Operator II

ADVANCEMENT OPPORTUNITIES
Operations Division Chief
Operations & Maintenance Chief
Operations & Maintenance Supervisor II
Operations & Maintenance Supervisor I
Operator, Chief
Operator, Senior 
Operator III

POSITION SUMMARY

This position is responsible for performing skilled duties in the operation of water or wastewater treatment plant or a raw water pumping plant. Duties involve routine inspection of plant processes and equipment. Works under general supervision.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Monitors plant operations by observation, instrumentation and laboratory test results and takes corrective actions as necessary.

2. Makes process adjustments to predetermined parameters. Required to place equipment into operation or take equipment out of operation.

3. Monitors condition of mechanical equipment and notifies appropriate personnel of needed repairs or any operational problems. Takes corrective action when equipment malfunctions. Responsible for minor preventive maintenance to maintain facilities in a safe and effective manner, and may include grounds maintenance where needed.

4. Observes and adjusts the Projects’ flows and treatment process conditions by monitoring the status of production via hands on or remotely via SCADA.

5. Takes samples at various operating points in the plant process and interprets data. Performs  various lab tests. Responsible for general housekeeping.

6. Required to maintain good communications, including thorough written process logs and  records. May assist in data input into computer system. Provides technical training to less experienced staff members.

7. Observes all safety guidelines as initiated by the Authority in addition to being aware and responsive to plant security issues. May be responsible for plant security during evening and night shifts. Takes action to protect certain structures and equipment under emergency conditions. Assists  in the safe handling and unloading of chemicals in the plant. Responsible for assisting in the safe handling and unloading of various chemicals in the plant. May be responsible for responding to various emergency situations as directed by supervisor.

8. Performs other duties as assigned.

9. May be responsible for responding to various emergency situations, including after-hours, as directed by supervisor.

10. Employees assigned to this position are classified as essential personnel.  Essential personnel are required to report to work when scheduled during departmental and/or emergency situations including, but not limited to, extended periods of inclement weather when travel may be difficult.  This position is essential because in the absence of sufficient personnel, the plant cannot operate safely.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

This position does not regularly provide work leadership or full personnel management to any employees.

FINANCIAL RESPONSIBILITY

May be assigned to order supplies and/or equipment as directed by supervisor. 

QUALIFICATIONS

EDUCATION

(required level of education)

High school diploma or GED; sixty college credit hours preferred or equivalent technical education.

EXPERIENCE

(minimum years and types of related experience required)

Two years of experience in water/wastewater or raw water pumping plant.

CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS

(any specialized certifications licenses or registrations required by TRA or other authority in order to do  the job, including those the incumbent must be able to obtain)

Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (or predecessor agency) Class C Water or Wastewater  Operator's Certificate of Competency required. Must be able to pass Plant specific Operator II test such as the Operator Efficiency Review (OER).

KNOWLEDGE

(Information or facts that employee must know in order to be able to perform the work)

Requires a moderate knowledge of principles and practices of water and/or wastewater treatment. Knowledge of Microsoft Office applications such as Word, Excel, etc.

SKILLS AND ABILITIES

(developed capability to use or apply knowledge effectively or dexterity/coordination in the performance  of physical tasks)

Must possess the ability to make responsible decisions as required by circumstances. Must be able to interpret complex test results.  Identify and report equipment malfunctions. The ability to communicate essential information and document daily activities to ensure proper plant operation. Must possess the ability to perform utility calculations.

GUIDANCE RECEIVED

Receives regular instructions and chooses between a range of procedures, and work methods. Has some flexibility  prioritizing assigned duties. 

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

This position requires passing a physical and physical ability assessment specific to this position. 

WORKING CONDITIONS

Working conditions include exposure to adverse weather, odor, noise, chemical hazards, gases and dust, standing for prolonged periods of time, walking up and down several flights of stairs, climbing and descending ladders, working at heights, and working in tight or confined spaces.

TOOLS AND EQUIPMENT

Hand tools, broom, sample collectors, flow meters, high pressure hoses, field meters, test kits, lab equipment, Authority vehicles, general and/or specialized material handling equipment. Subject to the use of respirators, SCBA's, PPE and other safety equipment as required.