Water Plant Operator III

St. James Parish Government•Convent, LA

3d•Onsite

About The Position

Controls treatment plant machines and equipment to filter and clarify water for human consumption and industrial use. This position is classified as essential during declared emergencies or natural disasters. This is a nonexempt position, working a rotating shift. This position is “Safety Sensitive” and subject to random drug testing as per the St. James Parish Government Employee Handbook. Individuals in this class are able to complete the majority of their work with a minimum amount of supervision. Normally works a rotating shift. Must possess Class III Operator Water Treatment, Water Distribution and Water Production Certifications.

Requirements

High School diploma or general education diploma (GED) with 1 year of experience as a Water Plant Operator Trainee.
Ability to work with mathematical concepts such as probability and statistical inference and fundamentals of plane and solid geometry and trigonometry.
Ability to apply concepts such as fractions, percentages, ratios, and, proportions to practical situations.
Ability to define common sense understanding to carry out instructions furnished in written, oral, diagram or schedule form.
Ability to solve practical problems and deal with a variety of concrete variables in situations where only limited standardization exists.
Must possess a valid Louisiana Driver’s License, (class “E”) with an acceptable driving record.
Must possess Class III Operator Water Treatment, Water Distribution and Water Production Certifications.
General knowledge of the hazards and applicable safety rules and regulations in equipment operation
Ability to perform physical labor required of the position
Ability to perform daily housekeeping duties
Have some knowledge of computer systems

Responsibilities

Operates and controls electric motors, pumps, and valve(s) to regulate the flow of raw water into treatment plant
Dumps specified amounts of chemicals such as chlorine, ammonia, and lime into water; or adjust automatic devices that admit specified amounts of chemicals into tanks to disinfect, deodorize, and clarify water
Starts agitators to mix chemicals and allows impurities to settle to bottom of tank(s)
Turns valve(s) to regulate water through filter beds to remove impurities
Pumps filtered water into water mains
Monitor panel board and adjusts controls to regulate flow rates, loss of head pressure and water elevation, and distribution of water
Cleans tanks and filter beds using backwashing
Performs routine maintenance on machines and equipment
Tests water samples to determine acidity, color, and impurities
Adds chemicals such as alum into tanks to coagulate impurities and reduce acidity
Records data such as residual content of chemicals, water turbidity, and water pressure
Maintains daily and monthly logs
Other duties as assigned