Water Operator

General Statement of Duties

This non-exempt position is responsible for operating, monitoring, controlling, testing and troubleshooting a potable water treatment plant.  These responsibilities apply to operators uncertified through "A" certifications.

Supervision Received

Works under the oversight of the Water Plant Lead Operator and under the supervision of the Water Plant Supervisor.

Primary Duties and Responsibilities

• Operates a Class A Water Treatment Plant including preventative maintenance, inspection, and repair of plant equipment. Operates and monitors motors, pumps, filtration, chemical dosing equipment and valves to ensure adequate supply and proper treatment of potable water to the district’s customers. Ensures compliance with all Federal and State water quality regulations and permits.

• Working with the Water Production and Distribution department, monitors water production to maintain adequate water levels in the storage tanks. Determines daily needs based on computer generated data, experience and daily and/or seasonal weather changes.

• Adheres to the standard operating procedures and assists in the development of said procedures.

• Verbally reports emergencies and malfunctions and emergencies to the Water Plant Lead Operator and/or Water Plant Supervisor and initiates proper action per procedures. Perform appropriate follow-up procedures.

• Inspects equipment and makes recommendations to the Water Plant Supervisor regarding necessary repairs, maintenance, and calibration. Collaborates with the district’s maintenance department on the upkeep and replacement of equipment. Makes recommendations on the replacement schedule or type of equipment.

• Collects water samples, performs multiple laboratory tests, maintains accurate laboratory records, and notifies Water Plant Lead Operator and the Water Plant Supervisor when parameters are outside of established norms.

• Orders and offloads bulk chemicals for the treatment of water. Calculates chemical orders based on technical expertise and standard operating procedures. Maintains adequate chemical and supply inventories.

• Records data required for regulatory purposes.  Creates daily operational reports on all changes made to the treatment plant, well system, and distribution system.

• Works independently and with the team to ensure all Federal, State and Local regulations are met.

• Utilizes a variety of computer programs and databases during daily duties. Analyzes data and creates reports to aid in the evaluation of data and trends.

• Attend technical and safety training meetings, courses and seminars as required.

• Submits expense reports to the appropriate application or the Water Plant Supervisor.

• Assists with District public relations by representing the district in the community or responding to telephone inquiries and concerns from the general public.

• Routinely performs physical cleanup and housekeeping of work areas, equipment, and buildings using standard cleaning equipment and material, and chemical cleaning procedures.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Basic knowledge of Federal and State regulations and permitting requirements.

• Basic knowledge of equipment and procedures used in the operation of water treatment plants.

• Basic knowledge of chemistry, biology, and mathematical and statistical calculations necessary to conduct, analyze and interpret the results from standard laboratory tests.

• Basic knowledge of electricity, hydraulics, and pneumatics to inspect equipment and request repair and maintenance.

• Basic understanding of SCADA computer system functions.

• Basic computer knowledge including, but not limited to, Microsoft Word, Excel, and Outlook.

• Basic knowledge of safety procedures and use of personal protective equipment and ability to apply safety principles to all job tasks.  Ability to anticipate unsafe circumstances; act accordingly to prevent accidents and promptly report accidents and hazardous conditions.

• Ability to accurately compile, analyze, and interpret facts to prepare reports, to troubleshoot, to make decisions, and to solve problems on process and equipment.

• Ability to read and interpret documents such as Safety Data Sheets, safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, procedure manuals, blueprints, and technical documentation.

• Ability to effectively communicate verbally and in writing, organize activities to complete tasks in accordance with priorities, address multiple demands and meet deadlines.

• Ability to work independently with broad direction and limited supervision. Ability to collaborate effectively with supervisors and co-workers and deal tactfully with the public.

• Ability to operate basic hand and power tools in a safe and efficient manner.

Experience / Certification Requirements

• Experience requirements range from zero to multiple years.  Certification requirements range from none at time of hire to an “A” water certification.

• If an employee has no water treatment certification at time of hire, they must obtain a “D” license in water treatment within 6 months from date of hire.

• Must have a Motor Vehicle Record within the Acceptable or no less than Borderline rating according to the Vehicle Policy.

Working Conditions\Physical Activities

• Work 4 day, 10-hour shift including weekends and nights.  

• Required emergency on-call duties in addition to the regular work. Subject to mandatory overtime on an as needed basis to work within the department and for other duties as assigned.

• May be subject to mandatory holiday and/or weekend work.

• This position is designated Essential Personnel per the Emergency Response Plan during severe winter weather warning or event.

• Performs strenuous physical labor and stands for extended periods of time.

• Works in a water plant where elevated levels of noise, noise, irritants, dust, dirt, bacteria, hazardous chemicals/air/materials, and fumes are present.  

• Work may take place outside in all weather conditions. Risks associated with working around water, chemicals, electricity, and other hazards may be present.

• Use of a respirator is required for some tasks and may work in confined spaces.

• Lifting and handling objects up to 50 pounds occasionally and/or up to 20 pounds frequently.

• Full range of body movements including stooping, twisting, kneeling, bending, leaning, reaching, climbing (heights), stretching, and working in awkward positions.

• Vision is essential for tasks like driving, reading, recording, and interpreting information, while speech and hearing are crucial for communication with colleagues in various ways.

*This job will be open until filled and will be posted for at least 5 days from the posting date.

The hiring range for this position is $29.60-$46.13 per hour.  Actual compensation will be dependent upon experience and certification levels listed below.

None/D Water Treatment: $29.60-$34.88 per hour

C Water Treatment: $32.02-$37.67 per hour

B or A Water Treatment: $39.21-$46.13 per hour

Parker Water & Sanitation offers a robust benefits program including: 

• Low-cost health premiums 

• 100% District paid dental and vision insurance 

• District HSA contribution for those on our HDHP insurance 

• Social Security Replacement program – 401(a) 

• 457 (b) retirement plan with District match up to 5%, fully vested right away 

• 100% District paid Short- and Long-Term Disability 

• 100% District paid Life and Disability Insurance (2x annual salary) 

• Tuition Reimbursement up to $5250 per year 

• Employee Wellness program 

• Public Service Student Loan Forgiveness eligible employer 

For a more in-depth overview of the many benefits PWSD offers please visit www.pwsd.org/careers and click on the Total Rewards Program link. 

Salary : $30 - $46