Water Treatment Plant Operator 1st Class

Under general supervision, this position is responsible for operating and maintaining the Water Treatment and Distribution Systems. Reports to the Water Treatment Plant Operator Lead.

• Obtains water samples and performs required laboratory tests to ensure proper treatment.
• Calculates chemical dosages and mixes solutions.
• Regulates raw and distribution water flow rates.
• Collects and evaluates water samples at each stage of treatment.
• Examines and calibrates chemical feed systems and control applications for various treatment processes.
• Loads chemical feeders and prepares reports.
• Performs minor maintenance to chemical feed systems.
• Operates and maintains mechanical equipment such as meters, pumps, filters and feeders.
• Backwashes filters as necessary.
• Exercises groundwater wells.
• Checks equipment operations and maintains on‑line analytical equipment.
• Monitors the quantity and quality of treatment processes to ensure operations are within parameters.
• Monitors all process information for flow, turbidity, pH levels, tank levels and chlorine residuals.
• Prepares and reviews shift reports, bench sheets and laboratory reports for previous shift operations.
• Examines test results provided by the laboratory.
• Conducts inspections of plant equipment and performs walk‑through inspections every two hours.
• Reports mechanical problems to supervisors for action.
• Maintains daily records and operational data for filter runs, chemical inventories, operating logs, meter readings, pump data, chemical feeders, filters and meters.
• Performs data entry of monthly production reports and assists in the preparation of state‑regulated production and well‑pump reports.
• Obtains lake level readings and records weather data from the National Weather Service.
• Complies with all regulations and guidelines of the Virginia Department of Health (VDH) and the United States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA).
• Proceed with continued professional education and obtains required contact hours of Continuing Professional Education (CPE) to maintain required operator licensure.
• Accepts equipment and product deliveries; prepares inventory and stores chemicals; and provides training for Treatment Plant Operator(s) in Training assigned to shift.
• Performs other duties as assigned based on supervisor determinations.

• High School diploma and 3 to 5 years of experience in water treatment operations.
• Experience in pump station facilities or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Certification as a Class I Waterworks Operator by the Commonwealth of Virginia, or the ability to obtain such certification within six (6) months from the date of hire.
• Strong knowledge of operating principles and practices of water treatment plant equipment and machinery.
• General knowledge of occupational hazards and safety precautions associated with water plant operations.
• Basic knowledge of chemistry as applied to water treatment and water testing procedures.
• Proficiency in standard laboratory principles, techniques, terminology and equipment.
• Capacity to read and prepare logs, test reports and other documentation in prescribed formats.
• Ability to communicate effectively in a variety of technical or professional languages including engineering, water treatment, mechanical and electrical terminology.
• Valid driver’s license with an acceptable driving record.

• Pre‑employment medical evaluation and substance abuse testing; subject to random alcohol and controlled substance testing.
• A general background check including local and state criminal history checks and sex offender registry check.
• Capability to perform regular on‑call duties during emergencies and inclement weather; required to work rotating shifts.
• Must wear online self‑contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) during offloading of ammonia during chemical deliveries.
• Must comply with application and renewal procedures of the Virginia Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation (DPOR) for required licensure.

• Must be physically able to operate a variety of equipment, machinery and water treatment plant equipment including computer, two‑way radio,…