EEO CATEGORY - Operators
COMPENSATION STATUS - Non-Exempt
COMPENSATION GRADE - IV
WATER TREATMENT PLANT OPERATOR
This is skilled technical work in the operations of the water treatment plant and semi-skilled to skilled technical work in the maintenance, repair, and installation of plant equipment, structures, and machinery. Work is performed in a plant facility and in surrounding chemical and mechanical buildings under varying weather conditions. Work normally is performed in a 40-hour week on rotating shifts. Some overtime may be required, and employees are subject to callback for emergency response. The position reports to the Supervisor and / or Chief Operator and requires considerable independent judgment and initiative. An employee in this classification:
- Monitors and participates in the operation and control of treatment plant equipment and processes that purify and clarify raw water for human consumption and industrial use;
- Maintains structures, equipment, machinery and related apparatus;
- Operates clarification, filtration and pumping equipment, including medium and high service pump stations;
- Monitors information sources to assure proper operations;
- Provides for addition of treatment chemicals into raw water;
- Conducts various process tests; and
- Maintains data and prepares various reports and logs.
EXAMPLES OF WORK PERFORMED
1. Operates water treatment plant. (70%)
- Operates clarification equipment, filters, chemical feed machines, medium- and high-service pumps, chlorinators and related equipment.
- Takes hourly readings and regular samples from various points in the treatment process.
- Performs process testing to ensure water quality parameters are met.
- Checks all chemical supplies stored at plant site and notifies management of the need to reorder.
- Maintains treatment plant facilities in a clean and neat condition.
- Records operational readings in logbooks and required report forms.
- Monitors recorders, indicators and other equipment as sources of information to assure proper treatment and maintenance operations.
- Monitors system controls to ensure sufficient water supply and pressure are maintained throughout the distribution system.
- Maintains security of treatment plant.
- Measures raw water supply.
2. Performs maintenance to ensure viable equipment operations. (20%)
- Maintains, adjusts and repairs a variety of equipment, machinery and control systems within the treatment plant.
- Checks and maintains equipment such as motors, blowers, pumps, compressors, chemical feeders, rotary distributors, and flotation units.
- May perform electrical, plumbing, and/or welding tasks associated with equipment repair.
- Cleans pipes and performs related plumbing tasks.
- Installs and/or replaces equipment and machinery.
- Participates in major plant equipment installations and equipment overhauls.
3. Responds to customer inquiries. (5%)
- Provides after-hours responses to system status inquiries.
- Responds to notification of system emergencies.
- Answers telephone inquiries and provides information and/or assistance.
4. Performs other duties. (5%)
It is understood that, as a utility, HWEA provides water and wastewater treatment and distribution/collection services to its customers. Any duty necessary to perform these functions may be required of any employee, even if not listed in this position description.
DESIRABLE KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES
- Comprehensive knowledge of and experience in water plant operations.
- Comprehensive knowledge of and experience in water plant maintenance.
- Comprehensive knowledge of safety procedures.
- Comprehensive knowledge of Kentucky Division of Water Regulations.
- Technical knowledge of water treatment equipment, processes, methods and materials.
- Technical knowledge of maintenance and servicing of water treatment equipment.
- Working knowledge of required, standardized water chemical and physical analyses.
- Thorough knowledge of water quality control methods and procedures.
- Thorough knowledge of mathematics.
- General knowledge of laboratory principles, techniques, terminology and equipment.
- Skill in the common practices, tools, methods and techniques of mechanical maintenance.
- Skill in operating various types of equipment, tools, and monitoring devices.
- Ability to work safely, alone or as part of a work group; to recognize and correct safety hazards; to wear and use assigned safety equipment; and to comply with established safety policies and procedures.
- Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with managers, customers, co-workers, the general public, vendors, consultants, and others.
- Ability to make decisions within the guidelines of established policy and, occasionally, in the absence of stated procedures.
- Ability to understand and follow specified operating and recording procedures.
- Ability to detect malfunctions in mechanical equipment and take appropriate corrective action.
- Ability to follow oral and written instructions.
- Ability to write legibly and to complete required reports.
DESIRABLE EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE
At least four years of increasingly responsible experience in water production, operating water treatment equipment, system maintenance, and in performing mechanical maintenance work. A high school diploma or its equivalent is required. An associate or bachelor's degree in environmental engineering, environmental technology, biology, chemistry, mathematics, or another science-related field is highly desirable. Technical training in water quality, treatment plant operations, safety, mechanical maintenance, computer controls, and related subjects is also beneficial.
NECESSARY SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS
Must possess and maintain a Class III or Class IV Kentucky Drinking Water Treatment Operator Certification. Must be available by telephone for response to system emergencies. Employees who are Certified Operators are required to obtain a specified number of Continuing Education Units to renew their certificate. It is the Operator’s responsibility to attend training programs that provide renewal training credits. HWEA will fund course costs and employee time for certification training. Supervisors will evaluate operator progress toward certification renewal as part of the employee’s performance reviews.. Failure to meet Operator Certification renewal requirements may result in demotion. Must possess and maintain a valid Kentucky driver’s license and maintain a good driving record. Must be available by telephone for emergency call back and be able to work overtime and weekends, as assigned.
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS
Must be able to:
Stand 2/3 of day and more
Walk 2/3 of day and more
Sit Up to 1/3 of day
Stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl Up to 1/3 of day
Use hands to finger, handle or feel 2/3 of day and more
Reach with hands and arms 2/3 of day and more
Talk or hear 2/3 of day and more
Climb 1/2 of day or more
Exert or lift:
Up to 50 lbs. 1/3 of day or more
Occasionally lift and/or move objects weighing more than 50 pounds with assistance or appropriate lifting equipment.
Vision:
Must have natural or corrected vision sufficient for close and distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.
Environmental conditions include:
Working near moving mechanical parts 2/3 of day or more
Working near fumes or airborne particles ½ of day or more
Work in outdoor weather conditions 1/3 of day or more
Work with or around vibration 2/3 of day or more
Typical noise level is:
Moderate to loud (equipment and pumps)
Stress Level:
Moderate to high – shift work, emergency response, equipment failures, regulatory compliance requirements, treatment process upsets, working independently, and maintaining safe drinking water quality.
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: From $25.00 per hour
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- Dental insurance
- Employee assistance program
- Flexible spending account
- Health insurance
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
- Retirement plan
- Tuition reimbursement
- Vision insurance
Education:
Experience:
- operating water treatment equpiment operation/maintenancee: 4 years (Preferred)
License/Certification:
- Class III or IV Water Operator Certificate (Required)
Work Location: In person
