Water Treatment Plant Operator

Water Treatment Plant Operator

This position is open until filled and applications will be reviewed as they are received. Anticipated starting wage for this position is $52,276.94/year, with a full salary range up to $76,031.72. Benefits for this position include: Paid Training Opportunities - Vacation Accrual, PERSI Retirement - Summer Shift Pay, Certification Pay - Up to $3/hour - Medical, Dental, Vision Plan, Compensatory Time Accrual - Paid Sick Leave, 13 Paid Holidays - Basic Life Insurance. Please visit our benefits webpage for a complete look at the City of Lewiston's benefits package.

Position Summary: Under the direction of the Water Treatment Plant Supervisor, operate the water treatment plant and well system to assure compliance with federal, state and local laws, regulations and standards; perform water quality sampling and various lab tests; operate a variety of treatment plant and testing equipment; prepare and maintain a variety of records and logs; clean clear wells, reservoirs, settling basins, and membrane filtration facilities; conduct periodic inspections of the water plant to assure proper operation of electronic and mechanical equipment.

Essential Functions: Operate the water treatment plant, well system, and booster stations during an assigned shift; control the flow of raw water through the water treatment plant and finished water production to storage reservoirs; act as responsible charge operator for assigned shift to assure compliance with federal, state and local laws, regulations and standards; adjust water flow, pressure, and chemical feed, valves and pumps. Perform water quality testing and various lab tests including alkalinity, hardness, iron, pH, chlorine, bacteria and others; perform daily and weekly water turbidity and quality control tests; maintain related documentation and test results and send to Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and other regulatory departments according to established procedures, standards, rules and regulations. Calibrate and operate chemical feeders to disinfect and clarify water; apply aluminum chlorohydrate and sodium hypochlorite to comply with EPA standards; determine and apply correct coagulate dosages according to established procedures. Monitor reservoir levels and daily plant operation activities; input chemical type and dosages applied to water. Operate a variety of treatment plant and testing equipment, such as a spectrophotometer, chemical scale, autoclave, various lab equipment, specialized testing equipment, and hand and power tools; operate a SCADA terminal to control treatment plant, wells, and boosters operation, monitor reservoir levels and daily plant activities. Prepare and maintain a variety of records and logs related to plant operations such as membrane integrity, UV transmittance, pump usage, lab results, reservoir levels, pH and chlorine levels, and others as required; Clean was hwater settling basins; Conduct water sampling throughout the system for state analysis; remove sludge from sedimentation basin; maintain chemicals inventory for the plant as assigned. Safely operate aerial work platforms (scissor lifts) to access, inspect, clean, and perform routine maintenance on elevated membrane filtration racks, modules, and piping systems. Safely manage, oversee, and execute the offloading of bulk chemical deliveries (including, but not limited to, sodium hypochlorite, caustic soda, aluminum chlorohydrate, and citric acid) from commercial transport tankers into designated facility storage tanks or via chemical totes. Safely operate powered industrial trucks (forklifts) to load, unload, transport, and stack chemical totes, drums, pallets, and heavy plant equipment. Strictly adhere to Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), OSHA guidelines, and approved emergency response plans. Correctly utilize required Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), including chemical-resistant suits, face shields, and respirators when mandated. Conduct and document periodic inspections of the water plant to assure proper operation of electronic and mechanical equipment; lubricate and perform maintenance and minor repairs on equipment as necessary; correct or report malfunctions and concerns to appropriate personnel; Maintain facilities in a clean, safe and operative condition; perform grounds maintenance such as watering lawns and trimming vegetation as assigned; perform building maintenance and repair; paint walls, floors and other facilities. Communicate with the public regarding plant operation concerns and water-related questions or issues on the telephone or in person. Assist in conducting plant tours as assigned. Be available for standby duty and respond to emergency call-out situations as assigned. Perform related duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications: Graduation from high school and sufficient training or experience to demonstrate the knowledge, skills and abilities listed herein. Valid driver's license with an acceptable driving record. Possess or acquire through reciprocity a valid Idaho Class I Water Treatment Operators License. Safety Sensitive Position. Knowledge & Abilities: Practices and procedures to properly operate and maintain a membrane water filtration plant. Principles, practices, methods and procedures of conducting chemical tests and analysis on City water supply. Appropriate amounts of chemical dosages to apply to pre-treated water. Operation and maintenance of chemical addition corrosion control systems. Operation and maintenance of chemical and ultraviolet disinfection systems. Water production and pumping facilities and pressure zone boundaries. Basic math, chemistry and hydraulics as they relate to water treatment and distribution. Applicable state and EPA rules and regulations regarding water quality control and reporting procedures. Record-keeping techniques. Interpersonal skills using tact, patience and courtesy. Operation of a computer terminal and data entry techniques. Health and safety regulations. Operation and use of hand and power tools and equipment. Operate the water treatment plant to assure compliance with federal, state and local laws, regulations and standards. Perform water quality sampling and testing. Read and interpret a variety of meter readings. Operate a SCADA terminal. Work cooperatively with others. Maintain routine records. Learn, apply and explain policies, procedures, rules and regulations. Analyze situations accurately and adopt an effective course of action. Observe health and safety regulations. Operate, maintain and make repairs on equipment. Inspect facilities for maintenance and repair needs and safety and health hazards.

Working Conditions: Water treatment plant and pump stations work environment; subject to driving to conduct work. Physical activities include: heavy lifting, pulling, pushing and carrying of objects weighing up to 50 pounds; eye-hand coordination to operate computer equipment; climbing stairs, walking over metal grates and wet floors; speaking and exchanging information; and bending at the waist. Frequent exposure to outdoor elements and industrial environments containing hazardous chemicals. Incumbents are exposed to hazardous chemicals, fumes and ultraviolet light; working in confined or restrictive work chambers and spaces, electrical cabinets, and working on ladders, lifts and above ground level.