Water Treatment Plant Operator I

Unified Government of Athens-Clarke County•Ga 30601, GA

2d•Onsite

About The Position

The purpose of this job is to perform general/technical work functions associated with operating the water treatment plant and to ensure a continuous, adequate supply of potable drinking water meeting federal/state regulations. Duties and responsibilities include, but are not limited to: analyzing and treating water; mixing chemicals; performing laboratory tests; operating various pumps and valves; repairing and maintaining machinery and equipment; maintaining records; and performing additional tasks as assigned.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent required; or any equivalent combination of education, training, and experience which provides the requisite knowledge, skills, and abilities for this position.
Must possess a valid driver's license.
Must possess or have the ability to obtain a state-certified Class III license for water treatment as required within 12 months of date of hire.
Knowledge of the policies, procedures, and activities of the Public Utilities Department as they pertain to the performance of duties relating to the position of Water Treatment Plant Operator.
Knowledge of the terminology used within the department.
Knowledge of departmental policies and procedures, and of other procedures and methods as required in the performance of duties.
Knowledge of federal and state laws and regulations concerning safe drinking water.
Knowledge of water system operations, of water treatment plant operations, and of the handling and application of chemicals necessary to maintain a safe water supply.
Knowledge of laboratory procedures and safety procedures.
Skill in basic math and chemistry, and in oral and written communication.
Skill in water plant operation and in the use of maintenance equipment and water analysis equipment.
Skill in operating various machinery and equipment including a computer, telephone, pumps, streaming current detector, particle counter, chemical feed equipment, bacteriological testing equipment, mechanic tools, power tools, plumbing tools, hand tools, etc.
Skill in utilizing various software programs relevant to the position.
Ability to compile, organize, prepare and maintain an assortment of records, reports and information in an effective manner and according to departmental and/or governmental regulations.
Ability to communicate effectively with supervisors and other staff members.
Ability to use independent judgment in routine and non-routine situations.
Ability to handle required mathematical calculations.
Ability to utilize and understand computer applications and techniques as necessary in the completion of daily assignments.
Ability to plan, organize and/or prioritize daily assignments and work activities.
Ability to comprehend and apply regulations and procedures of the department.
Must be physically able to operate a variety of machinery and equipment including a computer, telephone, pumps, streaming current detector, particle counter, chemical feed equipment, bacteriological testing equipment, mechanic tools, power tools, plumbing tools, hand tools, etc.
Must be able to use body members to work, move or carry objects or materials.
stooping, kneeling, crouching, reaching, standing, walking, pushing, pulling, lifting, fingering, grasping, feeling, talking, hearing, seeing, and repetitive motion.
Must be able to exert up to 50 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 20 pounds of force frequently.
Requires the ability to compare and/or judge the readily observable functional, structural, or compositional characteristics (whether similar to or divergent from obvious standards) of data, people, or things.
Requires the ability to hear, speak and/or signal people to convey or exchange information. Includes giving/receiving assignments and/or directions to/from co-workers, assistants or supervisors.
Requires the ability to read a variety of manuals, informational documentation, directions, instructions, methods and procedures.
Requires the ability to prepare logs, reports, forms, etc., using prescribed formats and conforming to all rules of punctuation, grammar, diction, and style.
Requires the ability to speak to people with poise, voice control, and confidence.
Requires the ability to learn and understand relatively complex principles and techniques; to acquire and be able to expound on knowledge of topics related to primary occupation; and to make independent judgment in the absence of management.
Requires the ability to record and deliver information, to explain procedures, and to follow oral and written instructions.
Must be able to communicate effectively and efficiently in a variety of administrative, technical or professional languages including water treatment/systems and mechanical terminology.
Requires the ability to utilize mathematical formulas; add and subtract totals; multiply and divide; determine percentages; interpret graphs; compute discount, interest, profit/loss, ratio/proportion, etc.; perform calculations involving variables, formulas, square roots and polynomials.
Requires the ability to inspect items for proper length, width, and shape, visually with a computer, telephone, pumps, streaming current detector, particle counter, chemical feed equipment, bacteriological testing equipment, mechanic tools, power tools, plumbing tools, hand tools, etc.
Requires the ability to coordinate hands, fingers, and eyes accurately in using equipment.
Requires the ability to lift, bend, push, pull, manipulate equipment/tools and objects as the position necessitates.
Requires the ability to handle a variety of items such as automated equipment, machinery, chemicals, hand tools, mechanic tools, plumbing tools, etc.
Must have the ability to use one hand for twisting or turning motion while coordinating other hand with different activities.
Must have moderate levels of eye/hand/foot coordination.
Requires the ability to differentiate between colors and shades of color.
Requires the ability to deal with people beyond giving and receiving instructions.
Must be adaptable to performing under minimal stress when confronted with an emergency.
Must be able to communicate via telephone and/or two-way radio.

Nice To Haves

One year of experience in water treatment systems maintenance or operations preferred.

Responsibilities

Controls treatment plant processes and equipment to purify and clarify water for human consumption and for industrial and commercial use.
Uses SCADA to monitor the plant process and equipment.
Operates and controls various pumps and valves to regulate the flow of water through the treatment plant and distribution system.
Operates high service pumps to control pressures and tank levels in distribution system.
Operates and maintains dual media filters.
Performs a variety of laboratory tests to determine the chemical composition of water and to ensure compliance with federal and state regulations for turbidity, chlorine, fluoride, pH, iron and manganese; makes adjustments as necessary.
Performs bacteriological tests.
Performs pH, chlorine, fluoride, iron, manganese, turbidity, and other tests to control quality.
Monitors and controls the addition of chemicals to the water supply.
Mixes chemicals.
Changes chemical containers.
Monitors and maintains proper levels for all chemical tanks and containers.
Performs inspections of plant operations for safety, maintenance and proper process operations.
Repairs and maintains machines, equipment, pumps, and electrical equipment.
Helps train newly hired operators; reviews work to ensure compliance with standards.
Maintains log of various data, including daily inventory log of chemicals used in treatment process.
Records plant operation data from observations, instrumentation and laboratory tests; records test results for reporting to state agency as appropriate.
Prepares and/or receives various forms, reports or other documents, processes and forwards as appropriate.
Responds to calls from the public concerning water system problems and sewer complaints.
Responds to routine requests for information from officials, employees, and members of the staff, the public or other individuals.
Answers the telephone; provides information; takes and relays messages and/or directs calls to appropriate personnel; returns calls as necessary.
Performs other duties as assigned.