Water Treatment Plant Operator I

City of Rock Island • Rock Island, IL

3d • Onsite

About The Position

Under general supervision, performs a variety of tasks in the routine operation, inspection, and maintenance of the City's water treatment plant and related facilities. This role involves performing routine tasks in the cleaning of treatment facilities and may include providing training to new operators. The operator will observe and monitor water flows, maintain and calibrate various instruments, and operate the water SCADA system. Responsibilities include adjusting flows and pump sequences to meet user demands and reservoir levels, maintaining daily logs, collecting water samples, performing water quality tests, and adding chemicals for treatment. The position also involves handling, mixing, and storing chemicals, assisting with equipment maintenance, and maintaining the cleanliness and appearance of facilities. Additionally, the operator may handle customer inquiries, participate in skills and safety programs, and perform other assigned duties.

Requirements

• Completion of four (4) years high school or GED.
• Some experience in a water treatment plant preferred.
• Knowledge of the methods and techniques of water treatment, quality, and supply.
• Knowledge of laws and regulatory codes and requirements applicable to water treatment including standard quality tests, water sampling techniques, and bacterial and chemical analysis.
• Knowledge of the mechanical, electrical, and hydraulic principles pertaining to water treatment.
• Knowledge of the operation and maintenance of pumps, motors, valves, metering control systems, and chemical feed equipment.
• Ability to use hand and power tools used in routine plant maintenance.
• Ability to prepare a variety of logs and reports detailing plant activities.
• Ability to properly record data and perform basic mathematical calculations correctly.
• Ability to communicate effectively in verbal and written form.
• Ability to operate a computer, tablet, and related electronic devices with appropriate training.
• Ability to maintain effective working relationships with employees, contractors, vendors, and the general public.
• Ability to work independently with limited supervision.
• Knowledge of the geographical area in the City of Rock Island.
• Ability to operate vehicles skillfully and safely; observes safe driving practices.
• Ability to perform work in a variety of weather conditions.
• Requires possession of a valid Class "D" Illinois Vehicle Operator's License or an equivalent license issued by the employee's state of residence.
• Requires, as a condition of employment, to possess or obtain a Class C IEPA Water Treatment Certification within 2 years of hire.

Nice To Haves

• Some experience in a water treatment plant preferred.

Responsibilities

• Observes and monitors water flows directly as indicated by instruments at the intake structure, pumping stations, reservoirs, and treatment plant.
• Maintains and calibrates pressure transmitters, flow meters, valve position and limit switches, level transmitters, and on-line quality instruments such as fluoride, ph, temperature, chlorine, etc.
• Monitors and operates the water SCADA (supervisory control and data acquisition) system.
• Monitors and adjusts flows at the Water Treatment Plant to meet the demands of water users and reservoirs and adjusts the pump sequence at the pump stations and wells to maintain the reservoirs at an acceptable level to provide adequate water for fires or other emergencies and for scheduled maintenance, such as flushing mains.
• Manually and remotely adjusts valves and pump controls to regulate flow rates.
• Maintains daily log on filters, chlorine residual, pressure, flows, reservoir levels, etc; changes charts and enters information into the computerized collection system.
• Maintains record of work though a computerized work order tracking system.
• Collects water samples and performs water quality tests for regulatory compliance and system operation.
• Adds correct amounts of chemicals for disinfection, coagulation, filtration, taste, odor control, and fluoridation; adjusts chemical feed rates manually or remotely to maintain proper treatment.
• Handles, mixes, and stores a variety of chemicals used for water treatment including polymers, sodium hypochlorite, aluminum sulfate, ploy aluminum chlorides, calcium hypochlorite, caustic soda, and fluoride.
• Receives chemicals from suppliers.
• Assists Maintenance Mechanics with maintaining, calibrating, and repairing of a variety of equipment such as chemical feeders, pumps and motors, air compressors, pneumatic valves, and air cylinders.
• Maintains structure and grounds as required to maintain the cleanliness and proper appearance of the pumping station and water treatment facilities by performing janitorial duties such as: painting, watering, weed and pest control, and assisting in making repairs to structures.
• Performs routine plant cleaning and maintenance such as backwashing filters, cleaning lines, and hosing filters and basins.
• Maintains and assists repairing the Water Treatment Plant, pumping station building, and all related systems including plumbing, heating and cooling systems, carpentry, and other duties.
• May answer telephone calls from customers regarding service problems and questions; may serve as a central communication point, taking and relaying information to and from department personnel on routine and emergency needs and services.
• Participates in skills and safety programs; learns and implements technical changes and safety rules, regulations, and emergency procedures.
• Performs other duties as assigned within the scope of the position.
• Assists in the general maintenance and housekeeping of City owned property and buildings.
• Complies with established safety standards and rules including the use of safety equipment, personal protective equipment, and other devices and procedures necessary for protection.

Benefits

• Residency requirement: must live in the state of Illinois or Iowa and must report within 60 minutes after being called into work for an overtime assignment.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: High school or GED