Plant Operator Jobs

About The Position

Requirements

• A high school diploma or GED is required.
• A valid Texas driver’s license, the ability to obtain one within ninety (90) days of employment, or a military waiver is required.
• Acquire the “D” Water License within ninety (90) days of employment is required (for Trainee).
• Be prepared to take the “C” Surface Water Exam after completing one (1) year of employment as 106 hours of TCEQ required training and experience will be completed (for Trainee).
• Possession of a “C” Surface Water Operator’s License, issued by TCEQ, within 18 months of date of hire is required (for Trainee).
• Maintaining a “C” Surface Water License is required for continued employment (for Trainee).
• A minimum of one (1) year of experience at a Surface Water Treatment plant is required (for Operator I).
• A “C” Surface Water License issued by the TCEQ is required (for Operator I).
• A minimum of three (3) years of experience at a Surface Water Treatment plant is required (for Operator II).
• The “B” Surface Water License issued by the TCEQ is required (for Operator II).
• A minimum of five (5) years of experience at a Surface Water Treatment plant is required (for Operator III).
• A TCEQ qualifying Bachelor of Science Degree and successfully passing TCEQ “A” Water training courses is required (for Operator III).
• OR A minimum of six (6) years of experience at a Surface Water Treatment plant and TCEQ “A” Water License training courses is required (for Operator III).
• The “A” Water License issued by the TCEQ is required (for Operator III).
• All state licensed personnel must pass a State of Texas Criminal background check.
• Ability to report to work in various types of weather as required.
• Work a variable shift schedule with the potential for short notice schedule changes.
• Exposure to cold, heat, noise, outdoors, vibration, confined work spaces, chemicals, explosive materials, mechanical hazards, and electrical hazards.
• Shift Operators work a set schedule every week with set days off, includes working Holidays. May be asked to work overtime when needed.
• Relief Operators are hired to cover all shifts due to shift operators’ time off, illness, training requirements, and other absences. Relief operators may be required to work overtime, get short notice of schedule changes and may have to report back to work with a short turnaround (8 hours off before next shift) on rare occasions.
• When not scheduled to cover a shift, relief operators hours are Monday through Friday from 7:30a.m. until 4:00p.m.
• Knowledge of State and Federal requirements, rules and regulations for Water Treatment.
• Knowledge of Safe chemical handling practices.
• Knowledge of Basic algebra and general math skills.
• Knowledge of Methods, materials, practices, equipment, and facilities involved in Water Treatment.
• Knowledge of Applicable State and Federal regulations.
• Knowledge of Workplace occupational hazards and standard safety precautions.
• Knowledge of Safe driving principles and practices.
• Skill to Operate and maintain various laboratory equipment and systems.
• Skill to Use and maintain a variety of tools and equipment used in water and wastewater treatment and repair activities.
• Skill to Visually, physically, and audibly identify anomalies associated with pumps and motors.
• Skill to Make logical decisions based on available and/or acquired data through SCADA and computer systems.
• Skill to Operate basic computer equipment.
• Skill to Safely operate a motor vehicle in all types of weather.
• Ability to Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.
• Ability to Read, write and understand the English language and follow written and oral instructions.
• Ability to Physically perform duties related to building and grounds maintenance, including mowing, weed-eating, sweeping, mopping, painting, and digging.
• Ability to Establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with those contacted in the course of work, both internally and externally.
• Ability to Follow and embrace the City of Abilene Core Values – Respect, Integrity, Service Above Self, and Excellence in All We Do.
• Ability to Perform as a team member in a manner that accomplishes the Division’s mission and treats team members with dignity, courtesy, and respect.
• Ability to Perform laboratory process control testing (for Operator III).
• Ability to Perform required computer operations in conjunction with position specific requirements (for Operator III).
• Ability to Lead and manage a team in a manner that accomplishes the Division’s mission and treats team members with dignity, courtesy, and respect (for Operator III).

Nice To Haves

• Shift Operator and Relief Operator positions are assigned based on seniority and current operator preferences.

Responsibilities

• Operate a City vehicle daily to travel to various water treatment plants, pump stations, storage tanks, lakes, and vendors.
• Calculate chemical dosages, understand their purposes, and adjust chemical feeders and equipment for optimal water treatment.
• Control and monitor treatment plant chemical feed pumps and various types of equipment to clarify, filter, and disinfect water for human consumption and industrial use.
• Perform, interpret, and record laboratory tests to assess water quality and determine appropriate treatment strategies, including tests for pH, alkalinity, turbidity, chlorine residual, hardness, temperature, and conductivity to maintain water quality.
• Backwash filters manually and automatically, and become proficient in standard plant and laboratory operations, including quality control, equipment maintenance, and testing.
• Maintain plant records, including operations logs, daily diaries, and chemical inventories; compile both paper and electronic copies of reports as required by department policy.
• Monitor SCADA Systems, pumps, chemical feed systems, laboratory equipment, meters and gauges to determine status of various functions of the plant; performs equipment and laboratory preventive maintenance duties.
• Read, calculate, and record water usage on an hourly and daily basis, and assist with maintaining flows and levels across five (5) pressure planes and storage tanks within the distribution system.
• Assist in performing minor repairs, operations adjustments, and preventive maintenance on plant equipment as needed.
• Record telephone information regarding water leaks and reports to the appropriate repair crews, learns procedure for contacting DIGTESS as well as other utility and service provider locators.
• Check motors and pumps for excessive vibrations, noise and temperatures; report problems to appropriate personnel.
• Perform grounds maintenance and general housekeeping duties to maintain a clean and safe work environment as needed.
• Remove solids from treatment units and backwashes filters as needed.
• Maintain the efficiency of plant and laboratory operations, including maintenance of equipment, pumps, filters, and machinery, testing, quality control, and record-keeping procedures.
• Calibrate laboratory equipment and adjusts chemical feeders for optimal water treatment.
• Maintain flows and levels in distribution systems and storage tanks.
• Participate in training the Treatment Plant Operator Trainee.
• Read and record chemical usage; fills chemical feeders; mixes chemicals; changes reagents; changes out chlorine cylinders.
• Oversee plant is operating efficiently; maintain records; prepare reports regarding the operation of the plant and quality of the plant product; suggest methods of improving plant efficiency.
• Troubleshoot and recommend corrective action towards a resolution of maintenance or operation problems.
• Assist with conducting chemical and bacteriological analysis of treatment plant products using quality control data analysis data of plant products.
• Based on the analysis of information from meter readings, gauges and other control/measuring devices, makes required adjustments.
• Maintain effective communication and working relationships with employees, governmental officials, and the general public.
• Perform process control laboratory analysis.
• Maintain and enter process control as well as other data into the appropriate computer systems.
• Perform other job related duties and responsibilities as assigned.