Water Treatment Plant Operator

Leavenworth, City of•Leavenworth, WA

4d•Onsite

About The Position

The Water Treatment Plant Operator is responsible for the daily operational and maintenance activities of the City's public water system, ensuring the system operates using acceptable public health practices and in compliance with all applicable regulations. This position involves monitoring and operating the water system, as well as assisting with and completing projects related to the maintenance of the water plant, wells, booster stations, and reservoirs. Key duties include day-to-day water plant operations, cross-connection control activities, and general fieldwork. The Water Treatment Plant Operator reports directly to the Water Treatment Plant Supervisor.

Requirements

High School Diploma or GED equivalent.
Possession of a valid Washington State driver’s license on employment start date, with a driving record acceptable to the City.
Must be able to obtain and maintain a Washington State Department of Health-issued Water Treatment Plant Operator-in-Training (WTPO OIT) 1 within six (6) months of employment start date (for WTPO I).
Must be able to obtain and maintain a Water Distribution Manager Operator-in-Training (WDM OIT) 1 or Water Distribution System (WDS) within six (6) months of employment start date (for WTPO I).
Must be able to obtain and maintain a Washington State Department of Health-issued Water Treatment Plant Operator (WTPO) 1 within twelve (12) months of employment start date (for WTPO I).
Must be able to obtain and maintain a Washington State Department of Health-issued Cross Connection Control Specialist certification within twelve (12) months of employment start date (for WTPO I).
Must be able to obtain a Water Distribution Manager (WDM) 1 certification within twelve (12) months of employment start date (for WTPO I).
Possess a current certification as a Washington State Department of Health-issued Water Treatment Plant Operator (WTPO) 1 and Water Distribution Manager (WDM) 1 upon employment start date (for WTPO II).
Must be able to obtain and maintain a Washington State Department of Health-issued Water Treatment Plant Operator (WTPO) 2 within twelve (12) months of employment start date (for WTPO II).
Must be able to obtain and maintain a Washington State Department of Health-issued Cross Connection Control Specialist certification within twelve (12) months of employment start date (for WTPO II).
Must be able to obtain a Water Distribution Manager (WDM) 2 certification within twelve (12) months of employment start date (for WTPO II).
Knowledge of water distribution and treatment procedures, including the equipment, materials, and tools used for the operation and maintenance of motors, pumps, compressors, and water treatment plant machinery.
Knowledge of water sampling, testing, and analysis procedures; chemical delivery systems; and methods for Cross-connection control.
Knowledge of automatic control valves and their maintenance, as well as basic Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) telemetry systems.
Knowledge of mathematical, scientific, and mechanical information related to the field; principles of facility and equipment testing; and practices for basic recordkeeping and report writing.
Knowledge of safe work practices and procedures for hazardous material handling.
Basic computer skills and knowledge of departmental budgets and operations.
Ability to provide efficient customer service and communicate clearly and objectively, both verbally and in writing.
Ability to utilize patience, tact, diplomacy, and courtesy when dealing with the public and employees.
Ability to create and maintain respectful and nondiscriminatory professional working relationships with co-workers, contractors, craftsmen, and the public.
Ability to understand and thoroughly follow both oral and written instructions.
Ability to perform preventative maintenance on electric motors, diesel engines, pumps, compressors, valves, chemical feed equipment, and related equipment.
Ability to perform maintenance and repair of plumbing and electrical systems.
Capability of competent, qualified operation of assigned machinery, equipment, tools, and heavy equipment within each unit's capacity necessary to accomplish required tasks.
Ability to prioritize activities and manage schedules efficiently to complete all job duties within required timelines.
Ability to solve problems using deductive reasoning.
Ability to create and maintain reports and records that are well-written, analytical, forward-thinking, and legally defensible in compliance with applicable regulations.
Ability to utilize computerized systems and Microsoft Office computer applications.
Ability to consistently apply safe work practices.
Ability to work weekends, holidays, festivals, and the required hours of work to meet the water treatment plant's needs.
Ability to be available for emergency callouts and work unplanned overtime.
Minimum of three (3) years of relevant experience and/or any combination of education and experience which would provide the applicant with the desired skills, knowledge, and ability required to perform the duties associated with the position (for WTPO II).

Nice To Haves

College-level courses and/or specialized education in water treatment, wastewater treatment, or other related fields are preferred (for WTPO I).
An associate’s degree or college-level courses and/or specialized education in water treatment or wastewater treatment, Cross Connection Control, Distribution Systems, or a related field are preferred (for WTPO II).

Responsibilities

Assist in the implementation of the Cross-connection Control program by performing inspections, organization, and monitoring of testing requirements, and assisting in documentation and recordkeeping.
Perform routine water plant and pump station maintenance duties, such as lubricating pump bearings, using hand-operated grease guns, and cleaning, preparing, and painting machinery, equipment, and facilities.
Repair or replace valves, switches, motors, and related equipment as required or assigned.
Perform day-to-day operations of the water system, including obtaining distribution samples, cleaning intake screens, checking chlorine gas systems, backwashing treatment filters, and lab work on pH, turbidity, and alkalinity.
Monitor Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) systems and make necessary adjustments.
Maintain the water system and facilities by performing routine duties such as pump maintenance, plumbing repairs, lubricating pump bearings, and cleaning/painting machinery and facilities, while also ensuring the verification and calibration of all equipment.
Assist in maintaining records, logs of daily operations, record meter and gauge readings, weather conditions, equipment malfunctions, and related information.
Collect and test water, monitor and apply chemicals as needed, and document and report test results for reports to regulatory agencies.
Monitor and maintain inventory needed for division work, making purchases as necessary, and performing product research or placing orders as required.
Perform site checks and testing on city equipment and at city-owned facilities.
Clean and maintain as required.
Ensure work complies with WISHA safety standards and the City’s Accident Prevention and Safety Program, including identifying unsafe working conditions and deficiencies and taking appropriate action to immediately correct them.
Ensure work complies with federal, state, county, and City of Leavenworth laws, rules, regulations, ordinances, and policies.
Perform task management software functions for the division (e.g., PermitTrax).
Be available for on-call times during off-hours of the day and shall be available to work weekends, holidays, festivals, and other shifts as necessary to ensure proper operation of the water system.
Maintain regular, reliable, and punctual attendance.
May be required to obtain additional education as required to conduct job functions.
Other duties as assigned.