Utilities Water Plant Operator in Training - Plant Operator A

Water Treatment Operator

Under general supervision, performs operations and maintenance duties at the water treatment facilities.

Reports to: Water Treatment Supervisor

Direct Reports: None

Essential Duties & Responsibilities:

• Under general supervision, operates Treatment Plant to ensure compliance with the Federal Safe Drinking Water Act and the Colorado Primary Drinking Water Regulations.
• Meets water quality and quantity demands by making independent decisions concerning plant operations based on plant specific operational guidelines set in place by the Operator in Responsible Charge (ORC).
• Monitors the performance of all equipment associated with the treatment process by conducting routine visual inspections, interpreting instrument readings, and performing daily rounds.
• Collects samples from source water, treatment facilities and distribution system. Perform lab analyses and interpret the results and make process adjustments accordingly.
• Calculates and determines optimum dosages of chemicals used in the treatment process.
• Operates and interprets the SCADA system. Generates reports from SCADA data logs. Creates trends of Plant operations and analyzes to optimize quality and quantity of water produced.
• Responsible for daily record keeping, including water production, chemical usage and equipment run times.
• Starts and stops pumps and operates valves to control and adjust flow and processes either manually or by remote control.
• Responds to alarms, identifies, and corrects mechanical and process problems. Performs preventative maintenance including minor repairs.
• Reports process and equipment status to other operators and supervisors on a regular basis verbally and in writing.
• Performs work in accordance with safety policies and procedures.
• Prepares work orders and other written requests for maintenance.
• Creates new and updates existing SOPs.
• Handles and responds to spills of hazardous and non-hazardous chemicals during delivery, storage, and use.
• Maintains good customer service. Answers inquiries from the public as to the quality of the City's water supply. Conducts tours of the treatment facility.
• Interacts with other districts, receives, analyzes, and directs emergency calls from the public, including water related and sanitary sewer inquiries.
• Ensures that the treatment facility and outlying areas are clean, safe, and presentable at all times for public tours and regulatory agency inspections.
• Trains new personnel using knowledge and experience to enable less experienced employees to obtain the proper expertise necessary in the water treatment field.
• Performs daily water rights accounting.
• Assumes on-call duties when assigned.
• Acquires readings and flow records and operates the City Ditch when required.
• Inspects water towers and vaults.
• Works closely with City Engineering Team for timely completion of Plant related projects.
• Performs other duties as assigned and required.

Other Duties & Responsibilities:

• Maintains plant's grounds, structures, and operates a boat.
• Provides input to the supervisor concerning preparation of the division's budget.

Preparation and Training:

Education:

• High School Diploma or GED.

Work Experience:

• Water Treatment Plant experience preferred.

Certifications and/or Licensures:

• State Operator Certification required. The goal of the Utilities Department is for all operators to be A-Level certified and maintain their certification (all levels) through acquiring training units (TUs).

Required Driver's License:

• Valid Colorado Driver's License and safe driving record; Commercial License preferred.

An equivalent combination of education, training and relevant job experience may be substituted.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

Working knowledge of:

• Plumbing
• Carpentry
• Mechanical, electrical and telemetry systems
• Hydraulics

Basic knowledge of:

• Biology
• Chemistry

Skills and Abilities:

• Computer Skills - Good computer skills required to work in a technical environment.
• Communication Skills Good professional communication skills required to interact with the public.
• Analytical Skills - Understanding of analytical methods required to interpret laboratory tests. Also required for forecasting supply and demand of water.
• Mechanical Skills - Basic mechanical skills required for the calibration of instruments. Also required for the repair and maintenance of equipment and structures.
• Mathematical Skills - Basic mathematical skills required for calculating chemical dosage, velocities, volumes, flows, demands, and pressure.

Must be able to operate hand and power tools.

Must be able to advance through the State Operator Certification program.

Additional Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

Operator In-Training:

• Ability to train in all aspects of water treatment operations and maintenance.
• Accurately follow instructions and guidelines and perform with minimal errors.
• Maintain good attendance record and work well with all utility employees and contractors.
• Demonstrate positive attitude and willingness to support the team effort.
• Operators in-training shall obtain their D-Level water treatment certification within 6 months of hire.

D-Level Certification:

• Basic Knowledge of:
• Treatment of surface water
• Water contamination and health risks
• Understanding of safety needs and procedures
• Analytical laboratory testing
• D-Level operators shall obtain their C-Level water treatment certification within 1 year of being eligible to take the certification exam.

C-Level Certification:

• Meet the requirements of D-Level operator and some knowledge of:
• Water system hydraulics
• Regulations governing water systems.
• Ability to perform preventative maintenance for pumps and motors.
• C-Level operators shall obtain their B-Level water treatment certification within 1 year of being eligible to take the certification exam.

B-Level Certification:

• Meet the requirements of C-Level operator and some knowledge of:
• Chemical and biological contamination of surface water and ways to treat it.
• Disinfection of drinking water
• Common filter operation, problems, and remedies
• Working knowledge of water quality standards
• B-Level operators shall obtain their A-Level water treatment certification within 1 year of being eligible to take the certification exam.

A-Level Certification:

• Meet the requirements of B-Level operator and:
• Ability to train new employees in plant operations and maintenance.
• Handle most emergency situations with minimal supervision.
• Ability to assume the role of an Operator in Responsible Charge (ORC) within 1 year of hire or passing the A-Level certification exam.

Working Conditions:

Work is performed in a plant environment. Works near moving mechanical parts; exposed to fumes, airborne particles, and various chemicals, some of which may be toxic. The employee is exposed to various conditions including noisy, hot, and cold conditions.

Hourly Rate:

• Operator in Training - $19.75 - $29.62
• Operator D - $22.31 - $33.47
• Operator C - $25.21 - $37.82
• Operator B - $28.49 - $42.74
• Operator A - $32.20 - $48.29

Retention Bonuses:

• Operator D - $500