Equipment/Plant Operator I

Town of Normal•Normal, IL

4d•Onsite

About The Position

The Water Department is responsible for providing a safe and reliable supply of water for the citizens of the Town of Normal. In addition, adequate pressure and volume must be maintained for fire protection purposes. The department has three main divisions: Administration/Billing, Distribution and Treatment. The department seeks candidates who are passionate about community service to join the Treatment team in the Equipment & Plant Operator I position. This is skilled work in the operation and maintenance of a lime softening water treatment plant. Employees perform skilled mechanical, hydraulic, pneumatic, and electronic plant equipment repair and preventive maintenance. Duties include maintaining process control by: collecting and recording data; starting, stopping, and adjusting chemical feed equipment, filters, and pumping equipment for proper operation; and maintaining quality control of the public water supply. Operators must be capable of exercising good judgment in routine operational duties. Work is performed under the general supervision of the Treatment Plant Supervisor.

Requirements

Must possess or be able to acquire a basic understanding of chemistry.
Must possess strong mechanical knowledge necessary to understand and maintain a complex water treatment plant.
Must possess high level of mechanical plumbing and electrical aptitude, a working knowledge of mechanical, hydraulic, pneumatic, and electronic principals.
Must possess or be able to acquire electronic and control system knowledge needed to maintain Scada systems in the treatment plant and the well system.
Must possess or be able to acquire an understanding of HMI (Human Machine Interface) graphics and programming code.
Must possess strong basic mathematics skills.
Must be able to operate a cutting torch, welder, voltmeter, ammeter, metal working tools and electronic calibration equipment.
Ability to establish and positive and effective working relationships with superiors, associates, and the public.
Must be able to work independently at all times of day or night with little or no contact with other employees or the public.

Nice To Haves

Graduation from a standard High school or GED equivalent, with studies in chemistry and physics, must have a strong working background in mechanical, hydraulic, pneumatic and electronic areas.
Previous experience in environmental related work is desired.
Must be able to obtain and maintain a valid Class "B" Illinois driver's license within two years of employment.
Ability to obtain a class “C” Water Supply Operators certificate issued by the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency within two years of employment.

Responsibilities

Maintains surveillance of plant operating machinery and equipment to ensure proper and safe operating conditions.
Repairs and maintains a variety of complex specialized mechanical, electrical, hydraulic, electronic and pneumatic machinery and SCADA control systems, and documents equipment maintenance and repair records.
Controls the influent and effluent of the plant by selecting well combinations and selecting and adjusting flow rates of filters and distribution pumps.
Performs process control laboratory analysis and records and updates data as directed.
Makes adjustments to treatment process based upon laboratory analysis.
Computes chemical dosages and adjusts chemical feed machines for proper operation and application rates.
Conducts public tours of the facilities when required.
Must be on call one week in every six to respond to emergency conditions.
Assists with calibration of electronic and analytical instruments.
Performs general maintenance and custodial work during shift as time permits.
Performs other duties as assigned.