Water Production and Treatment Plant Operator I

Job Summary

Operates and maintains the City’s water production, treatment, and storage facilities.

 

Positions in the Water Production and Treatment Plant Operator class series are flexibly staffed; positions at the II-level may be filled by advancement from the I-level through a recruitment process. 

The Water Production and Treatment Plant Operator I salary range is $78,960 to $97,488 annually.

The Water Production and Treatment Plant Operator II salary range is $86,856 to $107,232 annually.

Representative Duties

Operates and performs preventive and corrective maintenance on wells, booster pumps, treatment facilities, and reservoirs, including all mechanical, electrical, and electronic control equipment.

 

Operates pumps and related flow and pressure controls and storage facilities manually or by using a supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA) system.

 

Maintains and adjusts system flow and pressure requirements; controls flows to meet consumer demands including fire flow demands and minimum pressure requirements.

 

Operates and assists in the installation of electronic control and telemetry equipment.

 

Performs routine chemical tests; determines and controls proper chemical dosage rates for wellhead disinfection, treatment process control, and distribution residual maintenance.

 

Investigates water quality problems in the distribution systems.

 

Pulls, resets, rehabilitates, disinfects, and tests potable water wells.

 

Drains, cleans, disinfects, and maintains distribution reservoirs and plant basins.

 

Drives City vehicle to production and storage facilities and delivers chemicals including calcium and sodium hypochlorite, sodium fluoride, and diesel fuel.

 

Prepares reports and maintains records of system operation and maintenance.

 

Enters, stores, and retrieves data, records, and other information using word processing and spreadsheet software applications.

 

Operates a drill press and other equipment to fabricate minor parts for use in the water system and control mechanisms.

 

Operates equipment such as a fork truck, power, and hand tools for the repair, fabrication, installation, and routine maintenance of plant grounds, facilities, and control systems.

 

Reads and interprets schematics, drawings, diagrams, blueprints, and related technical documentation.

 

Follows applicable safety rules and regulations.

 

Coordinates the work activities of contractors as assigned.

 

Performs other duties as assigned.

Requirements

Knowledge of:

 Principles, practices, tools, and materials required to maintain, operate, and control water treatment and production systems, reservoirs, and related infrastructure, facilities, and equipment

Principles, operational characteristics, and use of SCADA to monitor and control water treatment and production plant and facilities

Principles, practices, and techniques of handling and processing water samples and routine laboratory procedures

Principles, practices, methods, tools, and testing equipment used in the installation, maintenance, calibration, and repair of electrical, electronic, and mechanical equipment

Basic mechanical, electrical, and hydraulic principles

Operational characteristics, use of, and maintenance requirements of a variety of hand and power tools, vehicles, and equipment required for the work

Occupational hazards and safety equipment and practices related to the work, including confined space entry

Basic mathematics

Applicable federal, State, and local laws, regulatory codes, ordinances, and procedures relevant to assigned area of responsibility

Modern equipment and communication tools used for business functions and program, project, and task coordination, including computers and software programs relevant to work performed

Principles of customer service

 

Ability to:

 Operate, monitor, and maintain water treatment and production systems, reservoirs, and related infrastructure, facilities, and equipment

Maintain safe and reliable water supply for customers

Calibrate, troubleshoot, and perform preventative and basic maintenance on plant systems and equipment

Recognize and correct or report unusual, inefficient, or dangerous operating conditions

Read a variety of gauges, charts, and meters; record data accurately and make appropriate process adjustments

Collect samples and perform routine chemical tests

Use test equipment in the installation, maintenance, calibration, and repair of electrical, electronic, and mechanical equipment

Learn and understand the organization and operation of the City and of outside agencies as necessary to assume assigned responsibilities

Read and interpret maps, schematics, drawings, diagrams, blueprints, and related technical documents

Work safely and adhere to principles of safety when working with chemicals

Make accurate mathematical calculations

Maintain accurate logs, records, work orders, and written records of work performed

Understand and follow oral and written instructions

Learn, understand, interpret, and apply all pertinent laws, codes, regulations, policies and procedures, and standards relevant to work performed

Prioritize work and meet deadlines

Communicate effectively, both orally and in writing

Use computer systems, standard office productivity and presentation software applications, and modern business equipment to perform a variety of work tasks

Establish, maintain, and foster positive and effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work

Provide effective customer service

REQUIREMENTS

 Minimum Qualifications:

 

Education:

Graduation from high school or the equivalent

 

Experience: 

Two years of recent, paid work experience in the operation and maintenance of a potable water treatment plant and/or similar water facility. Experience working with advanced oxidation and reverse osmosis water systems desirable.

 

Licenses and Certifications:

 Possession of a valid Class C driver license. Must obtain a Hazmat endorsement issued by the California Department of Motor Vehicles within one year from date of hire.

 

Possession of valid Grade II (D2) Water Distribution Operator Certificate issued by the California State Water Resources Control Board (State Water Board).

 

Possession of a valid Grade III (D3) Water Distribution Operator Certificate issued by the State Water Board or ability to obtain the Grade III (D3) Water Distribution Operator Certificate within twelve (12) months from the date of appointment and to be maintained throughout employment.

 

Possession of a valid Grade II (T2) Water Treatment Operator Certificate issued by the State Water Board.

 

Possession of a valid Grade III (T3) Water Treatment Operator Certificate issued by the State Water Board or ability to obtain the Grade III (T3) Water Treatment Operator Certificate within twelve (12) months from the date of appointment and to be maintained throughout employment.