Water Distribution Operator - Water Treatment Plant

City of Suffolk•Suffolk, VA

23h

About The Position

The Water Distribution Operator coordinates with the Quality Control Division to flush water mains and help maintain water quality throughout the distribution system. The position conducts routine inspections of food service and commercial/industrial establishments under the City's FOG (Fats, Oil, Grease) and Cross Connection Control Programs, maintains inspection records and schedules, and maintains, tests, and repairs backflow devices at the G. Robert House, Jr. Water Treatment Facility and on hydrant meters. The operator also assists with reviews of construction drawings and site plans for FOG and backflow protection requirements, prepares technical records and reports, and explains cross connections, backflow prevention, and FOG to the public. The position reports to the Laboratory Manager. The role requires an associate degree with major coursework in environmental science, engineering, or a related field and 1 to 2 years of experience in inspections, plumbing, construction, and water treatment, or an equivalent combination of training and experience. A valid Virginia driver's license is required, as is a current Backflow Tester's License or the ability to obtain one within six months. Work involves operating office equipment, water treatment equipment, and a motor vehicle; walking, standing, bending, stooping, reaching, and climbing; and working in all kinds of weather.

Requirements

Associate degree with major coursework in environmental science, engineering, or a related field, and 1 to 2 years of experience in inspections, plumbing, construction, and water treatment; or an equivalent combination of training and experience providing the required skills, knowledge, and abilities.
Valid driver's license issued by the Commonwealth of Virginia.
Current Backflow Tester's License or ability to obtain one within six months.
Knowledge of federal, state, and local regulations concerning FOG and cross connection control inspections.
Knowledge of chemicals and toxins affecting drinking water, environmental science, and regulations and guidelines concerning drinking water purification.
Ability to organize and interpret data and prepare reports.
Ability to exercise initiative and independent judgment when interpreting and applying standards.
Ability to communicate tactfully and courteously with the public and maintain effective working relationships.
Ability to read technical and other written materials, prepare reports and forms, follow instructions, explain procedures, and communicate using biological and chemical terminology.
Ability to apply logical, scientific, and mathematical principles to problems and technical instructions.
Ability to inspect items for proper length, width, and shape.
Ability to operate office equipment, water treatment equipment, and a motor vehicle.
Ability to exert up to 110 pounds of force occasionally and up to 20 pounds frequently; walk, stand, bend, stoop, reach, climb, handle, grasp, lift, and move items.
Ability to coordinate hands and eyes when using equipment and office machinery, and to coordinate eyes, hands, and feet when driving.
Ability to distinguish colors and shades, talk and hear, communicate by telephone, and work in all kinds of weather.

Responsibilities

Coordinate with the Quality Control Division to flush water mains and maintain water quality throughout the distribution system.
Perform FOG and cross connection control inspections at commercial and municipal buildings to ensure devices meet applicable laws, ordinances, and regulations.
Maintain records and schedules associated with FOG and cross connection inspections.
Maintain and test backflow devices at the G. Robert House, Jr. Water Treatment Facility semi-annually.
Monitor the backflow device program for hydrant meters and maintain, test, and repair the devices used on those meters.
Assist with reviewing construction drawings and site plans for FOG and backflow protection requirements.
Prepare and maintain technical reports and records related to testing and inspection results as required by applicable laws and regulations.
Educate and explain cross connections, backflow prevention devices, and FOG to the general public.
Fax and mail forms, records, and reports.
Clean and maintain the assigned vehicle, inspect it periodically, and report defects to the supervisor.
Perform other related duties as required.