Water Treatment Plant Operator IV

City of Portsmouth•Portsmouth, VA

13d•Onsite

About The Position

Under limited supervision, the Water Treatment Plant Operator IV operates and maintains water treatment plant equipment and distribution systems. The position reports to the Water Treatment Plant Operator Lead. Individual assignments are determined by the supervisor based on workload and department needs. The role involves collecting water samples and conducting laboratory tests, calculating chemical dosages, regulating water flows, monitoring water quality throughout treatment, and recording plant and distribution-system operating data. The operator adjusts system pressures and tank levels using high-service pumps and booster stations, performs or assists with chemical testing and maintenance, helps diagnose mechanical or electrical equipment problems, and contributes to operational records and reports. The position is designated as essential. The employee must report as scheduled during inclement weather and emergencies, work a rotating shift, and be on call during some off-duty hours. The employee must wear an online self-contained breathing apparatus while ammonia is offloaded during chemical deliveries. The role requires a pre-employment medical evaluation and substance-abuse testing, as well as random alcohol and controlled-substance testing and an acceptable background check. The work is classified as Heavy Work. It requires operating treatment-plant equipment and tools and the ability to exert up to 100 pounds of force occasionally, 75 pounds frequently, and 50 pounds constantly to move objects. The City of Portsmouth is an Equal Opportunity Employer and provides reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities.

Requirements

High school diploma or GED, plus any equivalent combination of education and experience that provides the required skills, knowledge, and abilities.
Must possess a Commonwealth of Virginia Class IV Waterworks Operator's License.
Must obtain a Commonwealth of Virginia Class III Waterworks Operator's License within three years of attaining experience at a Class 4, Class 3, Class 2, or Class 1 waterworks facility.
Knowledge of operating principles, practices, and maintenance requirements for water-treatment equipment and machinery.
General knowledge of occupational hazards and safety precautions associated with water-plant activities.
Some knowledge of chemistry as applied to water treatment.
General knowledge of water-testing procedures and standard laboratory principles, techniques, terminology, and equipment.
Ability to understand and follow operating and recording procedures; detect equipment defects and take appropriate action; keep accurate records; and prepare reports.
Ability to operate a variety of equipment, machinery, and water-treatment equipment, including computers, two-way radios, pumps, motors, and mechanical and plumbing tools.
Ability to exert up to 100 pounds of force occasionally, 75 pounds frequently, and 50 pounds constantly to move objects; physical demands are those of Heavy Work.
Ability to read charts, graphs, reports, manuals, regulations, gauges, levels, and meters; prepare logs and test reports; and communicate effectively, including with technical terminology.
Ability to perform mathematical calculations and interpret graphs.
Must undergo a pre-employment medical evaluation and substance-abuse testing and be subject to random alcohol and controlled-substance testing.
Must pass an acceptable general background check, including local and state criminal-history and sex-offender-registry checks.
Must comply with Virginia Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation application and renewal procedures for required licensure, including disclosure of convictions and disciplinary actions.
Must report to work as scheduled during inclement weather and emergencies, work a rotating shift, and be on call during some off-duty hours.
Must wear an online self-contained breathing apparatus during ammonia offloading for chemical deliveries.

Responsibilities

Obtain water samples and perform required laboratory tests to ensure proper treatment.
Calculate chemical dosages and mix chemical solutions.
Regulate raw-water and distribution-water flow rates and collect and evaluate samples at each stage of treatment.
Assist with operation of the water treatment plant and record treatment-plant and distribution-system data, including pressures, tank levels, flow rates, and water quality, using a computerized system.
Adjust system pressures and tank levels using high-service pumps and booster stations.
Perform or assist with chemical testing, including tests for pH, chlorine residual, fluoride concentration, color, hardness, turbidity, and alkalinity, and determine appropriate corrective measures based on test results.
Perform plant maintenance, including cleaning and backwashing intake screens, cleaning and calibrating chemical feeders, and assisting with cleaning clarifier basins.
Assist with diagnosing mechanical or electrical equipment problems and isolate valves, pumps, or motors as necessary.
Record and maintain operational and laboratory data.
Assist with preparing daily and monthly reports.
Perform other duties as assigned.
Adhere to City and regulatory-agency safety and housekeeping standards and maintain a clean, orderly workplace.
Work rotating shifts, be on call during some off-duty hours, and report as scheduled during inclement weather and emergencies.
Wear an online self-contained breathing apparatus during ammonia offloading for chemical deliveries.