Plant Operator - Water

Job Details

Job Location:

Bonner Springs, KS 66012

Under direction, performs skilled work and tasks involving the operation and maintenance of the City’s water or wastewater treatment plant; performs adjustments and repairs to plant equipment; collects and documents samples for laboratory testing; and performs a variety of related duties as assigned.

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential function satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable an individual with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Performs assigned treatment plant rounds; inspects, monitors, troubleshoots, performance tests and documents plant processes by reading plant equipment gauges, dials, graphs, online analyzers, computer screens, meters, SCADA systems and other instrumentation.
• Operates and adjusts treatment plant pumps, motors, feeders and other equipment to maintain appropriate plant operations.
• Maintains, compiles and updates plant operations logs and reports; completes and submits necessary paperwork and reports; performs and records mathematical calculations related to plant operational activities.
• Mixes and adds treatment chemicals; installs and replaces chlorine cylinder tanks; ensures adequate chemical application according to regulations and guidelines.
• Installs, maintains, repairs, modifies, troubleshoots and services plant operations machinery and equipment including pumps, valves, motors, meters, tanks, reservoirs, feeders, and online analyzers; changes lubrications.
• Collects and documents liquid and solid samples and performs a variety of routine water quality laboratory tests; works closely with the laboratory on testing processes and issues; monitors laboratory results; collects water samples as required.
• Performs general plant facility maintenance such as cleaning, painting and repairing plant facilities; performs various grounds maintenance duties as required.
• Operates a variety of heavy equipment including backhoes, loaders, scrapers, rotovators, forklifts, dump trucks, truck-mounted sludge/compost mixers, and tractor trailer combinations; assists in unloading chemicals as necessary.
• Coordinates construction, maintenance, material selection and repair activities with maintenance, laboratory, contractors, vendors and other staff; as needed, assists City staff with lift station maintenance.
• As assigned, participates in a variety of special projects such as outreach programs, plant studies, plant modification projects and construction of piping, electrical, and structural systems related to assigned work area.
• Conducts tours for the general public, schools, and City staff as necessary.
• Participates in the development of goals and procedures for water or wastewater treatment activities; gathers and analyzes data; develops a variety of reports.
• Works with a variety of vendors, outside contractors and the general public on water or wastewater activities; answers questions and resolves conflicts.
• Trains staff in appropriate treatment methods and techniques; works with staff to correct deficiencies; schedules with other operators to ensure proper plant coverage.
• Participates in establishing schedules and methods for providing maintenance and repair services; identifies resource needs; reviews needs with appropriate supervisory and/or management staff; allocates resources accordingly.
• Purchases assigned equipment and supplies for the assigned work area.
• Ensures plant compliance with applicable local, State and Federal codes, ordinances, regulations and laws.
• Responds to after-hours, standby and weekend shifts and emergency callouts as directed.
• Assists the utility and field maintenance crews with repairs as needed.
• Assists Public Works Department during severe inclement weather for sanding/snowplowing.
• Perform related duties as required.

Thorough knowledge of principles and practices of water or wastewater treatment plant operations; operating principles of plant equipment such as valves, pumps and motors; methods and techniques of maintaining, repairing and troubleshooting water or wastewater plant equipment and processes; standard principles of the natural sciences including chemistry and biology; basic mathematical principles; laboratory analysis techniques and health standards for water or wastewater;

operational and safety regulations pertaining to water or wastewater treatment plant operations and vehicle and equipment usage; water or wastewater treatment chemicals used within the plant and their safe use and application; sampling methods and techniques; office procedures, methods, and equipment including computers and applicable software applications; occupational hazards and standard safety practices and procedures; and pertinent federal, state and local laws and…