Water Plant Operator I

City of Asheville•Asheville, NC

5d•Onsite

About The Position

The City of Asheville is currently looking to hire a full-time Water Plant Operator I position. This position is to perform technical work in the operation and minor maintenance of the water treatment plant(s) for the City under the supervision of a Certified Treatment Plant Operator or the Water Plant supervisor. This level of work in the operation and maintenance of a water treatment plant is key to providing safe, potable water for the City and its water customers.

Requirements

High school diploma or GED required, with vocational or technical training in water treatment or a related field
One year of work experience in water treatment plant operation
Must possess and maintain a valid North Carolina driver’s license.
Must possess and maintain a valid North Carolina Class C Surface Water Treatment License.
Must be able to demonstrate proficiency in performance of the essential functions and learn, comprehend, and apply all City or departmental policies, practices, and procedures necessary to function effectively in the position
Tasks require the ability to exert moderate, though not constant physical effort, typically involving some combination of climbing and balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, crawling, and prolonged standing, and which may involve some lifting, carrying, pushing and/or pulling of objects and materials of moderate weight (12-20 pounds).
Some tasks require the ability to perceive and discriminate colors or shades of colors, sounds, odor, depth, texture, and visual cues or signals.
Some tasks require the ability to communicate orally.
Performance of essential functions may require exposure to adverse environmental conditions, such as dirt, dust, pollen, odors, wetness, humidity, rain, fumes, temperature and noise extremes, water hazards, hazardous materials, toxic agents, machinery, vibrations, electric currents, traffic hazards, bright/dim lights, animal/wildlife attacks, animal/human bites, explosives, or rude/irate customers.

Nice To Haves

Assists in training and monitoring the work of less experienced operators

Responsibilities

Operates an assigned water treatment plant: monitors plant operations and processes utilizing Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) system; checks system components; identifies any problems and makes necessary adjustments; ensures continuous and effective operation; and maintains compliance with applicable local, state, and federal regulations, standards, and guidelines.
Monitors chemical feeds and distribution, flow rates, and related treatment processes: maintains appropriate chemical levels; adjusts system controls; adds, adjusts, and replaces chemicals in the plant’s systems and components; and maintains related documentation.
Reads meters, gauges, and dials: records readings, chemical levels, water properties and statistical data; and prepares and maintains a variety of logs, records and reports including flowcharts, production reports, and operation logs.
Collects and tests water samples: performs all necessary qualitative and quantitative laboratory tests; performs quality control testing; analyzes test results; determines need for treatment process changes; maintains records of findings and sample characteristics; calibrates test equipment; and cleans and maintains laboratory equipment.
Inspects plant systems, facilities and equipment: performs preventive maintenance and repair on the plant equipment, gauges, meters and related systems; repairs system components; changes filters, beds and other parts; oils and adjusts power driven pumps; checks and fills storage tanks and feeders; cleans equipment; flushes system; makes minor electrical and/or plumbing repairs as needed; performs routine housekeeping and janitorial duties, painting, grounds upkeep, mowing and landscaping inside and outside of plant facility; and reports any problems or need for equipment repair.
Performs related duties in support of plant operations: notifies appropriate entities of treatment problems, as needed; performs routine customer service functions, by taking phone calls, answering questions, and providing information regarding water quality issues, departmental information, plant tours, vendor requests, etc.; assists in training and monitoring the work of less experienced operators; and participates in safety drills and planning and implementing emergency plans.
Maintains a current, comprehensive knowledge and awareness of applicable laws, regulations, principles, trends, advances, technology, and practices relating to water treatment and plant operation; maintains certifications; and attends meetings, workshops, conferences, and training sessions as required.
Communicates with supervisor, other City employees, vendors, the public, outside agencies and organizations, and other individuals as needed to coordinate work activities, review status of work, exchange information, or resolve problems.
Processes a variety of documentation associated with department/division operations, within designated timeframes and per established procedures: receives, reviews, prepares, completes, processes, forwards or retains as appropriate various forms, reports, correspondence, logs, operating, chemical, and regulatory reports, and other documentation; compiles data for further processing or for use in preparation of department reports; and maintains computerized and/or hardcopy records.
Operates a personal computer to enter, retrieve, review, or modify data, utilizing word processing, spreadsheet, database, Internet, e-mail, or other software; operates hand tools, lawn mower, and related maintenance tools and equipment; and operates general office or other equipment as necessary to complete essential functions.
Performs other related duties as required.