Water Plant Operator II (may underfill)

Salt Lake City Corporation

About The Position

During duty shift, supervises and performs the operation, maintenance and repair of treatment plant equipment and buildings to provide culinary water that meets the public need and state and federal regulations. This is technical operational and supervisory work, subject to rotating shifts and 24-hour emergency call. Reports to plant supervisor.

Requirements

High school diploma or general education degree (GED)
Demonstrated knowledge and ability to comprehend and apply concepts of basic algebra, chemistry and mechanics as they relate to the water purification process.
Demonstrated knowledge and ability to inspect operation of equipment, detect and repair problem situations.
Ability to read and comprehend oral and written instructions; and effectively present information to coworkers, supervisors, customers, clients and other employees of the organization.
Ability to obtain and maintain Utah State Water Treatment Plant Operator Grade II certification or higher within 12 months from hire date.
Possession of a valid state driver’s license or Utah driving privilege card.
Two years' post-high-school study of Algebra, Chemistry, Bacteriology, Hydraulics, Computer Science, Environmental Technology or other related subjects or programs.
One year's experience as a Water Plant Operator I in the plant in which the Operator II position is available.
Additional experience may be substituted for the educational requirement on a year-for-year basis.
Knowledge of the principles, practices, materials and equipment used in culinary water treatment.
Working knowledge of mathematics, chemistry and bacteriology relating to water purification and production.
Ability to prepare and perform routine laboratory tests and calibrate and adjust equipment.
Ability to operate computerized plant process control system and prepare and maintain computerized records, correspondence and reports.
Mechanical aptitude and skill in the use of hand tools, power tools, cement mixers, air compressors and mill-right tools.
Ability to perform heavy physical labor at times.
Possession of Utah State Water Treatment Plant Operator Grade III certification for water treatment, as required by Utah State law.
Possession of a valid driver’s license or driving privilege card.

Nice To Haves

Successful completion of college (or junior college) level courses in environmental, physical or computer sciences.
Two (2) years' experience in water system maintenance, distribution, hydrology, treatment and testing.
One year prior work experience as a Water Plant Operator I-A for the Public Utilities Department.

Responsibilities

Regulates water flow and chemical feed rates.
Monitors, operates, calibrates, maintains, repairs and replaces various equipment used in a full treatment water purification plant.
Equipment includes: Computerized control system (SCADA) of plant equipment and processes, pumps, compressors, flash mixers, fans, flocculators and drives, turbidimeters, Lime feeder, generators, chlorine sensing alarms, sludge collection and clarifier systems, chemical feeders, conveyors, chlorinators, boilers and safety equipment.
Performs laboratory tests on water for chlorine residual, turbidity, alkalinity, hardness, pH, odor and color.
Prepares laboratory reagents according to specifications, and learns to run jar tests to determine optimum chemical feed rates for water treatment.
Responsible for calibration of laboratory equipment and sterilization of glassware.
Monitors computerized system for control of plant processes and makes necessary adjustments.
Maintains records required by city, state and federal agencies of flows, chemical feed rates, inventories, weather conditions and laboratory testing.
Keeps necessary plant maintenance records.
Handles bulk chemicals, liquid and dry, in bags, cylinders or drums. Chemicals include ferric chloride, chlorine, potassium permanganate, copper sulfate and polymers.
May be required to do dam and reservoir maintenance.
Conducts public tours.
Decides whether source water is treatable.
Determines necessary operational procedures to achieve coagulation, flocculation, sedimentation, filtration and disinfection of source water.
Determines proper doses of chemicals such as alum, calcium hydroxide, silica, chlorine, potassium permanganate, polymer flocculent and filter aids and other substances.
Serves as plant supervisor during supervisor's absence.
Trains, guides and assigns duties to level I operators.
Operates and partially maintains a computerized control system to make necessary adjustments to equipment, chemical doses, etc., throughout the plant.
Monitors and operates computer system for remote dam site.
Responsible for maintenance and repair of equipment at the site.
Handles emergency situations; may cut plant flows or cancel water production when water quality is at stake or if problems arise.
Troubleshoots equipment and plant process failures, and determines course of action to remedy problems.
Responsible for laboratory water quality testing and on-line water quality analysis equipment.
Maintains necessary records for daily operation, filter operation, water quality test results, equipment maintenance and repair, reservoir and water shed data, weather information and process control computer operational status data.
Compiles a monthly report of chemical usage, lab data and other required information for the State Health Department and other agencies.
Maintains communications with Distribution and other water production facilities to assist in coordinating flow from the various plants, reservoirs and other supply sources.
Gives tours of plant explaining purpose and operation to various groups such as students, medical and health professionals, engineers, scouts, other city personnel
Performs all duties of Water Plant Operator I.
Performs other related duties as required.
Performs other duties as assigned.