Water Plant Operator

Position Summary Under limited supervision, the Water Plant Operator is responsible for operating plant equipment to produce the specified quantity and quality of finished water, monitoring plant equipment to assure proper plant performance, maintaining plant operational records, applying process chemicals, and using laboratory test equipment for routine tests. Education Required: High School Diploma or General Education Diploma (GED). Minimum Requirement Minimum of 2 years of experience in the operation or maintenance of a Potable Water Treatment Plant or Potable Water Distribution system and holding the State of Nebraska Grade IV (4) Water Operator License. Minimum of 3 years of operational or maintenance experience at a potable water treatment plant and obtaining the State of Nebraska Grade IV (4) Water Operator License within 180 days. Minimum of 6 years of experience in building operations/maintenance, or production line operations/maintenance and obtaining the State of Nebraska Grade IV (4) Water Operator License within 180 days. Preferred: Experience with using SCADA or other control systems. Preferred: Experience working rotating shifts. Licenses, Certifications and/or Testing Valid driver’s license upon hire. State of Nebraska Grade IV (4) Water Operator License and two (2) years of experience in operation or maintenance of a potable water treatment plant or distribution system upon hire. State of Nebraska Grade IV (4) Water Operator License and a minimum of three (3) years of operational or maintenance experience at a potable water treatment plant within 180 days. State of Nebraska Grade IV (4) Water Operator License and a minimum of six (6) years of building operations/maintenance, or production line operations/maintenance within 180 days. Certified to wear an Air Purifying Respirator and a Self‑Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA) within 60 days. Hearing, vision, and color identification testing upon hire. Pre‑employment and/or post‑offer physical demands screening upon hire. Pre‑employment background check & drug screen upon hire. Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Efficient written and verbal communication skills in English. Willingness to work rotating 8‑hour and 12‑hour shifts, including evenings, nights, weekends, and holidays. Ability to perform simple chemical titrations, turbidity tests, and color tests. Ability to work independently according to verbal and written instructions. Ability to handle hazardous chemicals such as chlorine, ammonia, aluminum sulfate, soda ash, fluoride, lime, sodium permanganate, polymers, powdered carbon, and various cleaning materials. Proficiency in performing routine math operations to calculate chemical applications. Detail oriented and able to write legibly for detailed logs. Ability to remain calm and productive in stressful situations. Proficiency with personal computers, tablets, and other electronic devices, familiar with Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Outlook, Word) and enterprise software such as SAP. Ability to learn new or upgraded computer software as required. Laboratory skills are preferred (entry proficiency). Knowledge of basic fluid flow principles is preferred. Documented mechanical aptitude is preferred. Essential Functions Control treatment processes to meet directed requirements, including basin blow‑downs, chemical feed adjustments, and basin flow rates. Check status of and operate pumps, basins, chemical feeders, and related equipment. Control water plant via SCADA and related equipment, and manually operate plant if SCADA fails. Pick up and test samples of water at specific locations, perform tests, record results, and interpret results to make operational adjustments. Assist with washing basins and other routine plant maintenance duties. Break ice on open basins to maintain flow and proper operation. Perform physical requirements of the position. Perform safety checks of buildings and equipment for problems, including lighting, heat, leaks, electrical trouble, fire, and mechanical failure. Operate valves throughout the plant to ensure proper plant flow. Perform preliminary diagnosis of problems related to plant systems and inform supervisors to initiate corrective action. Restore plant to normal operations after power failure, including pre‑sedimentation and primary basins. Perform various plant maintenance tasks such as basin washing, housekeeping, and grounds‑keeping maintenance duties. Perform weekly maintenance schedules. Change grit tubs as needed with overhead crane. Drive district vehicles. Required for All Jobs Perform a variety of other duties as assigned. Understand and comply with all district policies and procedures. Physical and Environmental Requirements Field: Work inside and outside in all weather conditions and terrain for extended periods of time. Equal Opportunity Employer Minority/Female/Disabled/Veteran/Gender Identity/Sexual Orientation. #J-18808-Ljbffr Metropolitan Utilities District