WATER OPERATOR I

JOB POSITION: WATER OPERATOR I


Division: Water Quality
Status: Non-Exempt
Grade: 106
Job Code: 787
Reports to: Water Operations Supervisor
Date: 07-01-07
Revised Date: 04-01-22
Last Reviewed Date: 04-01-22


SUMMARY OF JOB
Performs routine technical work in daily operations/maintenance of water treatment
equipment and processes. Operates SCADA system to monitor/control water plant/
system functions. Makes rounds of plant, checking for proper operation of
processes. Measures chemical feed rate and calculates dosages. Checks/calibrates
process instrumentation. Operates pumps/valves/sluice gates. Performs accuracy
tests/leak surveys/valve locations. Interprets maps/drawings/schematics.
Checks/lubricates and repairs pumps/aerators/air compressors/emergency
generators/other plant equipment. Assists in water quality lab making routine
physical/chemical tests. Maintain logs. Cleans, paints and performs other general
maintenance duties. Is the responsible operator in charge of assigned shift in
absence of Water Operations Supervisor. Graduation from high school/ GED
equivalent with one (1) or more years related experience in mechanical
maintenance work. Class I Water license from the Virginia Department of
Professional and Occupational Regulation for Waterworks and Wastewater Works
required.


ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Includes the following. Other duties may be assigned or scheduled.

* Oversees and directs work of assigned employees when necessary.


* Identifies and reports work progress of assigned employee to responsible
supervisor/manager.

* Reports problems and conflicts to supervisor immediately or as soon as possible.

* Operates and maintains water production and distribution system.

* Operates SCADA system to monitor and control water plant and system
functions

* Makes periodic rounds of plant, checking for proper operation of processes.

* Measures chemical feed rate and calculates dosages.

* Checks and calibrates process instrumentation.


* Operates pumps, valves and sluice gates.

* Performs accuracy tests, leak surveys and valve locations.

* Interprets maps, drawings and schematics.

* Performs line locations and repairs leaks.

* Operates a variety of equipment such as leak detectors, pipe and metal
detectors.

* Assists in water quality lab.

* Performs routine vehicle maintenance.

* Makes routine physical and chemical tests of water samples

* Keeps accurate records of test results relating to water operations

* Maintains logs of plant operations

* Cleans, paints and otherwise repairs the general physical properties of the
facilities

* Checks, lubricates and repairs pumps, aerators, air compressors, emergency
generators and other plant equipment.

* Subject to twenty-four (24) hour call and works varied shifts as assigned.


SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES
Oversees the work of assigned employees when necessary. Assists responsible
supervisor in interviewing, hiring, and training employees; planning, assigning, and
directing work; appraising performance; rewarding and disciplining employees;
addressing complaints and resolving problems.


QUALIFICATIONS
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each
essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the
knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made
to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.


* Ability to oversee assigned work of other personnel in assigned area.

* Ability to review and recommend improvements in processes and procedures for
assigned area.

* Ability to think logically and comprehend data.

* Ability to work with minimal supervision.


* Ability to work safely and obey all safety rules.

* Ability to communicate effectively, both verbal and in writing.


* Ability to respond to inquiries from employees and customers orally or in writing
as necessary.

* Ability to represent assigned area in meetings attended.

* Ability to identify problems and/or conflict and seek management assistance in
dealing with problems and/or conflicts.


* Ability to analyze and solve technical and administrative problems.


* Ability to read and interpret documents such as safety rules, operating and
maintenance instructions, maps and procedure manuals.


* Ability to apply common sense understanding to carry out instructions furnished
in writing, oral or diagram form.

* Ability to write reports, correspondences and procedure manuals in a clear
concise manner.

* Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with co-workers,
other Water Authority departments and the general public.

* Ability to work alone or in a team environment.

* Must possess and maintain a good work ethic with a strong emphasis on good
attendance, reporting to work on time, completing job assignments in a timely
manner, maintaining a good work attitude, performing all job duties as assigned
and/or scheduled.

* General knowledge of chemistry and laboratory procedures, and ability to use
laboratory equipment.


* Thorough knowledge of principles and practices of operation of a water
treatment facility.


* Ability to speak effectively before groups of customers or employees of
organization.

* Ability to keep records, prepare reports and schedule work.


* Ability to deal with problems involving several concrete variables in standardized
situations.

* Ability to pass a respirator fit test.


EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE
Graduation from high school or GED equivalent with five (5) or more years related
experience and/or training in mechanical maintenance work or equivalent
combination of education and experience.


CERTIFICATE, LICENSE, REGISTRATION REQUIREMENTS
* Must possess a valid Virginia driver's license or have the ability to obtain one
within 60 days of employment date. No more than six (6) demerit points on
driving record if required to drive Water Authority vehicles.

* Must be in possession of a Class I license from the Virginia Department of
Professional and Occupational Regulation for Waterworks and Wastewater
Works.


PHYSICAL DEMANDS OF THE JOB
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met
by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.
Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to
perform the essential functions.


* While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to
walk, stand, and sit; use hands to finger, handle or feel; reach with hands and
arms; talk and hear.


* Specific vision abilities required by this job include ability to adjust focus. If
corrective lenses are noted on driver's license, the lenses must be worn when
operating Authority vehicles.

* Repetitive movement using equipment is involved.


* While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to
stoop, kneel, crouch, bend, climb, balance or crawl.


* Employee must be able to stand for an extended amount of time at the jobsite.

* Employee must be physically able to walk several miles during the day.


* Employee must be physically able to regularly reach overhead.

* Employee must regularly lift, carry and/or move up to 50 pounds and
occasionally 100 pounds. Assistance is required on weight amounts above those
listed. Failure to do so could result in injury and denied Worker's Compensation
benefits.


WORK ENVIRONMENT ENCOUNTERED IN THIS JOB
The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an
employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job.
Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to
perform the essential functions.


* Employee will be regularly exposure to moderate or high noise level, extreme
outside weather conditions, uneven, steep, slippery terrain conditions, dusty
conditions and wet and/or humid conditions.


* Employee will be subject to exposure to moving mechanical parts and heavy
equipment operation.

* Employees will be subject to roadway hazards, i.e. traffic.


* Employee will be subject to outside hazards, i.e. poison ivy, bees, spiders, dirt,
animals.

* Employee will be subject to confined areas, i.e. confined spaces, sewer
manholes, water vaults, wastewater pits, and/or protected trenches.


GENERAL STATEMENT AND SELECTION GUIDELINES
The above statements describe the general nature and level of work assigned to in
this job position. They should not be construed as an exhaustive list of all job duties
or tasks performed by personnel so classified.


The following will identify the selection guidelines for job placement:

* WVWA application

* Rating of education, experience, training and qualifications

* Reference checks

* Interview with WVWA management team

* Applicant must pass a pre-employment physical and drug/alcohol test


* A criminal background check and social security number verification will be
performed. The results must match information provided by the applicant on the
WVWA application


* Job related test might be required and would be administered to all applicants
applying for the position