Water Treatment Plant Operator I

This position is responsible for performing technical and administrative work in the operation of water treatment plants and related facilities. The purpose of this position is to perform administrative and technical duties in the operation of a water treatment plant. Successful performance ensures safe drinking water for city residents and visitors.

Major Duties

• Monitors plant on networked computer systems.
• Makes rounds; monitors plant equipment, feed systems, chemical levels, and distribution tank levels; monitors pressure for firefighting integrity and backflow prevention on an SCADA system; monitors lake levels and flows; collects and analyzes water samples from plant water streams.
• Accepts bulk liquid chemical loads from vendors; fills chemical tanks; adds chemicals to feeders; monitors flow rates and volumes for chemical feeds.
• Washes filters at prescribed times and according to state guidelines.
• Maintains lab chemicals used in daily analysis; perform minor maintenance on laboratory equipment.
• Maintains plant logs and records; updates logbooks, computer records, charts, and chemical logs.
• Performs or assists in plant maintenance tasks.
• Performs housekeeping duties.
• Answers the telephone; receives calls from vendors and customers.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

• Guidelines include federal, state and local regulations, city policies, and standard operating procedures for the Water Treatment Division. These guidelines are generally clear and specific but may require some interpretation in application.

• None

Education/Experience Requirements

• Knowledge and level of competency commonly associated with completion of specialized training in the field of work, in addition to basic skills typically associated with a high school education.
• Sufficient experience to understand the basic principles relevant to the major duties of the position, usually associated with the completion of an apprenticeship/internship or having had a similar position for one to two years.
• Possession of or ability to readily obtain a valid driver's license issued by the State of North Carolina for the type of vehicle or equipment operated.
• Possession of or ability to readily obtain an appropriate state-certified license for water or wastewater treatment or distribution as appropriate.

• Knowledge of city and department policies and procedures.
• Knowledge of water treatment plant specifications, equipment, and operating procedures.
• Knowledge of federal, state, and local laws, ordinances, and regulations related to the operation of water treatment plants.
• Skill in the operation of computers, calculators, weather instruments, chart recorders and other specialized equipment.
• Skill in collection of water samples and the performance of laboratory tests and analyses.
• Skill in performing mathematical computations.
• Skill in oral and written communication.

The work is typically performed while intermittently sitting, standing, bending, crouching, or stooping. The employee frequently lifts light and occasionally heavy objects, uses tools for equipment requiring a high degree of dexterity, and must be able to distinguish between shades of color. The work is typically performed in an office, laboratory, or water treatment plant. The employee may be exposed to contagious or infectious diseases, or irritating chemicals. The work may be performed outdoors and occasionally in cold or inclement weather. The work requires the use of protective devices such as masks, goggles, or gloves.