Water Treatment Plant Operator Trainee

Water Treatment And Distribution Systems Operator

Under general supervision, this position is responsible for operating, maintaining and/or providing assistance with the operation and maintenance of the Water Treatment and Distribution Systems. Reports to the Lead Water Treatment Plant Operator. There are four (4) levels of Treatment Plant Operator Trainees distinguished by the level of work performed and the qualifications of the employee.

Obtains water samples and performs required laboratory tests to ensure proper treatment; calculates chemical dosages and mixes solution; regulates raw water, the distribution water flow rate and collects and evaluates water samples at each stage of treatment.

Assists with the operation of a water treatment plant, and records data regarding treatment plant and distribution system including pressures, tank levels, flow rates and water quality using a computerized system; adjusts system pressures and tank levels through the use of high service pumps and booster stations.

Assists with or performs chemical testing, including but not limited to pH, chlorine residual, fluoride concentration, color, hardness levels, turbidity and alkalinity, and determines proper corrective measures based on test results.

Performs plant maintenance such as cleaning and backwashing intake screens, cleaning and calibrating chemical feeders and assisting with cleaning clarifier basins; assists with diagnosing, problems with mechanical or electrical equipment and performs tasks such as isolating valves, pumps or motors as necessary; records and maintains operational and laboratory data; assists with the preparation of daily and monthly reports.

Performs other duties as assigned. Individual assignments will be determined by supervisor based on current workload and department needs.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

Has considerable knowledge of the operating principles and practices and the maintenance requirements of water treatment plant equipment and machinery. Has general knowledge of the occupational hazards and safety precautions associated with water plant and related activities. Has some knowledge of chemistry as applied to water treatment. Has general knowledge of water testing procedures. Has general knowledge of standard laboratory principles, techniques, terminology and equipment. Is able to understand and follow specified operating and recording procedures. Is able to detect defects and to take appropriate action in the operation of water treatment equipment, chemical feed systems and other related equipment. Is able to keep accurate records and prepare reports. Is able to exercise considerable tact and courtesy in contact with the general public. Is able to establish and maintain effective working relationships as necessitated by work assignments.

Maintains high standards of accuracy in exercising duties and responsibilities. Exercises immediate remedial action to correct any quality deficiencies that occur in areas of responsibility. Maintains high quality communication and interacts within department, with co-workers and the general public.

Maintains effective and efficient output of all duties and responsibilities as described under "Essential Job Functions."

Assumes responsibility for doing assigned work and meeting deadlines. Completes assigned work on or before deadlines in accordance with directives, city policy, standards and prescribed procedures. Accepts accountability for meeting assigned responsibilities in the technical, human and conceptual areas.

Attends work regularly and adheres to city policies and procedures regarding absences and tardiness. Provides adequate notice to higher management with respect to vacation time and time-off requests.

Maintains an enthusiastic, self-reliant and self-starting approach to meet job responsibilities and accountabilities. Strives to anticipate work to be done and initiates proper and acceptable direction for completion of work with a minimum of supervision and instruction.

Exercises analytical judgment in areas of responsibility. Identifies problems or situations as they occur and specifies decision objectives. Identifies or assists in identifying alternative solutions to problems or situations. Implements decisions in accordance with prescribed and effective policies and procedures and with a minimum of errors. Seeks expert or experienced advice and researches problems, situations and alternatives before exercising judgment.

Accepts supervisory instruction and direction and strives to meet the goals and objectives of same. Questions such instruction and direction when clarification of results or consequences are justified, i.e., poor communications, variance with city policy or procedures, etc. Offers suggestions and recommendations to encourage and improve cooperation between all staff persons within the department.

Shares knowledge with supervisors and staff for mutual and departmental benefit. Contributes to maintaining high morale among all department employees. Develops and maintains cooperative and courteous relationships with department employees and managers in other departments, representatives from organizations, and the general public so as to maintain good will toward the department and project a good departmental image. Tactfully and effectively handles requests, suggestions and complaints from other departments and persons in order to maintain good will within the city. Interacts effectively with fellow employees, utilities customers, supervisor, professionals and the general public.

Plans and organizes daily work routine. Establishes priorities for the completion of work in accordance with sound time-management methodology. Avoids duplication of effort. Estimates expected time of completion of elements of work and establishes a personal schedule accordingly. Attends meetings, planning sessions and discussions on time. Implements work activity in accordance with priorities and estimated schedules. Maintains a calendar for meetings, deadlines and events.

Adheres to all safety and housekeeping standards established by the city and various regulatory agencies. Sees that the standards are not violated. Maintains a clean and orderly workplace.

Education, Experience & Special Requirements

Requires a high school diploma or the equivalent and must meet and maintain the special requirements and licensure as outlined in their designated position description:

Water Treatment Plant Operator Trainee - The Trainee position has the option of obtaining a Class IV License for promotional opportunity. For promotional purposes, the Class IV Licensure must be received within gaining 18 months of experience at a Class 4, Class 3, Class 2 or Class 1 waterworks facility to receive compensation for the promotion. This position must obtain a Commonwealth of Virginia Class III Waterworks Operator's License within three years of attaining experience at a Class 4, Class 3, Class 2 or Class 1 waterworks facility.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS Required to wear on-line Self-contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA) during the offloading of ammonia during chemical deliveries.

An acceptable general background check to include a local and state criminal history check and sex offender registry check.

This position requires pre-employment medical evaluation and substance abuse testing and is subject to random alcohol and controlled substance testing.

Must comply with application and renewal procedures of the Virginia Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation (DPOR) for required licensure, including required disclosure of conviction(s) and disciplinary actions. Such information may result in license denial, suspension, revocation and or termination due to required licensure.

Physical Demands

Must be physically able to operate a variety of equipment, machinery and water treatment plant equipment including computer, two-way radio, pumps, motors, mechanical and plumbing tools, etc. Must be able to exert up to 100 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 75 pounds of force frequently, and/or 50 pounds of force constantly to move objects. Physical demand requirements are those for Heavy Work.

Requires the ability to compare and/or judge the readily observable, functional, structural or compositional characteristics (whether similar or divergent from obvious standards) of data, people or things.

Requires the ability of speaking and/or signaling people to convey or exchange information. Includes receiving instructions, assignments or directions from superiors.

Requires the ability to read a variety of charts, graphs and reports, manuals, regulations, gauges, levels, meters, etc. Requires the ability to prepare logs, test reports, etc., using prescribed formats and conforming to all rules of punctuation, grammar, diction, and style. Requires the ability to speak with poise, voice control and confidence.

Requires the ability to apply rational systems to solve problems and deal with a variety of variables in situations where only limited standardization exists; to interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral, diagrammatic, or schedule form.

Requires the ability to record and deliver information, to explain procedures, to follow oral and written instructions. Must be able to communicate effectively and efficiently in a variety of technical or professional languages including engineering, water treatment, mechanical and electrical terminology.

Requires the ability to utilize mathematical formulas; to add and subtract; multiply and divide; utilize decimals and percentages; understand and interpret graphs; performing calculations.

Requires the ability to inspect items for proper length, width and shape.

Requires the ability to coordinate to hands and eyes rapidly and accurately in using office and water treatment plant equipment.

Requires the ability to handle a variety of items such as office equipment. Must have minimal levels of eye/hand/foot coordination.

Requires the ability to differentiate between colors and shades of color.

Requires the ability to deal with people beyond giving and receiving instructions. Must be adaptable to performing under varied levels of stress.

Requires the ability to talk and hear (Talking: expressing or exchanging ideas by means of spoken words) (Hearing: perceiving nature of sounds by ear) via telephone and two-way radio.