Junior Plant Operator; Water Production

The Junior Plant Operator is an entry‑level position and will be assigned to work at both surface water treatment plants. This position will support the successful operation of two T5 rated, multi‑barrier conventional surface water treatment plants, with complex chemical treatment systems providing safe and reliable drinking water to a population of more than 500,000 people. This position may be required to support dewatering, groundwater, surface water, and/or reservoir teams.

This position works a 5-5 schedule and is assigned to day shift. However, based on operational needs this position may be rotated to a 5‑4 schedule and assigned to day, swing, or graveyard shifts. The ideal candidate should be ambitious, curious and motivated to learn all aspects of water treatment and tasks related to maintaining a water treatment facility. They will prioritize safety, have the ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships, and be able to communicate well with others.

To perform skilled and semi‑skilled work in the operation of the City's drinking water treatment plants, wells, reservoirs, distribution system, or swimming pools and fountains; combined wastewater control system, primary wastewater treatment plants and pumping stations; and to assist in monitoring and directing the pumping of storm water, wastewater, and potable water.

The Junior Plant Operator is the entry‑level classification in the Plant Operator series. Incumbents perform the routine inspection, lubrication, servicing, maintenance, and cleaning of equipment and facilities, and assist in operating plant equipment and performing the more routine water quality laboratory tests.

This class is distinguished from the next higher class of Plant Operator in that the latter is the journey‑level operator classification that works independently in operating plant equipment and conducting water quality laboratory tests.

Direct supervision is provided by the Supervising Plant Operator; indirect supervision and lead direction is provided by the Senior Plant Operator. Technical directions may be provided by the Plant Operator.

• Make scheduled and preventive maintenance checks on facility equipment such as pumps, motors, and air compressors. Perform routine servicing and adjustments to equipment and paint equipment.
• Lubricate equipment, including bearings and valves, and change oil as required.
• Load and unload chlorine cylinders or containers, alum, lime, and other materials used in the treatment of potable and nonpotable water using an electric hoist, forklift, crane, and other heavy equipment, and make necessary connections for the transfer of chemicals.
• Clean tanks, sedimentation basins, chemical feeders, reservoirs, filter basins, lime slakers, and sumps.
• Assist in operating treatment plant or pool equipment by reading meters and gauges, operating valves, pumps, and other controls to adjust water flow, pressure, and chemical dosages. Make calculations and record readings.
• Assist in collecting water samples and performing routine water quality laboratory tests.
• Assist in performing various filter tests as part of the filter surveillance program.
• Perform janitorial work and grounds maintenance.
• Perform preventive maintenance duties including painting equipment and cleaning trash screens and filters.
• Operate equipment such as engine‑driven pumps, generators, compressors, hoists, forklifts, cranes and other heavy equipment.
• Work in confined spaces, on temporary…