Plant Operator - Water Treatment Division

City of Richmond•Richmond, VA

6d•Onsite

About The Position

The City of Richmond Department of Public Utilities - Water Treatment Division is seeking qualified candidates to fill a Plant Operator position to operate a 132 mgd water plant. Duties include but are not limited to Adjusting chemical dosages to maintain compliance with State and Federal regulations; Collecting samples of water to perform chemical laboratory analysis; Reading, interpreting and adjusting gages, meters and control panels to make sure plant equipment and processes are working properly; Observing and documenting variations in operating conditions to determine processing requirements; Recording operational data, operating valves and gates and starting and stopping plant equipment to control and adjust treatment process; Adjusting, monitoring and responding to operational situations involving the water distribution system; Monitoring pumping stations and coordinating with Pump Station operator on distribution system requirements. Incumbents serves as an Essential employee, which means that the incumbent is required to work when the City is closed due to public emergencies, critical or hazardous conditions, or inclement weather. This individual may be required to work nights, weekends, holidays or on-call as needed.

Requirements

Demonstrated knowledge of principles and practices of water treatment operations
Operation of valves, pumps, and motors
Principles and methods of laboratory water analyses
Effects of water treatment processes, and potential issues that may arise
Applicable federal, state, and local laws, codes, and regulations regarding water treatment
Computer software used in water plant system controls and operations
Basic mathematics calculations
Basic science concepts and their applications in regards to plant operations
Safety Data Sheets
Understanding diagrams and blueprints
Reading and interpreting plans and specifications
Safety in a water treatment or industrial environment
Decision making
Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing
Appreciation of the cultural diversity of the community
Operate and understand treatment or industrial equipment
High School Diploma or GED
Zone I is a trainee level, preferably in the performance of utility tasks (Zones II through V will require additional experience and certifications as defined in the broad band program)
An equivalent combination of training and experience (as approved by the department) may be used to meet the minimum qualifications of the classification
Incumbents assigned to Zone II require a Commonwealth of Virginia Level 4 Water Operator's License
Incumbents assigned to Zone III require a Commonwealth of Virginia Level 3 Water Operator's License
Incumbents assigned to Zone IV require a Commonwealth of Virginia Level 2 Water Operator's License
Incumbents assigned to Zone V require a Commonwealth of Virginia Level 1 Water Operator's License
Balancing
Stooping
Kneeling
Crouching
Crawling
Reaching
Standing
Walking
Pushing objects
Pulling objects
Lifting
Using fingers and grasping objects

Nice To Haves

Analytical skills - Water treatment plant and system operators must conduct tests and inspections on water or wastewater and evaluate the results
Detail oriented - Water treatment plant and system operators must monitor machinery, gauges, dials, and controls to ensure processes are operating properly
Math skills - Water treatment plant and system operators must have the ability to apply data to formulas that determine treatment requirements, flow levels, and concentration levels
Mechanically Inclined - Water treatment plant and system operators should have basic mechanical knowledge that can be applied to treatment operations
License in Waterworks is a plus
Associate or higher degree in Biology, Chemistry, Geology or Environmental Sciences
Utility experience is a plus

Responsibilities

Adjusting chemical dosages to maintain compliance with State and Federal regulations
Collecting samples of water to perform chemical laboratory analysis
Reading, interpreting and adjusting gages, meters and control panels to make sure plant equipment and processes are working properly
Observing and documenting variations in operating conditions to determine processing requirements
Recording operational data, operating valves and gates and starting and stopping plant equipment to control and adjust treatment process
Adjusting, monitoring and responding to operational situations involving the water distribution system
Monitoring pumping stations and coordinating with Pump Station operator on distribution system requirements