Water Treatment Plant Operator

Shift Schedule

First shift schedule 6 am-2 pm Monday-Friday with rotating 12-hour weekends (6 am-6 pm or 6 pm-6 am) as well as possible holidays.

This position conducts operational responsibilities such as starting or stopping pumps, adjusting chemical feed dosages, collecting samples and performing laboratory tests on pH, chlorine residuals, turbidities, etc., backwashing filters, operating decant valves, conducting minor repairs to equipment and assisting in plant cleaning.

• Performs a variety of routine water quality lab tests; works closely with the lab in the testing process.
• Monitors plant on networked computer systems.
• Makes rounds; monitors plant equipment, feed systems, chemical levels, and distribution tank levels; monitors pressure for firefighting integrity and backflow prevention on a SCADA system; monitors lake levels and flows; collects and analyzes water samples from plant water streams.
• Accepts bulk liquid chemical loads from vendors; fills chemical tanks; adds chemicals to feeders; monitors flow rates and volumes for chemical feeds.
• Washes filters at prescribed times and according to state guidelines.
• Maintains lab chemicals used in daily analysis; performs minor maintenance on laboratory equipment.
• Maintains plant logs and records, updates logbooks, computer records, charts, and chemical logs.
• Performs or assists in plant maintenance tasks.
• Performs housekeeping duties.
• Answers the telephone; receives calls from vendors and customers.
• After-hours work is required as necessary during emergencies, inclement weather and other times as necessary.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

Salary depends on qualifications.

The preferred applicant will possess a minimum of a Grade C:
Surface Water Certification from the NC Water Treatment Facility Operators Board of Certification and have experience in a surface water plant and should possess some coursework in Chemistry or Biology.

• Ability to read, write and perform mathematical calculations at a level commonly associated with the completion of high school or equivalent.
• Possession of or ability to obtain a state license for water treatment.
• Knowledge of water treatment plant specifications, equipment and operating procedures.
• Knowledge of federal, state, and local laws, ordinances, and regulations related to the operation of water treatment plants.
• Knowledge of water quality lab testing procedures.
• Skill in collection of water samples and the performance of laboratory tests and analyses.
• Skill in performing mathematical computations.
• Skill in oral and written communication.

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee in this position to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently/repeatedly required to stand; walk; use hands and exert forces needed to handle various types and sizes of tools, equipment and objects; reach with hands and arms and perform elevated work for long periods of time;

climb ladders and balance; climb into vehicles and equipment; perform repetitive horizontal push/pull of 50 pounds of force positioned at 36 inches; stoop; kneel; half-kneel; squat; crouch; or crawl; and talk; or hear. The employee must frequently lift and carry 50 pounds, push, pull and/or move more than 100 pounds. The employee is occasionally required to sit. An employee in this position will have successfully passed a "Functional Prework Screen" administered by a professional and impartial third-party specialist.

This position has been identified as safety sensitive. The employee in this position will be part of a random drug testing pool. The methodology for choosing the random test subjects is handled by an outside, impartial, third-party vendor.

The work is typically performed in an office, laboratory, or water treatment plant. The employee may be exposed to contagious or infectious diseases, or irritating chemicals. The work may be performed outdoors and occasionally in cold or inclement weather. The work requires the use of protective devices such as masks, goggles, or gloves.