Water Production Specialist (Apprentice)

Des Moines Water Works•Water Works Park, IA

5d•Onsite

About The Position

Under the supervision of the Water Production Supervisor of Operators, controls and operates all treatment and pumping facilities necessary to produce high-quality adequate quantities of water to meet system demand as economically as possible. Will on occasion be the operator in charge after normal business hours and maintain equipment, as assigned. Hours are Monday - Friday from 11:00 p.m.- 7:00 a.m. There is an additional 5% per hour shift pay differential for this shift.

Requirements

High School Diploma or GED.
Completion of three years of operational experience in water treatment, water distribution or wastewater OR completion of at least 18 months operational experience and applying 67.5 CEUs.
At least two years of experience at an Iowa Grade 2 treatment plant or equivalent.
Must possess a valid Iowa Driver’s license with a good driving record.
This position requires Driver remain insurable under the Company’s coverage.
Grade II Iowa Water Treatment Plant Operator Certification.
Must complete an apprenticeship program within three years of appointment to the position.
Basic verbal and written communication skills
Proficient analytical/decision-making skills
Knowledge of federal, state and local regulatory requirements
Knowledge of DMWW rules and regulations
Basic team skills
Basic human relations skills
Basic planning/organizing skills
Basic skills in using a personal computer and basic software to complete daily reports, time sheets, work orders, and required reports
Basic mechanical skills
Proficient mathematical skills
Basic maintenance skills
Ability to work various shift schedules
Knowledge of equipment owned and operated by DMWW
Ability to determine emergency calls
Ability to read maps and schematics
Knowledge of laboratory practices and procedures
Ability to interpret test results
Knowledge of safe drinking water regulations and practices
Ability to read, write, communicate, and understand English

Nice To Haves

Iowa Grade 2 Water Distribution Operator’s Certificate.
At least four years of experience at an Iowa Grade 4 treatment plant or equivalent.
At least two years of college or associate’s degree.
Minimum age of 21 years old preferred. Candidates under 21 years old must have an acceptable driving record to be selected.

Responsibilities

Controls, operates, and monitors all treatment plant pumps and related equipment.
Regulates treatment plant production to meet system demand.
Monitors and controls the distribution of system water resources, to insure a sufficient supply of water to all customers.
Using the SCADA systems, monitors treatment process and system performance data, to ensure the production of high-quality water and proper operation of all equipment.
Monitor the status of treatment processes by performing mini-lab analysis and reviewing lab test results.
Evaluates the treatment process chemical selection, feed rate and results, to make sure they are appropriate, based on desired water quality results and current raw water quality.
Controls and operates diesel driven pump, boiler system and emergency generator as required.
Operates microprocessors controls and observes in-plant instrumentation for chemical feed systems, pumps, and treatment processes.
Keeps accurate daily logs of operating data and activities for the water treatment process and remote facilities operation.
Monitors weather, fire, and security systems, acknowledges alarms, and make appropriate communication contacts in emergency situations.
Coordinates the duties and responsibilities of the other Operators as needed, to ensure the efficient and effective operation of the Fleur Drive treatment and other remote facilities.
Assists Operator in duties relating to water treatment, water distribution, and heating/ventilating systems.
Determines urgency of requests and coordinates notification of personnel during regular hours and off hours to ensure proper response to emergencies.
Works in a team environment with minimum supervision.
Receives, interprets and responds to two-way radio requests for information on routine and emergency situations.
Communicates and coordinates with internal and external customers through the use of computers, reports, charts, and process knowledge.
Operates, adjusts, and maintains the lime slakers and the lime slurry feed equipment.
Determines the number of filters required, maintains filter water levels, and backwashes filters.
Collects and analyzes water samples from raw water sources, pre-sed and softening basins, filters, and finished water source for pH, hardness, alkalinity, and turbidity control.
Makes necessary adjustments to maintain desired results.
Performs periodic inspections of basins, filters, low lift pumps, Flooding Station, Raccoon River intake, chemical feed systems and process equipment.
Inspects, operates, maintains and repairs treatment plant equipment including basins, tanks, chemical feeders, pumps, valves, tools, electrical, plumbing and heating systems.
Assists in the unloading and loading of chemicals and equipment.
Cleans pre-sedimentation and treatment basins, tanks, and vaults.
Performs preventive, normal, and emergency maintenance on water treatment equipment, using required tools.
Performs general maintenance and lubrication on all equipment in a safe, clean, and orderly manner.
Performs other duties of a similar nature.