Water Treatment Plant Operator

Under general supervision of the Water Treatment & Production Supervisor, monitors, operates and maintains water treatment plant systems and related equipment to ensure quality drinking water is provided throughout the Community. Monitors and dispenses appropriate levels of chemicals to ensure water quality complies with EPA safe drinking water guidelines. Performs a variety of work associated with water testing, maintaining water sampling and inspection records, repair of water system equipment, and monitoring water distribution in accordance with tribal/federal water compliance standards.

This job class is treated as FLSA Non-Exempt and considered DRIVING position, subject to working on call and weekend hours.

Essential Functions: (Essential functions may vary among positions, but may include the following tasks, knowledge, skills, abilities, and other characteristics. This list of tasks is ILLUSTRATIVE ONLY and is not intended to be a comprehensive listing of tasks performed by all positions in this classification.)

• 1. Monitors and operates water treatment facility equipment and systems including the wells, pumps, arsenic removal process, disinfection process, storage tanks, pressure pumps, etc., to maintain adequate water flow, proper water treatment and plant functions. Monitors, fills, and maintains appropriate levels of hazardous chemicals such as ammonia, chlorine, sulfuric acid, scale inhibitor, fluoride, etc., to maintain proper water treatment plant operations.
  
  Observes and follows safety and compliance requirements in accordance with established regulations, standards, and procedures.
• 2. Takes water samples from various water treatment locations to ensure proper treatment of drinking water from each plant. Conducts regular chemical tests at all facilities to determine water chemical composition, to control water quality, and ensure compliance with federal and tribal regulations. Adjusts water flow and chemical dosages as needed to maintain required water quality specifications.
• 3. Reads and records meter readings and other information to document and ensure proper water treatment plant operation. Monitors control panels, gauges, and meters, including SCADA system, to detect and correct variations in operating conditions. Maintains accurate and consistent reports on all test results, flow rates, gauge and meter readings. Maintains logs and records, prepares reports, writes work orders and enters information into the computer systems.
• 4. Performs maintenance on all equipment located in the water treatment facility. Conducts visual plant inspections of all equipment and monitors plant operations/processes to ensure facility operates according to required equipment specifications. Monitors and takes prompt action to detect and correct equipment failures, potential leaks, and other problem situations. Makes adjustments in plant operations as appropriate to maintain proper operations. Installs, repairs, and performs scheduled preventative maintenance on all facility equipment.
  
  Reports faulty equipment, problem situations, or emergencies to appropriate personnel.
• 5. Ensures availability of adequate materials and equipment to conduct work activities; initiates orders for new or replacement materials; receives incoming orders of chemicals and supplies, conducts periodic inventory counts to ensure the safety and security of all hazardous chemicals and supplies.
• 6. Performs general cleaning/maintenance tasks necessary to keep plant facilities, equipment, and tools in operable condition, which may include inspecting equipment, performing minor repairs, replacing parts, washing/cleaning equipment, or cleaning work areas; monitors equipment operations to maintain efficiency and safety;…