Water Production Operator

Description

DEFINITION 

Under general supervision, installs, repairs, operates, inspects, and maintains the City’s water production system including individual well sites, water storage facilities, booster pump stations, well treatment, and related systems to ensure the availability of clean, potable, quality water to the City’s water customers; coordinates delivery of potable water from Woodland Davis Clean Water Agency, provides testing and treatment of water produced by the City; and performs related work as required.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED 

Receives general supervision from the Water Production Supervisor. Exercises no direct supervision over staff. 

CLASS CHARACTERISTICS

This fully qualified journey-level classification installs, repairs, operates, inspects, and maintains the City’s water production system including individual well sites, water storage facilities, booster pump stations, well treatment, and related systems as assigned, working independently, and exercising judgment and initiative. Positions at this level receive only occasional instruction or assistance as new or unusual situations arise and are fully aware of the operating procedures and policies of the work unit.

Examples of Duties

EXAMPLES OF TYPICAL JOB FUNCTIONS (Illustrative Only)

Essential functions may include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Installs, repairs, operates, inspects, and maintains the City’s water production system including individual well sites, water storage facilities, booster pump stations, well treatment, and related systems to ensure integrity, security, and proper operation; checks site security; maintains and makes repairs to grounds, structures, and equipment at well sites, water storage tanks, and booster pump stations.
• Plans, coordinates, and adjusts deliveries of potable water from WDCWA
• Plans and prioritizes potable water deliveries in a conjunctive use water system.
• Checks chlorine tank levels along with free chlorine residuals in treated water; maintains accurate data logs.
• Operates, calibrates, and programs various water production testing and monitoring equipment, such as chlorine residual testers, vibration analyzers, micrometers, pressure transducers, flow switches, flow meters, pressure gauges, pressure recorders, analyzers, and programmable logic controllers (PLC’s). 
• Safely handles, transports, and monitors chemicals such as chlorine, sodium hypochlorite, sodium bisulfate, and other chemicals and compounds used in water production, filtration, and storage; maintains accurate records of chemicals used.
• Operates the City’s water system remotely using the Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) computer control system; effectively and expediently corrects routine and complex system faults and alarms; makes appropriate setpoint changes; monitors system for adequate water delivery flows and pressures.
• Participates in all safety programs required to effectively perform associated job requirements.
• Performs and applies water mathematical calculations to determine dosages, feed rates, flows, pressures, volumes, and areas.
• Installs, repairs, and maintains water quality sampling stations; assists with routine water sampling.
• Researches, analyzes, and makes alternative recommendations to improve the efficiency, operations, and safety of City water production and storage facilities.
• Participates in the planning and construction of well site retrofit rehabilitation projects; assists in reviewing electrical and construction plans; provides input on correctness or deficiencies of plans.
• Receives work orders electronically; prepares, maintains, and inputs detailed logs, records, and reports of maintenance and repair activities via mobile and stationary digital devices into automated software systems. 
• Operates, maintains, and performs minor repairs to the City’s water system emergency power generators.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

Typical Qualifications

QUALIFICATIONS

Knowledge of:

• Principles, practices, methods, and techniques used in the installation, repair, operation, inspection, and maintenance of potable water systems including water production pumps, motors, chlorinators, wells, water treatment plants, and related facilities and equipment. 
• Principles of automation, hydraulics, mechanics, and electricity as applied to water pressure and water pumping operations.
• Equipment, tools, and procedures involved in the installation, maintenance, and repair of water production, water treatment, and water distribution systems, and related equipment and facilities.
• Quality control practices, methods, and techniques of conducting sampling.
• Basic water hydraulics.
• SCADA telemetry components and computer software operation.
• Safe storage, handling, and usage of chemicals and compounds used in water production and treatment.
• Federal, State, and local statutes, codes, and regulations relevant to assigned areas of responsibility.
• Mathematical formulas used in water production and treatment.
• Operational characteristics of pumps, motors, analyzers, programmable logic controllers, emergency power generators, and related water system equipment.
• Welding and fabrication techniques.
• City and mandated safety rules, regulations, and protocols. 
• Techniques for providing a high level of customer service by effectively interacting with the public, vendors, contractors, and City staff.
• The structure and content of the English language to effectively perform work.
• Modern equipment and communication tools used for business functions and program, project, and task coordination, including computers and software programs relevant to work performed.

