Water Operator III

**First review date of applications will be June 13, 2018.  This recruitment is a continuous recruitment and may close without prior notice.** 

GENERAL PURPOSE

Under general supervision, this position is capable of independently operating Corona's D5/T5 system. Tasks include performing a wide variety of skilled, journey-level tasks involved in the monitoring, regulation, maintenance, and operation of potable water treatment,  transmission and distribution equipment and facilities; performs laboratory tests on raw and treated water; and performs related duties as assigned.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS

The Water Operator III is the experienced, journey-level class in the position series, competent to perform duties under general supervision.  This class is distinguished from the Water Operator II classification as incumbents perform their tasks under general supervision.

The duties listed below are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed.  The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related or a logical assignment to this class.
 

• Operates water treatment plant facilities, including disinfection, coagulation, flocculation, and filtration equipment; collects samples and inspects and tests overall quality of raw, partially treated and treated water by using various types of laboratory test equipment; determines and adds the proper dosage of chemicals and other substances to ensure water is safe for consumption; monitors chemical levels and changes chemical cylinders as required and according to proper procedure; makes mathematical calculations of water quantity stored in reservoirs and flows in and out of pumping facilities.
• Operates pressure reducing station, reservoirs, wells, boosters and water transmission and distribution facilities by regulating water flow throughout the transmission and distribution system using control valves, pumping stations and manual, electronic, and computer control systems; reads gauges, meters, charts, and graphs; operates pumps, valves, electric motors, and related equipment; inspects plant equipment to ensure proper functioning to minimize interruptions in water production.
• Monitors system, controls pump stations and valves for scheduled and emergency shut downs; maintains flows using booster pumps to control water level in reservoirs and at other critical points throughout the systems; troubleshoots, diagnoses, and corrects control system malfunctions by resetting relays and adjusting other controls and components.
• Analyzes historical trend data and weather patterns to estimate future water distribution demands; prioritizes distribution of drinking water based on location of demand, costs, and availability of local ground water, untreated raw water, and treated drinking water sources.
• Inspects, maintains, cleans all water facilities, backwashes filters and cleans sludge ponds.
• Assists maintenance personnel and contractors in the servicing, maintenance, repair, and upgrades of equipment, electrical and electronic devices, machinery, and related appurtenances.
• Calculates chemical feed and dosages; makes adjustments as necessary; monitors chemical inventories and usage.
• Maintains a variety of records, logs and reports.
• Operates a vehicle to travel to and inspect and service equipment and related facilities at pump stations, flow stations, and other critical points in the transmission and distribution system.
• Performs duties in confined spaces, utilizing departmental safety equipment, policies, and procedures.
• Coordinates work with outside agencies, including other municipalities and agencies; answers telephone inquiries from customers regarding water pressure, water composition, and related matters; conducts tours of the facility.
• Performs a variety of custodial and grounds keeping duties to ensure facilities are maintained in clean, orderly, and safe conditions, both inside and outside.
• Responds to customer complaints related to water quality and pressure.
• May assist with the supervision and training of new personnel.

Knowledge of:
Operational principles of pumps, valves, electric motors, diesel engines and electronic, computerized, and manual control systems; functions and servicing requirements of the equipment at a potable water treatment plant and distribution facilities; operational principles, practices, and methods of a potable water treatment plant and distribution facilities; current practices and procedures in chemical, bacteriological, biological analysis, and water chemistry analysis; local, state, and federal laws and regulations regarding the production, treatment, storage, and transmission of potable water, including the Safe Drinking Act and relevant EPA regulations; safety practices and procedures related to the work being performed, including confined space entry  fall protection techniques; micro-computer applications related to work, including the supervisory control and data acquisition system, word processing, spreadsheet, and database applications.

Ability to:
Operate a wide variety of pumping, treatment, control, and transmission equipment, including digital control equipment; operate and maintain a variety of equipment, power and hand tools, including front loader, forklift, crane and hoist, drills, saws, propane torch, arc welder, and air compressor; analyze and troubleshoot system failures; perform mathematical calculations; accurately read meters, gauges, valve books, blueprints, and schematic drawings; maintain records and prepare clear and concise records and reports; understand and follow oral and written instructions; communicate effective, both orally and in writing; establish and maintain effective relationships with those contacted in the course of work.

Training and Experience:
A typical way of obtaining the knowledge, skills and abilities outlined above is graduation from high school or G.E.D. equivalent, supplemented by college level course from a college or university with full accreditation status granted by an institutional or specialized accrediting body recognized by the U.S. Department of Education or the Council for Higher Education Accreditation work in water treatment and three years of experience working in water distribution and/or treatment plant operations, involving potable water production, treatment, storage, and transmission; or an equivalent combination of education and experience. 

Typically, a Water Operator III is expected to meet the proficiency criteria within a 6- to 24-month period (once being promoted from the Water Operator II to Water Operator III), depending on an individual's prior experience and progression in performing the full range of Water Operator III duties.

Special Requirements:
A valid Class C California driver's license and ability to maintain insurability under the City's Vehicle Insurance Policy.

Water Operator III must possess a California Water Distribution Operator Grade IV Certificate or the ability to obtain one within 3 testing periods (for the California State Exam for Water Distribution Operator) from hire date.  In addition, the Water Operator III must possess a California Water Treatment Operator Grade III Certificate or the ability to obtain one within 3 testing periods (for the California State Exam for Water Treatment Operator) from hire date.

Ability to work extended hours and rotating shifts, including nights, weekends and holidays.

The physical and mental demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this class. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Physical Demands

While performing the duties of this class, the employee is regularly required to walk; talk or hear in person; sit; climb or balance; stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl; smell; use hands to finger, handle, feel or operate objects, tools or controls; and reach with hands or arms.  The employee frequently is required to stand. Employees must frequently lift and/or move up to 50 pounds and occasionally up to 100 pounds.

Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, depth perception and the ability to adjust focus.
 
Employees in this class are required to wear respirators regularly.  In accordance with CAL/OHSA regulations, employees are prohibited from having facial or head hair that impairs the effectiveness of respirator equipment.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential duties of the class as they relate to this requirement.

Mental Demands
While performing the duties of this class, an employee is regularly required to use oral and written communications skills; read documents or instructions; analyze and solve problems; observe and interpret data or information; use math and mathematical reasoning; learn and apply new information or skills; perform highly detailed work; work under changing, intensive deadlines with constant interruptions; perform multiple, concurrent tasks.

Work Environment
The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this class.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

The employee frequently works in outside weather conditions, near moving mechanical parts, and on slippery and uneven surfaces.  The employee is frequently exposed to wet or humid conditions, fumes or airborne particles, toxic or caustic chemicals, and risk of electric shock.