Water Treatment Operator

City of AlbanyAlbany, OR
Onsite

About The Position

The City of Albany's Public Works Department is seeking candidates to join their Water Treatment Team. In this role, you will operate, monitor, and maintain equipment and systems used to treat and deliver safe drinking water to the residents of Albany. This position plays a vital role in providing reliable, high-quality water to the community.

Requirements

  • Water Treatment Operator I: A high school diploma or its equivalent; or associate degree preferred in water/wastewater technology, engineering, biology, environmental science, or closely related field; and 0-2 years of experience in operation and maintenance of a Class III or higher drinking water treatment facility; or any equivalent combination of education and experience that provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities.
  • Water Treatment Operator II: A high school diploma or its equivalent; or associate degree preferred in water/wastewater technology, engineering, biology, environmental science, or closely related field; and a minimum of 3 years of experience in operation and maintenance of a Class III or higher drinking water treatment facility; or any equivalent combination of education and experience that provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities.
  • Water Treatment Operator III: A high school diploma or its equivalent; or associate degree preferred in water/wastewater technology, engineering, biology, environmental science, or closely related field; and a minimum of 5 years of experience in operation and maintenance of a Class III or higher drinking water treatment facility; or any equivalent combination of education and experience that provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities.
  • For all levels within this series: The individual shall not pose a direct threat to the health or safety of themselves or others.
  • Possession of a valid Oregon driver's license and a driving record that meets City standards at the time of job placement.
  • In accordance with Human Resources substance abuse policies, incumbents in this position are subject to the City's Drug & Alcohol testing program.
  • Water Treatment Operator I: Possession of or ability to obtain a valid Oregon Water Treatment Level I within one year of job placement.
  • Water Treatment Operator II: Possession of a valid Oregon Water Treatment Level II at the time of job placement.
  • Water Treatment Operator III: Possession of a valid Oregon Water Treatment Level III at the time of job placement.
  • Knowledge of: equipment, facilities, materials, methods, and procedures related to the operation and maintenance of a conventional water filtration plant; and procedures and regulations pertaining to workplace safety, confined space work, and working in hazardous and potentially hazardous locations; how to evaluate and troubleshoot mechanical components to determine existing operating condition; standard practices, materials, and modern methods used in the safe repair and maintenance of water treatment equipment; repairing pumps and all treatment facility equipment; OSHA industrial required safety procedures.
  • Skill in: operation of listed tools and equipment used in the operation and maintenance of a complex coagulation/flocculation/filtration water treatment facilities, and related systems, including control computers.
  • Ability to: perform basic process control calculations; work safely; communicate effectively verbally and in writing; establish and maintain effective working relationships with employees, other departments, and the public; and understand and carry out written and oral instructions.

Nice To Haves

  • Associate degree preferred in water/wastewater technology, engineering, biology, environmental science, or closely related field.

Responsibilities

  • Performs a variety of basic, semi-skilled and skilled technical and maintenance work in the operation and maintenance of water treatment facilities and related systems with emphasis on preventative maintenance and routine repair tasks; and performs related work as required.
  • Assists with the operation, inspection, repair, and maintenance of specialized equipment and instruments used in the sampling, analysis, and processing of potable water, including but not limited to lab equipment, samplers, pumps, and other conveyance equipment.
  • Inspects, monitors, and adjusts plant process equipment and instruments; assists with preventive maintenance and minor repairs; may assist with major repairs, modifications, and installation and start-up of a variety of process equipment.
  • Uses computerized control SCADA system to perform monitoring and control of plant processes, equipment, and instrument activities for the treatment plant operations, including reservoir pump stations, as applicable.
  • Assists operators in monitoring, inspecting, and operating treatment and distribution facilities. This includes daily plant operational checks and laboratory testing.
  • Collects and tests samples of surface water, potable water, groundwater; may include collection and testing of materials containing hazardous constituents.
  • Evaluates operational data and information and effect necessary process control changes using a variety of manual and automation control systems.
  • Uses computer applications to prepare reports, keep daily records, utilize spreadsheets, and submit equipment maintenance requests.
  • Maintains accurate and detailed maintenance records for all equipment and activities performed as directed and required.
  • Responds to alarms, emergencies, and potential issues involving power outages or mechanical failures, evaluates situations to make initial assessment of potential problems.
  • Conveys necessary information about the alarm or situation to the appropriate supervisor or certified on-call operator.
  • Represents the City of Albany by responding to the public, citizens, its employees, and others in a prompt, professional, and courteous manner while continuously maintaining a positive customer service demeanor.
  • Works to create a high-performance work culture by demonstrating a positive attitude and modeling the City’s mission, vision, and values.
  • Conducts self with high integrity, proactive in conserving City resources, and seeks and incorporates customer feedback for ongoing performance improvement.
  • Demonstrates continuous effort to improve operations, decrease turnaround times, streamline work processes, and work cooperatively and jointly to provide quality customer service.
  • Serves as a member of various City committees as assigned.
  • Assists other staff in the performance of their duties as assigned; and may provide training and orientation to new assigned personnel.
  • Maintains regular job attendance and adherence to working hours.
  • Adheres to appropriate attire, grooming, and hygiene standards established for the position.
  • Operates a motor vehicle safely and legally.
  • Performs other related duties as required/assigned.
  • Water Treatment Operator II Includes all the aforementioned duties as wells as the following additional duties: Must work a rotating weekly on-call shift for emergency call-back. Regularly monitors treatment plants, reservoirs, and pump stations and independently makes process changes and adjustments. Independently perform inspections, preventative maintenance, repairs and other tasks. Regularly adjusts reservoir levels and distribution pumps according to operational goals. Performs quarterly, semi-annual, annual, or other infrequent sample collection for laboratory analysis. Assist in the training of co-workers to increase their skills in water treatment operations. May lead tours for the public, schools, and city staff as necessary.
  • Water Treatment Operator III Includes all the aforementioned duties as wells as the following additional duties: Assists with completing regulatory reports and may be eligible to review, sign, and submit monthly or annual reporting during the absence of the Treatment Supervisor. Eligible to take on AIC responsibilities in the absence of the Treatment Supervisor. Able to purchase/order bulk treatment chemical deliveries. Communicate and troubleshoot SCADA programming and/or equipment needs with the Technical Services and Automation work group. May be assigned more complex or technical tasks. For example: lowering system-wide distribution reservoir levels and/or pressures, assisting with engineering and regulatory tours, providing feedback of capital project plans, etc. Lead the training of co-workers and “train the trainer”, as assigned.

Benefits

  • Excellent medical, vision and dental benefit package for the employee and qualified family members with low monthly out-of-pocket cost.
  • City-paid contribution to a VEBA Trust account for out-of-pocket healthcare expenses.
  • Paid time off including: 8 hours of vacation leave per month, with progressive increases
  • 8 hours of sick leave per month
  • 10 paid holidays per year
  • 24 hours of floating holiday per year
  • Excellent retirement benefits including: City-paid participation in the Oregon Public Employee Retirement System (OPSRP and City pays 6% IAP contribution)
  • City-paid 0.5% contribution into pre-tax deferred compensation plan
  • Job-related college tuition and book reimbursement
  • Employee assistance program
  • Basic life insurance
  • Short-term disability
  • Long-term disability
  • Flexible spending accounts for healthcare and childcare expenses.
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