Operator I

Operator I

This position is responsible for performing the duties in the operation of water or wastewater treatment plant or a raw water pump station. Duties involve routine inspection of plant processes and equipment. Works under close supervision while consulting with direct supervisor when changes are necessary.

Essential duties and responsibilities include:

• Monitoring plant operations by observation, instrumentation and laboratory test results and making adjustments to predetermined parameters.
• Monitoring plant process using field instrumentation and process knowledge. Performing laboratory tests.
• Observing and adjusting the plants' flows and treatment process conditions by monitoring the status of production via hands on or remotely via SCADA.
• Monitoring condition of mechanical equipment and notifying appropriate personnel of needed repairs or any operational problems. Performing minor preventative maintenance to facilities in a safe and effective manner.
• Taking samples at various operating points in the plant process. Responsible for general housekeeping.
• Maintaining thorough and complete process records and logs. Assisting with data input into computer system.
• Observing all safety guidelines as initiated by the Authority, in addition to being aware and responsive to plant security issues. Taking action to protect certain structures and equipment under emergency flood conditions. Assisting in the safe handling and unloading of chemicals in the plant. Responding to various emergency situations as directed by supervisor.
• Performing other duties as assigned.
• Responding to various emergency situations, including after-hours, as directed by supervisor.
• Employees assigned to this position are classified as essential personnel. Essential personnel are required to report to work when scheduled during departmental and/or emergency situations including, but not limited to, extended periods of inclement weather when travel may be difficult.

Qualifications include:

• High school diploma or GED.
• Entry level experience.
• Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (or predecessor agency) Class D Water or Wastewater Operator's Certificate of Competency is required within first year of employment. Class C Certificate is required before three years of employment. Valid Texas driver's license.
• Limited knowledge of principles and practices of water and/or wastewater treatment. Knowledge of Microsoft Office applications such as Word, Excel, etc.
• Ability to independently conduct lab tests per Standard Operating Procedures (SOP), interpret results and identify equipment malfunction with limited supervision. Ability to communicate essential information and document daily activities to ensure proper plant operation. Ability to perform basic math calculations.

This position does not regularly provide work leadership or full personnel management to any employees. Financial responsibility is none.