Water Plant Operator Apprentice/Water Plant Operator I (based on qualifications)

City of Grapevine•Grapevine, TX

12d•Onsite

About The Position

This position offers two potential tracks: Water Plant Operator Apprentice and Water Plant Operator I, with corresponding pay scales. The Apprentice role involves assisting licensed operators to learn safety, water treatment, and plant operations. The Operator I role focuses on the cost-effective operation and maintenance of municipal water treatment facilities to provide safe and quality water, meeting or exceeding TCEQ and EPA standards.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent.
Class D Water license from the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) within 6 months of hire (for Apprentice).
Class C Surface Water license from TCEQ within 18 months of hire (for Apprentice).
Valid class “C” Surface Water certificate issued by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) (for Operator I).
Two years experience at a surface water treatment plant using conventional treatment methods (for Operator I).
May substitute one-year of experience for 100 hours of training classes in water treatment provided by the Texas Engineering Extension Service (TEEX) or TCEQ accredited schools (for Operator I).
Physical ability to perform assigned tasks at the City of Grapevine Water Treatment Plant.
Must be able to work shift work, overtime and be subject to on-call as required.
Must pass a Federal/National criminal background check.
Must have a valid Texas driver's license with an acceptable driving record.
Must pass a pre-employment basic physical, drug screen, pulmonary function test, and functional assessment screening (Level 2).
Titmus vision screening (for Operator I).
Ishihara vision screening (for Operator I).
Knowledge of and ability to apply basic chemistry and mathematical principles.
Ability to accept responsibility and account for his/her actions.
Ability to follow instructions, safety practices and standard operating procedures.
Ability to perform work accurately and thoroughly.
Ability to communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.
Ability to interpret charts, flow diagrams, maintenance manuals, and instructions.
Ability to perform mechanical repairs.
Ability to respond appropriately in emergency situations.
Ability to read and interpret lab equipment and fluids.
Skill in use of personal computer including Microsoft Office, Microsoft Excel, e-mail and the internet.
Must possess and exhibit the skills necessary to operate assigned tools and equipment in a safe and proper manner.
Knowledge and understanding of standard water treatment plant equipment (pumps, motors, valves, chlorinators, ammoniators, safety etc.).
Up-to-date knowledge of Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) regulations.
Good reading, writing, and math skills sufficient to work with complicated formulas, equipment, chemicals, instruments, and water laboratory related equipment.
Basic computer skills.
Ability to work effectively with limited supervision.
Ability to follow oral and written communications.
Ability to communicate effectively with the public in giving and receiving information and answering inquiries relative to area of responsibility.
Ability to distinguish different colors to read and interpret lab equipment and fluids.
Ability to perform heavy manual labor and to work in adverse conditions when required.
Must have thorough knowledge and understanding of all plant process instrumentation in regards to installation, operation, maintenance, and calibration.
Understanding of the following State and EPA required tests: Lead and Copper Testing, UCMR Testing, LT2 Testing, BacT Testing, NAP Testing, RTCR.
Understanding of the following reports per requirements: Water Use Survey, Water Loss Audit, Water Utility Profile, Water Conservation Plan, CCR.

Nice To Haves

Knowledge and experience commensurate with city size, water volumes, plant and equipment operating complexities, etc. (for Operator I).

Responsibilities

Assist the Water Treatment Plant Operators as an apprentice performing duties as assigned.
Operate and maintain municipal water treatment plant facilities.
Perform various assigned duties at the water treatment facility to learn critical elements of safety, water treatment and plant operations.
Conduct water quality analysis including sample collection, testing, and interpretation.
Monitor and maintain plant equipment, pumps, motors, and the SCADA system.
Record water quality and plant operating information.
Monitor and adjust plant instrumentation, chemical levels, line pressures, pump functions, and chemical doses.
Maintain a clean and safe plant work area.
Perform driving duties to collect water samples and perform other related functions.
Perform preventive equipment maintenance activities (grease, repair, adjust, clean, paint, calibrate, lubricate).
Conduct facility maintenance and cleaning.
Operate Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) computer system.
Work on plant instrumentation as required.
Perform all lab required testing per TCEQ and EPA regulations.
Interpret data collected and maintain accurate logs and records.
Generate and maintain reports required for the Surface Water Monthly Operating Report (SWMOR).
Interact professionally and respectfully with the public, coworkers and others in the course of daily work.
Regular and timely attendance are required for this position.
Work any day of the week (weekends and weekdays) and long hours.
Work shift work, overtime and be subject to on-call as required.