Drinking Water Treatment Technician

Under supervision at least a Level II Water Treatment Plant Operator a Water Treatment Plant Operator I perform a variety of duties essential to the operation of a conventional water treatment plant, water distribution system water labor in accordance with TCEQ rules and regulations: for operation of a major Drinking water treatment facility. In order to treat raw and finished water to ensure customers are provided with high quality drinking water and water is delivered in a quantity and at adequate pressure for domestic and firefighting use while utilizing safe hazardous material handling procedures and safe work processes.

This is an entry level Training position in the Water Treatment Plant Operator series. Positions at this level have minimal or general skills in plant operations, mechanical repair and maintenance in an industrial work environment including some experience with instrumentation but are not expected to function with the same amount of program knowledge or skill level as positions allocated to the Water Treatment Plant Operator II level and exercise less independent discretion and judgment in matters related to work procedures and methods.

Individuals at this level are expected to learn and become fully knowledgeable of the assigned task and Duties of a Drinking water treatment Plant Operator and to learn the full range of operations, maintenance and repair functions assigned to a plant operator. Certification as a Class "D" Water Operator must be obtained from Texas Commission on Environmental Quality within one Year of employment.

Operates the water treatment plant including related subsystems and instrumentation.

• Monitors the treatment process from the control board/computer screen; monitors various treatment processes including coagulant feed, rapid mix, flocculation, sedimentation, filtration, and disinfection; monitors the addition of chemicals added for taste and odor Control.
• Monitors water quality by performing laboratory tests at various stages in the treatment process including tests for chlorine residual, pH, turbidity, hardness, alkalinity, and other tests as necessary to maintain water quality; calibrates laboratory equipment; maintains laboratory records.
• Determines chemical dosage and makes adjustments to plant processes as necessary including for ferric sulfate/ aluminum sulfate, chlorine, ammonia, potassium permanganate, copper sulfate, powdered activated carbon, and other chemicals.
• Reads gauges and meters; interprets data to maintain the proper treatment process, proper distribution operation, security, and alarm status; makes flow adjustments.
• Operates pumps and valves utilizing a SCADA system.
• Monitors systems for alarms, make adjustments, and provides appropriate response; notifies plant maintenance or other personnel as necessary to respond to problems.
• Operates mechanical equipment including pumps and motors, chemical feed pumps and systems, air compressors, and manual, electrical, and pneumatically operated valves; operates hand and power tools; operates a light truck.
• Operates chlorination equipment related to the chlorine feed system; performs maintenance on chlorine system including chemical piping system; participates in calibration of chemical feed equipment.
• Takes delivery of bulk chemicals.
• Maintains operational logs and records.
• Makes visual inspections; monitors facilities and roads to ensure adequate security.
• Performs preventative and predictive maintenance on treatment plant equipment; assists Maintenance personnel in making major and/or specialized repairs to equipment.
• Operates the City’s water production and distribution system including elevated & ground storage tanks and pump stations; ensures adequate availability and pressure to all service connections; provides appropriate response to emergencies and spills including those involving hazardous materials; wears respirators including self-contained breathing apparatus as required.
• Responds to inquiries from public and directs them to the appropriate staff member to answers questions from customers pertaining to water quality, low pressure, and leak reports.
• May…