Plant Operator Jobs

About The Position

Requirements

• Acquire the “D” Water License within ninety (90) days of employment is required.
• 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.
• 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.
• Possession of a “C” Surface Water Operator’s License, issued by TCEQ, within 18 months of date of hire is required.
• Maintaining a “C” Surface Water License is required for continued employment.
• 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).
• State and Federal requirements, rules and regulations for Water Treatment.
• Safe chemical handling practices.
• Basic algebra and general math skills.
• Methods, materials, practices, equipment, and facilities involved in Water Treatment.
• Applicable State and Federal regulations.
• Workplace occupational hazards and standard safety precautions.
• Safe driving principles and practices.
• Operate and maintain various laboratory equipment and systems.
• Use and maintain a variety of tools and equipment used in water and wastewater treatment and repair activities.
• Visually, physically, and audibly identify anomalies associated with pumps and motors.
• Make logical decisions based on available and/or acquired data through SCADA and computer systems.
• Operate basic computer equipment.
• Safely operate a motor vehicle in all types of weather.
• Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.
• Read, write and understand the English language and follow written and oral instructions.
• Physically perform duties related to building and grounds maintenance, including mowing, weed-eating, sweeping, mopping, painting, and digging.
• Establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with those contacted in the course of work, both internally and externally.
• Perform as a team member in a manner that accomplishes the Division’s mission and treats team members with dignity, courtesy, and respect.
• Perform laboratory process control testing (for Operator III).
• Perform required computer operations in conjunction with position specific requirements (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.
• Heavy – lifting of no more than 100 pounds; carrying up to 50 pounds.
• Standing (Moderate frequency).
• Sitting (Moderate frequency).
• Walking (Moderate frequency).
• Fine Dexterity (Moderate frequency).
• Climbing (Moderate frequency).
• Vision (Extensive frequency).
• Hearing (Extensive frequency).
• Talking (Moderate frequency).

Nice To Haves

• 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).

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.
• Perform procedures to 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; perform 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, learn 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 backwash 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 adjust 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; fill chemical feeders; mix chemicals; change reagents; change out chlorine cylinders.
• Check motors and pumps for excessive noise and temperature variations; report problems to appropriate personnel.
• 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, make 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.