Senior

City of Suffolk•Suffolk, VA

About The Position

Under general supervision, performs supervisory and technical work operating the City's water treatment plant, including electro-dialysis reversal (EDR) and conventional treatment systems, to ensure the distribution of safe, potable drinking water. The role involves operating plant equipment, monitoring water quality and treatment processes, making operational adjustments, maintaining records, and responding to water and sewer emergencies after hours. The operator may supervise and train plant operators and unlicensed trainees. This position reports to the Water Production Manager. The role includes collecting and analyzing water samples, calculating chemical feed rates, maintaining chemical supplies and testing equipment, monitoring wells and alarm systems, performing minor repairs and preventive maintenance, and preparing operational and regulatory reports. It also involves receiving and logging deliveries, maintaining clean work areas, and leading plant tours. Duties may include other related responsibilities as assigned. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the primary job functions.

Requirements

Water Treatment Plant Operator I: High school diploma or GED and one year of related experience or training.
Water Treatment Plant Operator II: High school diploma or GED and Class II Operator certification from the Commonwealth of Virginia Board of Waterworks and Waste Waterworks Operators.
Senior Water Treatment Plant Operator: High school diploma or GED and Class I Waterworks Operator certification from the Commonwealth of Virginia Board of Waterworks Operators.
Valid driver's license.
Class IV Operator certification from the Commonwealth of Virginia Board of Waterworks and Waste Waterworks Operators is required within two years of initial employment.
Class III Operator certification must be obtained within three years of employment as a Water Treatment Plant Operator I.
Class II Operator certification must be obtained within five years of employment as a Water Treatment Plant Operator I.
Knowledge of water treatment and pumping equipment, operating practices, maintenance, safety hazards, applicable regulations, chemistry, laboratory practices, supervision, EDR systems, and conventional water treatment operations.
Ability to recognize equipment breakdowns, follow operating and recording procedures, perform minor repairs, exercise judgment, and respond appropriately to defects and emergencies.
Ability to maintain accurate records and prepare reports; assign, supervise, instruct, and advise subordinates; and communicate orally and in writing.
Ability to use practical mathematics, read technical instructions, prepare reports and forms, and establish effective working relationships.
Ability to adapt and perform under stress and in emergency situations.
Ability to exert up to 110 pounds of force occasionally and up to 5 pounds frequently, with physical demands exceeding sedentary work.
Ability to coordinate hands and eyes rapidly and accurately when using treatment equipment and office machinery; differentiate colors and shades; and communicate by telephone and two-way handheld radio.
Ability to work where exposure to disease or pathogens is possible and where toxic or caustic chemicals are used.

Responsibilities

Inspect, monitor, and operate treatment plant equipment, machinery, instruments, and computer-controlled systems to produce safe drinking water.
Monitor and regulate treatment processes, tank levels, water flows and pressures, and reservoir levels; adjust equipment and controls as needed.
Monitor EDR plant pressure and flow rates against manufacturer specifications and report significant deviations or concerns.
Collect raw and treated water samples; conduct laboratory and chemical analyses, interpret results, and adjust operations as appropriate.
Test chlorine residuals at community well systems, monitor City-owned wells, collect meter readings, and adjust chlorine feed rates.
Calculate chemical feed rates and adjust chemical feed equipment to maintain treatment levels.
Operate and monitor treatment equipment, including flocculators, metering pumps, filters, chemical feeders, and screens.
Prepare testing standards; maintain testing equipment, instruments, and glassware; investigate inconsistent results; and dispose of laboratory waste properly.
Monitor chemical inventories, maintain adequate supplies, transport chemicals, and fill or position storage and feed tanks.
Perform quality assurance testing of bulk chemicals.
Use plant computer systems and software to monitor treatment processes, enter data, maintain records, and prepare regulatory and departmental reports.
Maintain records of plant operations, water quality, equipment performance, chemical usage, well readings, and other operational data.
Perform minor repairs and preventive maintenance; report major repair needs to maintenance personnel.
Monitor sewage pump station and well alarm systems and respond to alarms or system concerns.
Assign, supervise, train, and guide subordinate operators and unlicensed trainees; provide instruction and complete performance appraisals as assigned.
Perform Shift Operator duties and other operational responsibilities as required.
Respond to after-hours emergencies involving water distribution or collection systems, service disruptions, complaints, disasters, or other utility operations.
Serve as an after-hours public contact during water or sewer emergencies; assess situations and dispatch personnel or resources as necessary.
Receive, verify, and log deliveries and oversee proper storage and handling of materials and supplies.
Perform routine custodial duties and maintain clean, orderly work and laboratory areas.
Lead plant tours and answer questions about plant operations and water treatment processes.
Perform other related duties as required or assigned.