General Statement of Duties

An employee in this class performs intermediate semiskilled work in the operation and maintenance of a water treatment plant. Emphasis of the work is on efficient and effective operation and maintenance of the plant, control and performance of treatment and testing processes. Performs general plant and grounds maintenance tasks, maintaining records and logs. Treats raw water through a series of processes that remove or destroy harmful materials and microorganisms. Employee must ensure that the disinfection process is thorough and complete. Controls specialized equipment, such as pumps, valves, and SCADA system that moves the water through the numerous treatment processes. Responsible for testing the water at various stages of treatment; interpreting and adjusting meters and gauges; and performing chemical and biological laboratory analyses. Must be familiar with all standards regarding the quality of drinking water. Must meet or exceed the State and Federal rules and regulations for water quality. Employee is subject to hazards associated with water plant operations including working both inside and outside environments, in extreme hot and cold weather, and exposure to various hazards such as loud noises, moving electrical current, chemicals, fumes, odors, dusts, mists, gases, poor ventilation, working in small spaces such as sewer pipes, and oils. Work around water is also subject to the final standards of OSHA on blood borne pathogens. Work is performed under the supervision of the Chief Water Treatment Plant Operator and is reviewed by observation, conference, and the reviewing records for adherence to operations standards, instructions, and safety practices. Position may be subject to shift work as necessary to complete treatment process.

Duties and Responsibilities/Knowledge, Skills, Abilities

Working knowledge of the operating characteristics and maintenance requirements of a water treatment plant.
Working knowledge of hydraulic, chemical, and mechanical principles pertinent to water treatment plant operations.
Working knowledge of State and Federal rules and regulations governing water treatment; some knowledge in maintaining documentation and records.
Working knowledge in the use of standard office equipment and associated software.
Ability to make mathematical computations.
Ability to compute rates, ratios, and percentages.
Working knowledge of the occupational hazards of the work, and the necessary safety precautions; ability to understand and follow oral and written instructions.
Ability to read meters and charts accurately.
Skill in the use and care of hand tools.
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with associates.
Performs general plant and grounds maintenance tasks and maintaining records and logs.
Makes regular tours of the plant and checks motors, generators, pumps, aerators, tanks, filters, chlorinators, chemical feeders, and other equipment for proper functioning.
Documents amount of water treated, amount of chemicals used and records chemical pump dial settings; calibrates equipment as needed.
Collects water samples within the plant and from the distribution system; performs tests such as chlorine residual, pH, alkalinity, turbidity, etc., completes lab analysis of treated and untreated water to ensure quality; makes chemical and other adjustments as needed.
Records readings from meters and instruments; maintains various records and logs on plant operations.
Regulates and adjusts motors, pumps, blowers, valves, and other apparatus to meet changing operating conditions; backwashes filters; to ensure plant sludge collection systems are operating properly.
Performs minor maintenance and lubrication on equipment.
Performs general custodial and grounds maintenance work.

Desirable Education and Experience

Graduation from high school supplemented by coursework in chemistry or biology and water treatment with related experience in a water treatment plant and minimal experience in the operation and maintenance of machinery and equipment.
Physical Requirements
Must be able to physically perform the basic life operational functions of climbing, balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, reaching, walking, pushing, pulling, lifting, grasping, and hearing.
Must be able to perform heavy work exerting up to 100 pounds of force occasionally; and or up to 50 pounds of force frequently; and or up to 20 pounds of force constantly to move objects.
Must possess the visual acuity to read gauges, dials, observe moving parts of machines, and to be able to record and review written records.
Special Requirements
Possession of a valid North Carolina driver’s license upon hire.
Possess a North Carolina “C” Surface Water Treatment Operator certification upon hire.
Obtain a North Carolina Physical/Chemical certification within twelve (12) months of employment.
Must meet and maintain all certification, license, and training requirements for position.
Completion of the defensive driving course within six months of employment.