Water Treatment Plant Operator

City of Howell•Howell, MI

About The Position

Performs semi-skilled and skilled technical and maintenance work in the operation, maintenance, and repair of water treatment facilities and systems. The Howell Water Plant operates seven days a week with at least two shifts. The position may be assigned a second or swing shift and requires weekend and holiday work. It is hourly, includes an on-call rotation, and involves expected overtime and responding to emergency calls at night, on weekends, and on holidays. The operator works in a laboratory and maintenance setting and must be capable of operating the water system, including its laboratory, maintenance functions, wells, and pumps. The role works under the general supervision of the Water Treatment Plant Operations Manager, may receive direction from lab or maintenance coordinators, and generally has no supervisory responsibilities. It may serve as a lead worker for lower-level operators or part-time or summer employees in the future. The position requires a valid State driver's license and a State of Michigan F-4 Water Treatment Plant Operator Certification, maintained through continuing education credits. Candidates have two opportunities within one year to attain the F-4 certification. The role requires a high school diploma or GED supplemented by post-secondary training in a relevant field; two years of water utility experience is preferred, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

Requirements

High school graduation or GED, supplemented by two years of post-secondary college or technical training in biology, environmental science, chemistry, or a closely related field; an equivalent combination of education and experience is acceptable.
Valid State driver's license.
State of Michigan F-4 Certification as a Water Treatment Plant Operator, to be maintained through continuing education credits during employment. Candidates may take two opportunities within one year to attain the certification.
Working knowledge of equipment, facilities, materials, methods, and procedures used in water treatment plant maintenance and operation.
Working knowledge of laboratory procedures and practices.
Ability to perform process-control calculations.
Ability to work safely with acids, alkaline substances, and gases.
Ability to communicate effectively verbally and in writing, understand and carry out written and oral instructions, and establish and maintain effective working relationships with employees, other departments, and the public.
Ability to operate some of the listed tools and equipment.
Availability for an on-call rotation and expected overtime, including emergency response on nights, weekends, and holidays.
Ability to meet the position's physical demands, including frequent lifting or moving of up to 10 pounds and occasional lifting or moving of up to 50 pounds.

Nice To Haves

Two years of experience in a water utility.

Responsibilities

Operate, monitor, maintain, repair, and replace water treatment plant equipment and systems, including gauges, pumps, filters, controls, wells, and chemical feed pumps.
Monitor equipment performance and record statistical data about plant operations.
Collect and test water samples for required plant reports and regulatory compliance.
Monitor water quality and turbidity and check chlorine and fluoride levels.
Chart laboratory test results for trend analysis; maintain accurate records; evaluate data; and prepare reports as required.
Perform quality-control tests on laboratory equipment and analyses, evaluate procedures and results for accuracy, and determine appropriate methods.
Ensure the plant operates within required standards and applicable local, State, and Federal clean water requirements.
Contain and dispose of hazardous waste generated by the laboratory.
Calibrate, modify, and repair instrumentation and control equipment, including recorders, flow meters, and other water-monitoring equipment.
Respond to emergency calls as part of the on-call rotation, including calls at night, on weekends, and on holidays.
Maintain departmental equipment, supplies, and facilities.
Serve on employee committees as assigned and perform related duties as assigned.