Water Treatment Plant Operator I

City of Pomona•Pomona, CA

1d•Onsite

About The Position

This entry-level position plays a critical role in producing and delivering safe, high-quality drinking water to the community. Under immediate supervision, the incumbent monitors and operates water treatment facilities, conducts water quality sampling and testing, adjusts chemical feed systems, operates SCADA and plant equipment, and performs preventive and corrective maintenance on pumps, motors, valves, filters, and related systems. The Water Treatment Plant Operator I helps ensure compliance with Federal, State, and local drinking water regulations while supporting the reliable operation of the City's treatment facilities and distribution system. The City is currently seeking to fill one (1) vacancy for Water Treatment Plant Operator I. An eligibility list will be established and may be used to fill future vacancies in this classification that occur during the twelve (12) months following the list's establishment.

Requirements

High school diploma or GED supplemented by specialized training in water maintenance and/or operations.
One year of water treatment experience or two years of water maintenance experience is desirable.
Possession of a valid driver's license with good driving record.
Possession of a Grade II Water Treatment Operator Certificate.
Possession of, or must obtain, CPR, First Aid, Respirator, Confined Space and Hazwoper certificates wiithin 11 months of employment.
Knowledge of: Basic mechanical, electrical, and hydraulic principles.
Knowledge of: Hand and power tools used in routine plant maintenance.
Knowledge of: Safety precautions pertaining to the work.
Knowledge of: Safety precautions pertaining to work with hazardous materials.
Knowledge of: Characteristics of treatment chemicals.
Knowledge of: Basic arithmetic, including fractions, decimals, and proportions.
Knowledge of: Safe driving principles and practices.
Knowledge of: Confined space work practices.
Skill to: Learn to operate a wide variety of equipment and tools used in water treatment and maintenance.
Skill to: Learn to operate the City’s SCADA system.
Skill to: Learn to operate modern office equipment including computer equipment and software.
Skill to: Perform heavy manual labor for extended periods of time.
Skill to: Operate a motor vehicle safely.
Skill to: Operate a wide variety of equipment including, dump trucks, skip loaders, and fork lift as well as tools used in water treatment and maintenance.
Skill to: Learn to make accurate physical and chemical tests.
Skill to: Learn to diagnose complex operating problems.
Ability to: Read and record meters and gages accurately.
Ability to: Recognize unusual or dangerous operating conditions.
Ability to: Perform maintenance and repair to plant equipment including pumps, valves, and electronic monitoring devices.
Ability to: Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.
Ability to: Establish, maintain, and foster positive and harmonious working relationships, teamwork, and cooperation with those contacted in the course of work.
Ability to: Work in a confined spaced environment.
Ability to: Handle hazardous material in a safe manner.
Ability to: Use respirators for extended periods of time.
Ability to: Learn to read, interpret, and apply a technical information from manuals, drawings, specifications, layouts, blue prints, and schematics.

Nice To Haves

One year of water treatment experience or two years of water maintenance experience is desirable.

Responsibilities

Operate water treatment plants using electronic and SCADA systems; interpret gages, meters, charts, and graphs; operate pumps, valves, motors, and related equipment; inspect plant equipment.
Calculate and adjust chemical dosages based on test results, plant flows, and plant performance; maintain predetermined water quality parameters; apply mathematical formula to calculate chemical dosages, chemical usage, pump rates, and flow changes.
Validate on-line analyzers with handheld analyzers.
Calibrate and/or repair water analyzing instrumentation to ensure proper operation.
Monitor the transmission and distribution systems; coordinate, advise, and communicate to other Water Sections potential problems and alarms.
Repair and/or replace equipment throughout the water treatment plant including pumps, valves, motors, mixers, wires, and analyzers.
Assist in determining chemicals, laboratory reagents, and equipment needed for operation and/or budget purposes.
Analyze and measure filter media; replace and/or add as needed.
Repair, clean, and maintain facilities and equipment associated with the operation of water treatment plants.
Report equipment failures and complete minor repairs to equipment on sites; requisition materials, equipment, and supplies.
Compile data and maintain records for governmental regulatory monthly and quarterly reports.
Perform daily, weekly, monthly, quarterly, and annual general and preventive maintenance including keeping and preparing accurate and complete records, logs, checklists, and reports.
Inspect and repair water treatment filters.
Perform flow changes at remote stations and coordinate those changes on the SCADA system.
Assist in the training of new water treatment plant employees.
Assist in design changes of current and future treatment plants.
Participate in safety training and exercises.
May occasionally assist Water Quality Control Technicians.
Perform related duties and responsibilities as assigned.