Plant Operator A - LTE

Denver Water•LAKEWOOD, CO

About The Position

Denver Water is hiring for limited-term Water Treatment Technician and Plant Operator positions, with applications also considered for future LTE and full-time openings. The LTE appointment is full-time and has an expected end date of November 1, 2028, though the end date may occur earlier, as planned, or be extended based on project needs. Limited-term employees are eligible for Denver Water employee benefits and have the same rights, benefits, and responsibilities as regular employees under its Personnel Policies. The Water Treatment Technician is an entry-level role. Under direct supervision, the technician trains on and performs work necessary to operate and maintain water treatment plants and related structures. The role develops proficiency in conventional physical and chemical treatment methods, process-control laboratory analysis, SCADA operations, and routine metrics and data analytics to help provide safe, high-quality water. Plant Operators A and B work under general supervision to operate and maintain potable and recycled water treatment facilities and related subsystems. They apply physical, biological, and chemical treatment methods, use SCADA, perform laboratory analyses, and make process decisions to produce finished water that complies with Federal and State regulations and Denver Water quality goals. Operators may cross-train or fill in for asset management as needed. Plant Operator A requires a Colorado Water Operator Class A certification at hire; Plant Operator B requires a Class B certification at hire. These are safety-sensitive roles. Employees may need to respond to emergencies and hazardous-material spills, use respirators including self-contained breathing apparatus, and work outdoors in varied weather. Employees may be required to work shifts, on-call duty, weekends, holidays, and overtime. Technicians report to two or more Denver Water treatment plants. A post-offer drug and alcohol test, respiratory-protection testing, and a strength test may apply. Applicants must be authorized to work in the United States; Denver Water does not sponsor employment visas.

Requirements

High school diploma or GED.
At least one year of general work experience for the Water Treatment Technician role.
At least two years of related work experience for Plant Operator A and Plant Operator B.
An equivalent combination of certifications, education, or experience may provide the required skills, knowledge, and abilities.
Water Treatment Technician: obtain a valid Colorado Treatment Operator Class D certification in water or wastewater within 12 months of hire.
Plant Operator B: possess a valid State of Colorado Water Operator Class B certification at hire.
Plant Operator A: possess a valid State of Colorado Water Operator Class A certification at hire.
Obtain 40-hour HAZWOPER certification within six months of hire.
Possess and maintain a valid Colorado Class R driver's license and have a satisfactory driving record at hire.
English proficiency sufficient to listen, speak, read, and write effectively with customers and coworkers.
Ability to perform safety-sensitive functions and comply with respiratory protection requirements, including testing as directed by the Denver Water physician.
Applicants must be authorized to work in the United States; Denver Water will not sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment visa.
Ability to meet the physical requirements that may be assessed through a strength test, including lifting, pushing, pulling, crouching, and squatting.

Responsibilities

Learn and become proficient at determining and changing plant flows to meet system demands.
Operate computer equipment and SCADA systems to coordinate and control plant operations and monitor treatment processes and alarms.
Control finished-water quality and quantity by regulating filter operations, chemical dosages, and chemical feed equipment settings.
Perform process-control laboratory tests on influent, effluent, and water at various treatment stages; calibrate laboratory equipment, compare results with online instrumentation readings, and maintain records.
Make process decisions to maintain compliance with Federal and State regulations and Denver Water water-quality goals.
Operate and maintain treatment plants, related subsystems, chlorination equipment, and solids-handling systems.
Order chemicals and receive bulk chemical deliveries.
Inspect treatment processes, equipment, instrumentation, storage tanks, and facility grounds.
Perform complex plant start-ups and shutdowns, including emergency shutdowns.
Maintain Risk Management Program compliance, including required training and inspection, repair, and replacement of chlorination equipment and instrumentation.
Assess project risks, develop job hazard analyses, and follow Denver Water safety practices and policies.
Provide appropriate first response to emergencies and spills, including those involving hazardous materials.
Develop, create, and update operating procedures and training documents; may assist with training other technicians.
Provide routine metrics and data analytics and perform related duties as assigned.
Cross-train as needed and, when required, fill in or cross-train for asset management.
Work outdoors in varied weather and, as directed or required, perform on-call duty, shifts, weekend and holiday work, and overtime.