JOB
The City of Poway is looking for a dedicated, detail-oriented, and safety-minded Water Treatment Plant Operator to help ensure the delivery of clean, reliable, and high-quality drinking water to our community. This role is ideal for someone who enjoys technical work, problem solving, and operating sophisticated treatment and distribution systems. Working both independently and as part of a team, you will help maintain regulatory compliance, support critical infrastructure, and play an important role in protecting public health and water quality across the City. If you meet the minimum qualifications and want to be part of a skilled, supportive team, we encourage you to apply today!
Water Treatment Plant Operator I: $37.5963 - $45.6978Water Treatment Plant Operator II: $42.5368 - $51.7036
Water Treatment Plant Operator III: $48.1263 - $58.4978
Under immediate, direct, or general supervision, operates equipment, facilities, and related appurtenances involved in the monitoring, regulation, maintenance, and operation of a conventional water treatment plant using coagulation, flocculation, sedimentation, filtration, disinfection, and chlorination; performs routine water quality laboratory analysis and adjusts chemicals to comply with Federal, State, and local laws and regulations; to operate and maintain plant equipment including pumps, motors, valves, chemical feed systems, and filters to maintain adequate production and reserves; assists with preventive maintenance and makes repairs to plant facilities and equipment; monitors water distribution system infrastructure, wastewater lift stations and potable/reclaimed pumping and storage systems and reports deficiencies; and performs related work as required.
Receives immediate, direct, or general supervision from the Water Treatment Plant Manager or assigned supervisor. May exercise technical and functional supervision over lower-level staff. EXAMPLE OF DUTIES
Management reserves the right to add, modify, change or rescind the work assignments of different positions and to make reasonable accommodations so that qualified employees can perform the essential functions of the job.
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Operates the City’s water treatment facility and distribution system using electronic and computer control systems called Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) and revises equipment settings as appropriate; interprets gauges, meters, charts, and graphs; operates pumps, valves, motors, and related equipment; inspects plant equipment; notifies supervisor of unusual situations, and makes inspections or corrects system problems as necessary.
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Monitors the distribution system via SCADA to maintain adequate reservoir levels, meet system demands, ensure adequate fire protection, and address distribution water quality concerns. Also complies with all Federal, State and Local regulations.
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Monitors Water Treatment Plant operations, equipment, and processes to ensure safe and ascetically acceptable drinking water is being produced in compliance with all federal, state and local regulations.
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Optimizes the treatment process efficiencies, properly responds to alarms and satisfies the distribution system demands; advises system technicians and mechanics of potential problems and alarms; coordinates activities with system technicians and mechanics.
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Performs preventive and corrective maintenance to the Water Treatment Plant equipment, such as electric motors, engines, gas and electric powered pumps, air compressors, emergency systems, power generation systems, pressure and flow regulators, analyzers, filters, chemical feed systems, and blowers; reports the need for repairs to equipment, machinery, and electrical and electronic systems.
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Makes minor repairs to equipment and assists Utility Systems Maintenance staff with major repair work as needed.
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Performs routine maintenance and painting of machinery, structures, equipment, and piping systems; operators may be required to perform minor weed control maintenance at the Water Treatment Plant and the Dam facility.
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Performs surface inspections of water storage reservoirs and reports any concerns to supervisor.
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Performs chemical calculations and volumetric checks to determine and ensure proper dosage of chemicals.
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Uses chemicals properly and handles them safely according to industry standards.
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Performs analysis for parameters such as chlorine, turbidity, pH and odor.
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Performs field water quality monitoring at sample sites and reservoirs.
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Boosts residual as needed in distribution reservoirs to maintain water quality.
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Determines chemical, laboratory reagent and other product usage in the Water Treatment Plant and places orders for these products.
- Calibrates and/or repairs online and bench water analyzing instrumentation to ensure proper operation.
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Submits work requests for repairs to water treatment and distribution system equipment; completes requests for repairs to sewer, street, drainage, and parks infrastructure during after hours dispatch duty.
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Assists in determining chemicals, laboratory reagents, and equipment needed for budget purposes.
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Inspects and repairs water treatment filters; analyzes and measures filter media to determine compliance with design specifications; replaces and/or adds as needed.
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Monitors phone and radio systems and responds or dispatches appropriate personnel to resolve water, sewer, street, or drainage problems throughout the City after normal business hours and weekends.
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Performs periodic water quality and visual inspections of Lake Poway and reports any cases of non-native plant species and mussels.
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Maintains accurate records of gauge reading, level sensors data, flow meter values, chemical usage, and lab results to be utilized in compiling comprehensive and accurate reports.
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Participates in safety training and exercises; implements safe working habits based on safety training and through the proper use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).
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Provides needed information and demonstrations concerning how to perform certain work tasks to new employees in the same or similar class of positions.
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Responds to after-hours emergencies.
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Maintains attendance and punctuality that is observant of scheduled hours on a regular basis.
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Performs related duties as assigned.
SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION A completed NeoGov application, including supplemental questions, must be submitted through NeoGov for consideration by the application deadline. Application materials will not be accepted separate from NeoGov or after the deadline.
A FULLY COMPLETED APPLICATION AND RESPONSES TO SUPPLEMENTAL QUESTIONS ARE REQUIRED AND PART OF THE REVIEW AND QUALIFYING PROCESS. QUESTIONS MUST BE ANSWERED COMPLETELY.
Applicants will be evaluated on the basis of relevant training, education and experience as presented in the application and supplemental questions. The process may include interviews and/or performance tests. Successful candidates will be placed on the eligibility list established, which will be in effect for a period of up to six months. A background investigation including LIVESCAN fingerprinting and a verification of a valid driver's license and satisfactory driving record from the Department of Motor Vehicles may be required. All appointments are also subject to the successful completion of a pre-placement physical examination that includes a drug screening. Applicants will be required to submit verification of the legal right to work in the United States. The City of Poway participates in E-Verify. All employees are required by law to sign a loyalty oath to the United States and the State of California Constitution at time of hire.
