Water Treatment Plant Operator I

City of Hendersonville•Hendersonville, NC

3d•$40,635 - $51,240•Onsite

About The Position

Responsible for performing technical and skilled manual work in the operation and maintenance of the City’s water treatment plant. An employee in this class is responsible for monitoring and treating the city’s drinking water in the treatment facility. The emphasis of the work is on performing routine tests to ensure optimum quality of water and efficient operation of the plant. Work includes conducting hourly rounds of the plant, maintaining records, performing tests on water and other plant systems, adding required chemicals to water, troubleshooting mechanical problems, assisting customers, and performing related duties. Work of the water plant operator is differentiated by the level of state certification, length of experience and broader knowledge and responsibilities of plant operations, and ability to lead and train other plant personnel. Work is performed under the supervision of the Chief Water Treatment Plant Operator or Water Treatment Manager and is evaluated for quality of water produced, accuracy in tests performed, documentation of records and efficient plant operations.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent; one (1) year of experience in a water treatment facility is desired; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
Possession of a valid driver’s license to operate a motor vehicle. Requirement exists at the time of hire and as a condition of continued employment.
Possession of a valid NC Grade C Surface Water Operator certification or ability to obtain within one (1) year of employment.
Knowledge of the operating characteristics and maintenance requirements of a water treatment plant.
Knowledge of state and federal water treatment and water quality regulations.
Knowledge of the occupational hazards of the work and necessary safety precautions.
Knowledge of effective communication techniques when speaking with co-workers, vendors, and the public.
Ability to make decisions about water quality and water supply in the absence of a supervisor.
Ability to detect problems in the operation of mechanical equipment and report those problems to a supervisor or the appropriate employee.
Ability to conduct routine water quality tests and read meters and charts accurately, and record results.
Ability to perform environmental science calculations and to keep detailed records.
Ability to understand and follow moderately complex oral and written instructions provided by a supervisor.
Work in this classification is defined as heavy work requiring the physical exertion of 100 pounds of force occasionally, up to 50 pounds of force frequently, and up to 20 pounds of force constantly to move objects. Work requires climbing, balancing, stooping, crouching, reaching, walking, pushing, pulling, lifting, grasping, and repetitive motions. Verbal communication is required to express or exchange ideas. Hearing is required to perceive information at normal spoken word levels. Visual acuity is required for visual inspection involving small defects and/or small parts, use of measuring or testing devices, assembly of equipment, operating plant equipment including motor vehicles, determining the accuracy and thoroughness of work performed, and observing general surroundings and activities.

Nice To Haves

Certified in First Aid, CPR and AED preferred.

Responsibilities

Conducts regular tours of the Water plant to inspect operations; reads and documents readings and calibrations; adjusts chemical feed rates of equipment; and ensures meters and pumps are functioning properly; records readings from plant process control instrumentation (SCADA).
Collects water samples and performs tests; inspects water treatment plant equipment chemical systems for proper operation; and reports needs for equipment repairs.
Performs tests on filtered water to determine excess color and records results; conducts tests for turbidity in raw, settled and filtered water, chlorine residuals in filtered water, alkalinity levels in raw and filtered water, and records all results; calibrate fluoride meters; and tests fluoride levels in raw and filtered water and records results.
Performs tests for coagulation, pH levels and alkalinity; determines optimal chemical dosages; performs tests for settable solids, turbidity, specific gravity, water hardness, color, carbon dioxide levels, dissolved oxygen, chloride, coliform bacteria, alum percentage, caustic percentage, fluoride levels, total organic carbon, chlorine and other colorimetric tests.
Backwashes and rewashes filters using a backwash pump and fills feeder hoppers.
Checks levels of coagulants, caustic, fluoride, corrosion inhibitor, total organic carbon, coagulant aid, and other chemicals; and add chemicals as required.
Assists with replacement of chlorine cylinders and regulates the flow of chlorine; calculates chemical dosage, average readings, and plant performance; and records in logbook.
Performs routine preventive maintenance and repairs to pumps, motors, and other mechanical equipment, and reports equipment failures to supervisor for replacement.
Performs associated work such as bulk chemical handling, grounds keeping, and housekeeping duties.
Participates in classroom and on-the-job training to ensure knowledge level and eligibility for certification renewal is maintained.
Provides information to citizens, vendors or others who may need assistance with water treatment plant operations.
Performs other related job duties as assigned.