General Statement of Duties
Under the general supervision of the WTP Supervisor, The Water Plant Operator is responsible for protecting the public health and the specialized work in the operations and maintenance of the water plant. Incumbent must know the characteristics of water chemical analysis, motors, pumps, and other equipment related to the water treatment, read, understand, and follow written job instructions/materials as well as technical manuals; written standard operation procedures.
Essential Functions
• Maintain regular, reliable, and prompt attendance, physically present to work;
• Operate and check all pumps, chemical stations, reservoirs, water towers, filters, and electrical instrumentation.
• Inspect equipment and monitor operating conditions, meters, and gauges to determine load requirements and detect malfunctions.
• Collect and test water samples using test equipment
• Operates and adjust controls an equipment and clarify water, process to dispose of sludge.
• Will assign, perform, assist, repair and maintenance of plant equipment as well as keeping all structures and grounds neat and clean.
• Inspect equipment and monitor operating conditions, meters, and gauge readings on specified forms;
• Handling chemicals, such ammonia, chlorine, sodium chlorite, aluminum sulfate, copper sulfate to disinfect and deodorize water and other chemicals;
• Maintain and ensure all daily logs.
• Perform process control lab test such Total and free chlorine, turbidity, pH, alkalinity, etc.; and
• Perform other duties as assigned.
Physical Demands
Must have the use of sensory skills in order to effectively communicate and interact with other employees and the public through the use of the telephone and personal contact as normally defined by the ability to see, read, talk, hear, handle, or feel objects and controls. Physical capability to effectively use and operate various items. Employee in this job must use good judgment to work safely and use equipment properly. Significant walking, moving, climbing, carrying, bending, crawling, handling, standing, pushing, and pulling may be required. Must be be able to swim, work in confined spaces, work indoors and outdoors in extreme temperatures, including hot and cool temperatures as well as inclement temperatures. Employee will work under exposure to mechanical, electrical, chemical, and dust hazards. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 50lbs and push, pull, or drag up to 150lbs. Must have the ability to follow proper safety precautions.
Skills and Abilities• Monitor and review information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems.
• Perform physical activities that require considerable use of your arms and legs and moving your whole body, such as climbing, lifting, balancing, walking, stooping, and handling of materials.
• Inspect equipment, structures, or materials to identify the cause of errors or others problems or defects.
• Use relevant information and individual judgment to determine whether events of processes comply with laws, regulations, or standards.
• Identify information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.
• Analyze information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
• Monitor panel boards and adjust controls to regulate flow rates, water towers levels and distribution pressure.
• Keep up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job
• Use hands and arms to handling, installing, positioning, and moving materials, and manipulating things.
• Knowledge of computer software including but not limited to Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook, data management systems and be able to operate plant PLC’s and SCADA systems
• Enter, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written and/or electronic form.
• Observe, receive, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
• Perform other work assigned
Minimum Qualifications and RequirementsTo perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each duty satisfactorily.
• High School Diploma or equivalent.
• Texas Class C driver's license and an acceptable driving record.
• TCEQ Class D Water Operator’s License or the ability to obtain one within one (1) year.
• Obtain a TCEQ Surface Water Class C Water Operator’s License within two (2) years.
• Must be able to work shifts, weekends and holidays.
• Pre-employment drug screen, physical and criminal background required.

Supervisory ResponsibilityThis position has no supervisory responsibilities. 

Position Type/Expected Hours of WorkThis is a full-time, non-exempt position, with a 40-hour work week. Incumbent must have the ability to work flexible hours including holidays, evenings, and weekends, if needed. Participation in City sponsored special events, trainings, or meetings may be required.

AAP/EEO Statement The City of Pharr is an Equal Opportunity Employer. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and the Americans with Disabilities Act Amendment Act (ADAAA) the City of Pharr will provide reasonable accommodations, upon reasonable request, to qualified individuals with disabilities and encourages both prospective employees and incumbents to discuss potential accommodations with the employer.

The city focuses on identifying candidates who are customer oriented and committed to public service to create a culture that is committed to diversity.

Other DutiesPlease note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.