Utility Plant Operator

Job Title

This position will remain open until filled, with applications reviewed on an ongoing basis. This job posting may be removed at any time without prior notice. Interested applicants are encouraged to apply as soon as possible for full consideration.

Job Description

Under general supervision, performs various tasks related to the maintenance and operation of a water treatment plant; ensures work quality and adherence to established policies and procedures. Performs technical tasks relative to assigned area of responsibility. Performs other duties as assigned.

This is the full journey-level class in the Utility Plant Operator series. Employees within this class are distinguished from the Utility Plant Operator Trainee by the performance of the full range of duties assigned, including the ability to operate the plant without supervision. Employees at this level receive only occasional instruction or assistance as new or unusual situations arise and are fully aware of the operating procedures and policies of the work unit. Employees in this class are required to be fully trained in all procedures and policies of the assigned area of responsibility.

Duties and Responsibilities

The duties listed below represent the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them if the work is related or a logical assignment to this class.

• Perform inspections of water treatment plants and facilities; monitor and document plant operations; read plant equipment gauges, dials, graphs, and other instrumentation; operate and adjust treatment plant pumps, valves, motors, and other equipment to maintain appropriate plant operations; complete clean in place on cells as needed; receive and unload chemical deliveries; troubleshoot treatment issues and communicate to supervisor.
• Collect liquid samples; perform a variety of routine water quality laboratory tests; perform process control testing including, but not limited to, stability, alkalinity, fluoride, hardness, specific conductance, turbidity, and chlorine residual.
• Order various equipment, supplies, and chemicals.
• Perform jar tests for determination of chemical feed rates.
• Start and stop plant operations and pumping equipment as necessary, including raw-water plumbing, flow control, flocculation and sedimentation, filtration, finished water pumping, and mixers.
• Prepare and submit required reports; make corrections and repairs to equipment and resolve such problems as they arise; check all operating equipment for proper operation; perform plant cleaning and servicing functions; maintain plant grounds; conduct visitor tours as needed; collect samples; monitor computer to determine plant operations; perform various clerical tasks as necessary.
• Operate various water treatment equipment and machinery, including vehicles, lawnmowers, lab equipment, chlorinator, hand tools and power tools, filters, trac-vacs, mop, buffer, spray painters, grease guns, and various office equipment.
• Fill chemical tanks; check calibration and adjust chemical feed rates and document the amount of chemicals used; report material or equipment needs to supervisor.
• Attend and participate in professional group meetings; stay abreast of new trends and innovations in the field of treatment plant operations and maintenance.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Knowledge of:

• Operations, services, and activities of a comprehensive treatment program.
• Methods and techniques of water treatment plant operations.
• English usage, spelling, grammar, and punctuation.
• Operations, services, and activities of the city.
• Basic principles and procedures of record keeping.
• Basic principles of chemistry, biology, and mathematics.
• Basic laboratory analysis techniques.
• Functions and purposes of water treatment systems.
• Operational characteristics of mechanical and hydraulic equipment found in water treatment plants and pump stations.
• Properties of hazardous chemicals used in the treatment of water.
• Methods and techniques of preventive maintenance related to equipment and machinery.
• Pertinent Federal, State, and local laws, codes, and regulations.

Ability to:

• Interpret and apply Federal, State, and local policies, laws, and regulations.
• Understand and follow oral and written instructions.
• Work independently in the absence of supervision.
• Interpret, explain, and enforce departmental policies and procedures.
• Operate and maintain the water treatment plant's equipment.
• Read and interpret gauges and other recording devices at treatment plants and facilities.
• Take liquid samples and perform routine laboratory tests.
• Recognize and react to treatment process changes and demands.
• Climb up to 50 feet to read chemical levels, inspect clear well roofing or other reasons.
• Interpret and explain city policies and procedures.
• Prepare clear and concise reports.
• Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted during work.

Requirements

Education, Training, and Experience:

• High School Diploma or GED
• One (1) year of experience in utility plant operations and maintenance

Licenses and Certifications:

• A valid state driver's license is required at the time of appointment and must be maintained throughout employment.
• A valid Class "C" (or higher) Surface Water Operator License issued by TCEQ is required at the time of appointment and must be maintained throughout employment.

Supplemental Information

Special Requirements:

The Utilities Department team members are considered essential employees for the community and play a critical role in maintaining and restoring water and wastewater services during emergencies. Team members will be required to be reachable and ready to come to work immediately when a critical situation arises, like severe weather events, power outages, or significant equipment malfunctions, to help manage the response and minimize disruption to operations.

Physical and Mental Demands:

The physical and mental demands described here are representative of those that must be met by employees to successfully perform the essential functions of this class. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

Physical Demands:

Maintain physical condition appropriate to the performance of assigned duties and responsibilities. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit, walk and stand; talk and hear; general manual dexterity to use hands to handle, feel or operate objects, tools, or controls; reach with hands and arms; and perform repetitive movements of hands or wrists. The employee is frequently required to lift up to 50 pounds unaided. Specific vision abilities required for this job include close vision and the ability to adjust focus; ability to distinguish color change in chemical testing.

Mental Demands:

While performing the duties of this class, an employee uses written and oral communication skills; reads and interprets data, information, and documents; analyzes and solves problems; uses math and mathematical reasoning; performs highly detailed work; deals with multiple concurrent tasks; and interacts with others encountered during work, including frequent contact with customers and/or the public and dissatisfied/abusive individuals.

Work Environment:

The employee works in a water treatment plant environment with exposure to potentially hazardous chemicals, equipment, waste, infectious materials, high noise levels, and extreme weather conditions.

Other Conditions of Employment:

Employees in this position must be available to work a flexible schedule, including but not limited to nights, weekends, holidays, emergency call-backs, and shift work.