Water Treatment Plant Operator

City of Big Spring•Big Spring, TX

About The Position

This position operates, maintains, and repairs the City's water treatment plant, pump stations, and storage tanks. The operator monitors treatment processes and equipment, tests water quality, applies chemicals, maintains plant and laboratory operations, keeps records, and performs preventive maintenance and minor repairs. The position may require after-hours on-call response to emergencies and includes other duties as assigned.

Requirements

High school diploma or GED.
Ability to read, write, and perform mathematical calculations at a level commonly associated with completion of high school or equivalent.
Sufficient experience to understand the basic principles relevant to the major duties, usually associated with completion of an apprenticeship or internship or one to two years in a similar position.
Possession of, or ability to readily obtain, a Class C Water Treatment Plant Operator's Certificate within three years of hire.
Possession of a valid driver's license issued by the State of Texas.
Possession of, or ability to readily obtain, a Class B CDL issued by the State of Texas for the type of vehicle or equipment operated within 180 days of hire.
Knowledge of water treatment processes.
Knowledge of safe handling and application of chemicals used to maintain a safe water supply and personal safety.
Knowledge of federal and state rules and regulations and city, department, and safety policies and procedures.
Knowledge of standard laboratory principles, techniques, equipment, and materials.
Knowledge of water treatment plant operations and equipment, pumps and motors, and related maintenance techniques.
Knowledge of basic chemistry, mathematics, and biology.
Skill in performing standard laboratory-related mathematical calculations.
Skill in operating laboratory equipment and using water analysis equipment, meters, and gauges.
Skill in using basic tools such as packing tools, socket wrenches, power tools, and screwdrivers.
Skill in operating light and heavy equipment such as a front end loader and dump truck.
Skill in using grounds maintenance equipment.
Skill in basic computer use.
Skill in oral and written communication.

Responsibilities

Control and monitor treatment plant chemicals, machines, and equipment to purify and clarify water for human consumption and industrial use.
Collect representative water samples from the plant and distribution system; perform chemical, physical, and bacteriological tests; and submit samples for testing as required by state and federal agencies.
Determine and add specified amounts of treatment chemicals, including chlorine, ammonia, aluminum sulfate, caustic, and copper sulfate.
Perform and record laboratory tests to assess water quality and determine appropriate chemical treatment, including pH, alkalinity, turbidity, chlorine residual, hardness, temperature, and conductivity.
Remove solids from treatment units and backwash filters as needed.
Maintain plant and laboratory operations, equipment, pumps, filters, and machinery, including testing, quality control, and record-keeping procedures.
Calibrate laboratory equipment and adjust chemical feeders for optimal water treatment.
Maintain operations logs, daily diaries, chemical inventories, and other records; compile reports as required by departmental policies.
Monitor charts, dials, pumps, chemical feeders, laboratory equipment, meters, and gauges to determine plant operating status; perform preventive maintenance on equipment and laboratory instruments.
Read, calculate, and record water usage; change charts daily; complete pump room charts and file completed charts.
Maintain pressure and flow levels in the distribution system and storage tanks.
Perform minor repairs, operational adjustments, and preventive maintenance on plant equipment.
Maintain water pumping stations and elevated storage tanks.
Record phone information about water leaks and report it to appropriate repair crews.
Read and record chemical usage; fill chemical feeders; mix chemicals; change reagents; and replace chlorine cylinders.
Check motors and pumps for excessive noise and temperature and report problems to appropriate personnel.
Perform grounds maintenance and housekeeping duties as needed.
Respond to emergencies after hours when required to be on call.
Perform other duties as assigned.