Lead Utility Plant Operator

City of Midland, TX • Midland, TX

69d

About The Position

This is an advanced Operations level position at the Water Purification Plant Operator. This position requires a demonstrated ability to perform advanced functions related to the operation & maintenance of equipment at all water treatment facilities. This Position functions as a Lead Operator and also as Chief Plant operator when required, performing complex analysis of the Water Treatment Plant operations, and having direct charge of the operation of a water treatment facility or Water Production Facilities. Positions at this level provide instruction and assistance to lower-level Water Treatment Plant Operators. Positions in this class series are flexibly staffed and positions at the Water Treatment Plant Operator III level are normally filled by advancement from the Water Treatment Plant Operator II level. Positions at this level require three to five years of experience comparable to a Water Treatment Plant Operator II and must possess a minimum of a Class "B" Surface Water Treatment Plant Operator Certificate issued by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality at the time of accepting position.

Requirements

• High school Diploma or GED required supplemented by college level course work or trade school training in electrical, electronic, or instrumentation technology or a related field.
• Three to five years of experience comparable to a Surface Water Treatment Plant Operator II.
• Possession of a Class 'B' Surface Water Treatment Plant Operator Certificate issued by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality Required.
• Must be able to obtain & acquire a valid class 'A' Water works license issued by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality within (2) years of accepting position.
• Possession of a valid Texas Class C driver's license is required.

Nice To Haves

• College-level course work in water treatment technology and management training is highly desirable.

Responsibilities

• Operates the water treatment plant including related subsystems and instrumentation.
• Monitors the treatment process from the control board/computer screen; monitors various treatment processes including coagulant feed, rapid mix, flocculation, sedimentation, filtration, and disinfection; monitors the addition of chemicals added for taste & odor control.
• Monitors water quality by performing laboratory tests at various stages in the treatment process including tests for chlorine residual, pH, turbidity, hardness, alkalinity, odors, and other tests as necessary to maintain water quality; calibrates laboratory equipment; maintains laboratory records.
• Determines chemical dosage and makes adjustments to plant processes as necessary including for ferric Sulfate/Aluminum Sulfate, chlorine, ammonia, potassium permanganate, caustic soda, powdered activated carbon, and other chemicals.
• Reads gauges and meters; interprets data to maintain the proper treatment process, proper distribution operation, security, and alarm status; makes flow adjustments.
• Operates pumps and valves utilizing a SCADA system; monitors systems for alarms, makes adjustments, and provides appropriate response; notifies Plant Management or appropriate staff as necessary to respond to problems.
• Operates mechanical equipment including pumps and motors, chemical feed pumps and systems, air compressors, and manual, electrical, and pneumatically operated valves; operates hand and power tools; operates a light truck.
• Operates chlorination equipment related to the chlorine performs maintenance on chlorine system including chemical piping system; participates in calibration of chemical feed equipment.
• Orders chemicals, inventories & takes delivery of bulk chlorine.
• Maintains operational logs and records.
• Makes visual inspections; monitors facilities and roads to ensure adequate security.
• Performs preventative and predictive maintenance on treatment plant equipment; assists Maintenance personnel in making major and/or specialized repairs to equipment; coordinates work of contractors and of other departments.
• Operates the City's water production system including elevated & ground storage and pump stations; ensures adequate availability and pressure to all service connections.
• Provides appropriate response to emergencies and spills including those involving hazardous materials; wears respirators including self-contained breathing apparatus as required.
• Responds to inquiries from the vendors, suppliers, and public; answers questions from customers pertaining to water quality, low pressure, and leak reports.
• Supervises & trains lower-level operators.
• Performs related duties as assigned or required.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Industry: Executive, Legislative, and Other General Government Support
• Education Level: High school or GED
• Number of Employees: 1,001-5,000 employees