments, following proper procedures, to assure health, safety and water system reliability.
• Use a personal computer for a variety of tasks, including: writing and modifying water programs; sending water service interruption notices; accessing customer information systems, mapping systems, and creating and completing forms, writing and sending documents, writing and sending e-mail.
• Callout emergency crews to respond to interruptions in service, create energy control plans, initiate dispatch orders and record repairs and issue clearances to crews to make repairs
• Maintain System logs, document control room and water crew activities
• Respond to customer trouble calls pertaining to water leaks, water quality, high and low pressures, service disconnections, drought response, capital improvements and other water related concerns. Provide both internal and external customer service in a wide variety of disciplines by directing customers to the appropriate department.
• Inspect and coordinate maintenance related duties of water reservoirs and water treatment systems.
• Calibrate instruments and maintain chemical feed pumps
• Monitor all water treatment facilities, wells and reservoirs for water quality and operational related characteristics; sample and perform chemical, physical and biological analysis on the treatment process before and after treatment to comply with all regulatory requirements.
• Perform depth sampling of wells and water reservoirs.
• Collect data; tabulate records of treatment effectiveness; maintain records and logs of operation and water quality data; prepare operation orders and perform call out procedures.
• Coordinate a variety of personnel in the activities necessary to maintain water service.
• Perform related duties and responsibilities as required.

Requirements

Experience:

• Journey level potable water treatment plant and water distribution system experience.

Knowledge of:

• Techniques, practices, and methods of operation in chlorination, clarification, filtration, chemical feed, ozonation and mechanical equipment associated with water supply, treatment and distribution system;
• Potable water treatment plant and related equipment;
• Personal computer operations to insure proper water flows, storage and pressure levels;
• Water chemistry related to treatment operation for a potable domestic water system;
• Principles, operating and maintenance requirements of pumps and motors, both electric and internal combustion;
• Equipment automation, pneumatics, mechanics and electricity as applied to water treatment operations;
• Operating characteristics of a potable domestic water system;
• Standard water system operating policies and procedures; safe work practices.

Ability to:

• Conduct treatment processes such as coagulation, flocculation, sedimentation, disinfection and filtration; operate water pumps, chlorinators, compressors, filters, and other related equipment; calibrate and read chemical feed pumps, disinfection and laboratory equipment; perform water quality analyses chemical, physical, biological and basic laboratory work;
• Maintain data, records, and charts;
• Work with considerable independence and initiative;
• Communicate effectively, orally and in writing; perform work in emergency situations
• as necessary;
• Prepare chemical solutions for treating potable water;
• Adjust and manipulate automated water treatment devices to obtain optimum effectiveness.

Licenses/Certifications:

• Possession of a Grade III Water Treatment Operator Certificate issued by the State of California Water Resources Control Board and a Grade III Water Distribution Operator Certificate issued by the State of California Water Resources Control Board; possession of a valid California Driver's License.

Environmental and Working Conditions:

• Environmental Conditions: Due to the nature of work assignments, incumbents are exposed to live electricity and high frequency noise; treated water with chemicals and pesticides; contact with grease/oil, smoke, fumes, and gases.
• Physical Conditions: Due to the nature of work assignments, incumbents are required to use both hands, arms, and legs; stoop, bend, and lift up to 50 pounds; climb stairs, ladders, and work at heights above 10 feet; speaking clearly and hear high frequency and normal noise, have vision sufficient to clearly distinguish colors.

Must Haves For Role:

• Meets the health and physical condition standards deemed necessary and proper for performance of these duties.
• Is able to be exposed to hazardous conditions.
• Is able to work shift, weekend and holiday schedules.
• Has ability to perform heavy lifting up to 50 lbs and other manual work under adverse conditions.

Operational Technical Services, (OTS), is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, colors, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status.