Ability to:

• Perform maintenance and repair work on water production and distribution systems.
• Read, interpret, collect, and record data accurately.
• Safely and effectively use and operate a variety of diagnostic equipment, power and hand tools, mechanical equipment, and light to heavy equipment used in water production and distribution systems maintenance such as trucks, forklifts, jackhammers, light cranes, and pneumatic tools. 
• Collect water samples for testing. 
• Maintain accurate logs, records, and written records of work performed.
• Accurately calculate mathematical formulas used in water production and water treatment.
• Read and interpret maps, graphs, construction plans, water system plans, and technical information.
• Obtain certifications as required by OSHA/CalOSHA and provided by the City, to perform assigned duties.
• Fabricate, install, repair, and replace customized and manufactured parts and equipment used at City water production and storage facilities.
• Troubleshoot and repair mechanical and operational problems.
• Recognize unusual and dangerous work situations and properly remedy.
• Observe safety principles and work in a safe manner.
• Research and recommend new technology, regulations, and procedures.
• Remain knowledgeable of best practices and procedures, and water industry standards.
• Operate SCADA controls and correct faults and alarms.
• Use tact, initiative, prudence, and independent judgment within general policy and procedural guidelines.
• Effectively use computer systems, software applications, and modern business equipment to perform a variety of work tasks.
• Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing, to effectively perform work.
• Establish, maintain, and foster positive and effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work. 

Education and Experience:

Any combination of training and experience that would provide the required knowledge, skills, and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the required qualifications would be:

Education:

• Equivalent to completion of the twelfth (12th) grade supplemented by specialized training in water treatment and water distribution operation and maintenance, chemistry or a related field.

Experience:

• Three (3) years of experience in utilities, water systems, plumbing, or a related field.

Licenses and Certifications:

• Possession of a valid California Driver’s License, to be maintained throughout employment.
• Possession of, or successful acquisition within 12 months from date of appointment, a valid Class “A” California Driver’s License with appropriate endorsements, to be maintained throughout employment. 
• Possession of a valid Grade T-1 Water Treatment Operator Certificate, issued by the State Water Resources Control Board, to be maintained throughout employment. 
• Possession of, or successful acquisition within 12 months from date of appointment, a valid Grade T-2 Water Treatment Operator Certificate, issued by the State Water Resources Control Board, to be maintained throughout employment.
• Possession of a valid Grade D-2 Water Distribution Operator Certificate, issued by the State Water Resources Control Board, to be maintained throughout employment. 
• Possession of, or successful acquisition within 12 months from date of appointment, a valid Grade D-3 Water Distribution Operator Certificate, issued by the State Water Resources Control Board, to be maintained throughout employment. 
• Possession of, or successful acquisition within probationary period, a valid certification in American Red Cross CPR, First Aid and AED to be maintained throughout employment.
• Possession of valid Qualified Pesticide Applicator license, desirable.

Supplemental Information

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

Must possess mobility to work in a field environment; strength, stamina, and mobility to perform medium to heavy physical work; to sit, stand, and walk on level, uneven, or slippery surfaces; frequently reach, twist, turn, kneel, bend, stoop, squat, crouch, grasp, and make repetitive hand movement in the performance of daily duties; to work in confined spaces and around machines; to climb and descend ladders; to operate varied hand and power tools and construction equipment; and to operate a motor vehicle and visit various City sites; vision to detect shades of color, read printed materials, and a computer screen; and hearing and speech to communicate in person and over the telephone or radio. The job involves fieldwork requiring frequent walking in operational areas to identify problems or hazards which may include working on live electrical wires. Finger dexterity is needed to operate and repair tools and equipment and to access, enter, and retrieve data using a computer keyboard and to operate above-mentioned tools and equipment. Employees must possess the ability to lift, carry, push, and pull materials and objects weighing up to 90 pounds, or heavier weights with the use of proper equipment and assistance from other staff. Employees must wear and use the proper Personal Protective Equipment (PPE). 

Must also possess mobility to work in a standard office setting and use standard office equipment, including a computer or keyboard; ability to use a mobile device or handheld communication device; vision to read printed materials and a computer screen; and hearing and speech to communicate in person and over the telephone.

ENVIRONMENTAL ELEMENTS 

Employees work in the field and are exposed to loud noise levels, cold and hot temperatures, inclement weather conditions, road hazards, vibration, confining workspaces, chemicals, mechanical and/or electrical hazards, and hazardous physical substances and fumes. Employees may interact with upset staff and/or public and private representatives in interpreting and enforcing departmental policies and procedures. Work on ladders, scaffolds or other equipment more than 12 feet above ground and occasional work on ladders, scaffold or equipment more than 100 feet above ground.

WORKING CONDITIONS

May be required to be on-call and to work various shifts or emergencies on evenings, weekends, and holidays.  

ADDITIONAL APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS

Supplemental questions are required.