Water Treatment Operator

City of Salida•Salida, CO

15h•$24 - $35•Onsite

About The Position

This position performs a variety of skilled technical duties and semi-skilled labor related to the operation and maintenance of the City’s water treatment plant including water production, treatment and storage. Also requires maintenance of raw water conveyance systems. Plant operators are expected to perform with increasing independence and to handle issues of greater complexity and responsibility levels as certification increases. As a member of the public works organization, this position may be called out to assist with other City infrastructure maintenance and improvement projects from time to time. Must be able to work nights, shifts, holidays, weekends as assigned.

Requirements

High School Graduate or equivalent.
Class A category requires possession of a current Colorado Class A Water Operators A License. Also, a minimum of 5 years related experience or approved equivalent combination of education and experience.
Class B category requires possession of a current Colorado Class B Water Operators B License. Also, a minimum of 3 years related experience or approved equivalent combination of education and experience.
Class C category requires possession of a current Colorado Class C Water Operators C License. Also, a minimum of 3 years related experience or approved equivalent combination of education and experience.
Class D category requires actively working towards and/or possession of a current Colorado Class D Water Operators License.
Must be able to perform basic computer skills including Microsoft products such as Word and Excel.
Knowledge of principles of chemistry and biology as applied to water purification; water purification procedures and methods; and standard principles of hydraulics and plumbing.
Ability to keep calm and respond appropriately during a power outage, hazardous chemical spill, or other emergency situations.
Ability to work independently and in a team environment
Ability to calculate figures and amounts such as proportions, percentages, area, circumference, and volume.
Ability to apply concepts of basic algebra and geometry.
Must have strong mathematical aptitude to compute dosages and flows.
Ability to read and interpret documents such as safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, and procedure manuals.
Ability to write routine reports and correspondence.
Ability to communicate effectively verbally and in writing including being able to answer questions and provide information to the public, respond to and resolve complaints.
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with employees, other government agencies and the public.
Must have the ability to handle 150-pound chlorine cylinders; must be able to lift/push/pull 50 pounds.
There are times you need to be able to maneuver pumps and motors and other equipment.
Continuous physical effort involves standing, stooping, bending, lifting, climbing ladders, operating and maintaining equipment, etc.

Nice To Haves

Basic understanding or use of a SCADA or HMI systems a plus.

Responsibilities

Performs operation of the Water Treatment Plant to include the collection of raw water, the operation of headgates, coagulation, flocculation, clarification, filtration, chlorination.
Collects samples for laboratory analysis, interprets results for compliance purposes.
Monitors and changes chlorine cylinders and polymer barrels as necessary.
Backwashes filterbeds, based on plant performance.
Maintains equipment, building and grounds in a clean and orderly manner by cutting and pulling weeds, mowing grass, shoveling snow and other miscellaneous duties, i.e., maintains ditches and headgates.
Change charts and recording sheets; inspects motors and pumps, bearing and gear boxes for overheating and proper lubrication, reads master meters for augmentation accounting.
Maintains records and reports on daily plant activity, which includes all chemical usage, flow rates and laboratory analysis and reports it to manager, and/or records in computer systems.
Performs other work as needed or as directed by manager.