Water Treatment Plant Operator I/II/III

City of Poway•Poway, CA

6d•Onsite

About The Position

The City of Poway is seeking a dedicated, detail-oriented, and safety-minded Water Treatment Plant Operator to ensure the delivery of clean, reliable, and high-quality drinking water. This role involves technical work, problem-solving, and operating sophisticated treatment and distribution systems. The operator will maintain regulatory compliance, support critical infrastructure, and protect public health and water quality. The position offers opportunities for independent work and teamwork within a skilled and supportive team.

Requirements

Any combination of education and experience which demonstrates the ability to perform the duties of this classification.
Water Treatment Plant Operator I: One year of experience in a water-related field and/or mechanical/electrical repair and maintenance position.
Water Treatment Plant Operator II: One year of experience equivalent to Water Treatment Plant Operator I in the City of Poway.
Water Treatment Plant Operator III: Two years of experience equivalent to Water Treatment Plant Operator II in the City of Poway.
Equivalent to the completion of the 12th grade supplemented by specialized training in water treatment operations.
Additional college level coursework in water treatment, water distribution, chemistry, biology, or a related field is desirable.
Education and training required to obtain Grade I – III certifications through the State Water Resources Control Board.
Valid California class C driver’s license with satisfactory driving record.
Possess and maintain valid CPR and First Aid Certificates.
Water Treatment Plant Operator II: Possess and maintain a valid Grade II Water Treatment Plant Operator Certificate (T-2) issued by State Water Resources Control Board, and obtain Grade III Water Treatment Plant Operator Certificate (T-3) within four consecutive test cycles.
Water Treatment Plant Operator II & III: Possess and maintain valid SCBA/Fitness Testing, Confined Space, Fork Lift Certificates.
Water Treatment Plant Operator III: Possess and maintain a valid Grade III Water Treatment Plant Operator Certificate (T-3) issued by the State Water Resources Control Board.
Must possess mobility to work in a standard water treatment plant and related facilities.
Strength, stamina, and mobility to perform light to medium physical work, to work in confined spaces, around machines and to climb and descend ladders, and operate varied hand and power tools and equipment.
Vision to read printed materials and a computer screen; color vision to read gauges and identify appurtenances.
Hearing and speech to communicate in person and over the telephone or radio.
Frequent walking in operational areas to identify problems or hazards.
Finger dexterity to access, enter, and retrieve data using a computer keyboard or calculator and to operate above-mentioned tools and equipment.
Employees bend, stoop, kneel, reach, and climb to perform work and inspect work sites.
Employees must possess the ability to lift, carry, push, and pull materials and objects weighing up to 100 pounds, or heavier weights with assistance and/or with the use of proper equipment.
A completed NeoGov application, including supplemental questions, must be submitted through NeoGov for consideration by the application deadline.
Applicants will be evaluated on the basis of relevant training, education and experience as presented in the application and supplemental questions.
A background investigation including LIVESCAN fingerprinting and a verification of a valid driver's license and satisfactory driving record from the Department of Motor Vehicles may be required.
All appointments are also subject to the successful completion of a pre-placement physical examination that includes a drug screening.
Applicants will be required to submit verification of the legal right to work in the United States.
All employees are required by law to sign a loyalty oath to the United States and the State of California Constitution at time of hire.

Nice To Haves

Additional college level coursework in water treatment, water distribution, chemistry, biology, or a related field is desirable.

Responsibilities

Operates equipment, facilities, and related appurtenances involved in the monitoring, regulation, maintenance, and operation of a conventional water treatment plant using coagulation, flocculation, sedimentation, filtration, disinfection, and chlorination.
Performs routine water quality laboratory analysis and adjusts chemicals to comply with Federal, State, and local laws and regulations.
Operates and maintains plant equipment including pumps, motors, valves, chemical feed systems, and filters to maintain adequate production and reserves.
Assists with preventive maintenance and makes repairs to plant facilities and equipment.
Monitors water distribution system infrastructure, wastewater lift stations and potable/reclaimed pumping and storage systems and reports deficiencies.
Operates the City’s water treatment facility and distribution system using electronic and computer control systems (SCADA) and revises equipment settings as appropriate.
Interprets gauges, meters, charts, and graphs; operates pumps, valves, motors, and related equipment.
Inspects plant equipment; notifies supervisor of unusual situations, and makes inspections or corrects system problems as necessary.
Monitors the distribution system via SCADA to maintain adequate reservoir levels, meet system demands, ensure adequate fire protection, and address distribution water quality concerns.
Monitors Water Treatment Plant operations, equipment, and processes to ensure safe and acceptable drinking water is being produced in compliance with all federal, state and local regulations.
Optimizes treatment process efficiencies, responds to alarms, and satisfies distribution system demands.
Advises system technicians and mechanics of potential problems and alarms; coordinates activities with system technicians and mechanics.
Performs preventive and corrective maintenance to Water Treatment Plant equipment, such as electric motors, engines, gas and electric powered pumps, air compressors, emergency systems, power generation systems, pressure and flow regulators, analyzers, filters, chemical feed systems, and blowers.
Reports the need for repairs to equipment, machinery, and electrical and electronic systems.
Makes minor repairs to equipment and assists Utility Systems Maintenance staff with major repair work as needed.
Performs routine maintenance and painting of machinery, structures, equipment, and piping systems.
Performs minor weed control maintenance at the Water Treatment Plant and the Dam facility.
Performs surface inspections of water storage reservoirs and reports any concerns to supervisor.
Performs chemical calculations and volumetric checks to determine and ensure proper dosage of chemicals.
Uses chemicals properly and handles them safely according to industry standards.
Performs analysis for parameters such as chlorine, turbidity, pH and odor.
Performs field water quality monitoring at sample sites and reservoirs.
Boosts residual as needed in distribution reservoirs to maintain water quality.
Determines chemical, laboratory reagent and other product usage in the Water Treatment Plant and places orders for these products.
Calibrates and/or repairs online and bench water analyzing instrumentation to ensure proper operation.
Submits work requests for repairs to water treatment and distribution system equipment.
Completes requests for repairs to sewer, street, drainage, and parks infrastructure during after hours dispatch duty.
Assists in determining chemicals, laboratory reagents, and equipment needed for budget purposes.
Inspects and repairs water treatment filters; analyzes and measures filter media to determine compliance with design specifications; replaces and/or adds as needed.
Monitors phone and radio systems and responds or dispatches appropriate personnel to resolve water, sewer, street, or drainage problems throughout the City after normal business hours and weekends.
Performs periodic water quality and visual inspections of Lake Poway and reports any cases of non-native plant species and mussels.
Maintains accurate records of gauge reading, level sensors data, flow meter values, chemical usage, and lab results to be utilized in compiling comprehensive and accurate reports.
Participates in safety training and exercises; implements safe working habits based on safety training and through the proper use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).
Provides needed information and demonstrations concerning how to perform certain work tasks to new employees in the same or similar class of positions.
Responds to after-hours emergencies.
Maintains attendance and punctuality that is observant of scheduled hours on a regular basis.
Performs related duties as assigned.