Plant Operator - Wastewater Treatment

CLASS DEFINITION

Perform a variety of semi-skilled tasks in the operation, construction, maintenance, rehabilitation, and reconstruction of water production, waste water, reclaimed water, water distribution facilities and appurtenances.

This journey-level classification is distinguished by the semi-skilled tasks in the operation and maintenance of the City’s water production, water distribution, waste water, and reclaimed water facilities performed under general supervision.

The incumbent works under the general supervision of the Water Supervisor and Utilities Superintendent.

• Perform and assist in the operation, construction, maintenance, rehabilitation and reconstruction of water production, waste water, reclaimed water, and water distribution facilities, connections, fire hydrants, and appurtenances.
• Inspect, maintain, and assist in repairing equipment at wells, reservoirs, storm water pump stations, and sewer lift stations, including but not limited to, large electric motors, natural gas engines, pumps, wells, tanks, controls, treatment equipment, and their related components.
• Perform a variety of work in the maintenance and repair of supporting structures, vaults, fences, and sites of all City water, reclaimed water and/or waste water facilities.
• Load, transport, and unload a variety of chemicals and materials such as tools, equipment, fittings, pipe, fluoride, and chlorine.
• Perform strenuous manual work as required including digging, back filling of trenches, etc.
• Perform customer service activities such as reading water meters, collecting delinquent bills, water turn on/off, meter repairs and responding to customer inquiries regarding water pressure, water quality, and related matters.
• Under general supervision may check pressure levels and the status of pumping, regulating, and treatment equipment. Also read recorders, meters, gauges and record readings and make field computations and adjustments on equipment.
• Operate small equipment such as jack hammers, tampers, power cutoff saws, drill, and dewatering pumps.
• Assist with collecting water samples, as required, for water quality monitoring, regulations, and consumer requests.
• Under general supervision may monitor operation of computerized telemetry equipment.

• Perform and assist as backup for confined space entry.
• Perform and assist in the installation of proper lane closure and traffic control.
• Under general supervision may operate laboratory equipment and record the effectiveness of water treatment.
• Maintain accurate reports as required.
• Read water meters as required.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

• High school graduation or equivalent.
• College-level coursework in water technology or a related field is highly desirable.

Minimum one year experience in the maintenance and repair of water, reclaimed water, and/or waste water lines and other equipment is highly desirable.

• Tools, equipment, and methods utilized in water, reclaimed water and/or waste water system maintenance and monitoring.
• Customer service principles and techniques.
• Water, reclaimed water, and/or waste water system piping, construction of transmission mains, main lines, valves, blow off valves, waterline breaks, and maps.
• Water pumping facilities, water storage, and booster stations.
• Confined space regulations.
• Use a variety of motorized and non-motorized equipment such as light and heavy trucks, trailers, tractors, skip loaders, and pneumatic tools.
• Use a self-contained breathing apparatus.
• Set-up traffic lane closures for vehicle traffic control.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with other employees, City officials, contractors, and the public.
• Effective verbal communication skills.
• Understand and follow written and verbal instructions.
• Safely operate a motor vehicle.

• Respond to emergency conditions in all department functions.
• Monitor and perform water treatment chemical application.
• Monitor and anticipate City water demand, as well as, how to increase or decrease necessary supply.
• Basic arithmetic calculations and the…