Water Treatment Plant Operator

Water Treatment Plant OperatorThe City of Charleston Public Works Department is seeking candidates to fill a Water Treatment Operator position. This position is full-time with a starting wage of $21.81 - $23.10 per hour after 6 months. Wages incrementally increase as defined by union contract. The City offers a comprehensive benefits package, including an IMRF defined pension plan. This posting will remain open until the position is filled. The Water Treatment Plant is a 24/7 operation. The new Operator needs to have availability to work shift work of 7am to 3pm Sunday through Thursday. The successful candidate must complete a post offer physical, drug/alcohol test and background screening. Within 3 years of hire, candidate must obtain Class C water operator license. Preference given to candidates with education and application of biology or chemistry.Duties:Operates the water treatment plant including related subsystems and instrumentation according to set procedures and/or directions from a supervisorMonitors the treatment process from the control board/computer screen; monitors various treatment processes including coagulant feed, rapid mix, flocculation, sedimentation, filtration, and disinfection; monitors the addition of chemicals added for corrosion control and dental caries preventionMonitors water quality by performing laboratory tests at various stages in the treatment process; tests may include but are not limited to chlorine residual, fluoride residual, pH, turbidity, hardness, alkalinity, odors, and other tests as necessary to maintain water quality; calibrates laboratory equipment; maintains laboratory recordsDetermines chemical dosage based on preset directives and makes adjustments to plant processes as necessaryReads gauges and meters; interprets data to maintain the proper treatment process, proper distribution operation, security, and alarm status; makes flow adjustmentsOperates pumps, valves, and equipment manually or utilizing a SCADA system; monitors systems for alarms, make adjustments, and provides appropriate response; notifies water supervisors or other personnel as necessary to respond to problemsOperates mechanical equipment including pumps and motors, chemical feed pumps and systems, air compressors, and manual, electrical, and pneumatically operated valves; operates hand and power tools; operates a light truckMonitors chemical feed equipment; reports problems and may perform maintenance on chemical piping system under direction of a supervisor; participates in calibration of chemical feed equipmentMaintains operational logs and recordsMakes visual inspections; monitors facilities and grounds to insure adequate securityPerforms preventative and predictive maintenance on treatment plant equipment as assignedOperates the City's water distribution system including reservoirs/towers; ensures adequate availability and pressure to all service connectionPerforms appropriate procedures and responds to emergencies and spills including those involving hazardous materials as requiredPerforms other duties as assignedDesired Minimum Qualifications:Proven reliable and dependableMust be 18 years of ageHigh school diploma or equivalentPass an extensive background investigation and drug screenKnowledge in methods of basic maintenance and repair principles and practices including preventative maintenanceKnowledge of basic principles of math and chemistryPreferred education and application of biology or chemistryAbility to read and interpret gauges, recording devices and related monitoring systemsTroubleshooting skills, eager to learnPossess safety awarenessBenefits:Illinois Municipal Retirement Fund (IMRF)Personal Leave Accruals - 24 hours per yearVacation Leave Accruals - 40 hours first year, 80 hours second yearSick Leave Accruals - 6 hours per month11 Paid Holidays per year$100 Safety shoe allowance and uniforms providedEmployee voluntary deferred compensation planEmployee voluntary flex spending and dependent care optionsBCBS PPO health insurance and HDHP health insuranceHealth Savings Account employer contributions - $500 single and $1,000 plus one or familyDelta Dental - employee paidVSP Vision - employee paidAflac options