Water Operator in Training

Water Operator in Training position is responsible for the basic cleaning, painting, washing filters and cleaning basins, minor maintenance tasks, and grounds maintenance of water plants, tanks, intakes and wells. This position is also recognized as the entry-level position that is responsible for the operation and maintenance of the water facilities.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Operate water pumping mechanisms to regulate the flow and pressure of water during assigned shifts to include:

Operate pumps, valves, turbines, and electric motors to transfer, distribute, and regulate pressure flow of raw and processed water

Monitor panel boards and adjusts controls to regulate flow and distribution of water

Clean systems by backwashing at designated intervals

Record reservoir water elevation, power consumption, and equipment utilization data at designated intervals

Conduct water treatment activities to include:

Add appropriate amounts of chemicals to raw water to disinfect, deodorize, and clarify water at regular intervals

Regulate flow of pre-treated water through sedimentation and filter devices

Add appropriate amounts of chemicals into water for post-treatment

Record chemical composition of raw and treated water at designated intervals

Maintain, clean and stock materials on trucks and equipment. Housekeeping duties to include: Cutting grass, cleaning tanks, sweeping & mopping floors, cleaning equipment and various other duties to maintain the aesthetic appearance of the facility

Calibrate all meters that they will be required to utilize through the course of the shift

Collect samples and performs various tests such as pH and CL2 residual; analyzes results and makes process control changes based as instructed by their immediate supervisor

Document readings, test results, equipment adjustments and enter data into a computer database and on paper for record maintenance and to produce periodic and special reports

Monitor and observe treatment process for offensive matter; inspects equipment and monitors operating conditions, meters, and gauges to determine load requirements and detect problems

Transfer various chemicals from one container to the other. Make chemical feed adjustments as necessary

Change chlorine cylinders and checks for leaks. Also, adjust feed rate as required. Transport, handle and mix chemicals manually as required.

Attend safety classes, reinforce and comply with company safety policies

QUALIFICATIONS

Prefer high school diploma or GED, or specialized vocational training in chemistry, or a closely related field. Water treatment operations experience and minimum certifications preferred. Must have a valid state driver’s license and meet minimum driving standards.

Knowledge of:

Techniques, principles and practices of professional water plant/ well operations and laboratory analysis

Water treatment flow schemes

Safety practices, procedures and equipment used

Mechanical unit processes; vertical turbine pumps, chemical metering pumps, and centrifugal pumps

Use and documentation of QA/QC

Treatment processes: disinfection and sedimentation

Skill in:

The operation of a variety of hand or power tools, water plant equipment and laboratory testing equipment

Ability to:

Understand and follow oral and written instructions

Collect and interpret daily logs

Prepare routine records and logs

Perform mathematical computations

Work emergency duty during non-scheduled work hours

Distinguish between different shades of color    

Working conditions

While performing the duties of this job, the employee may be exposed to extreme heat and/or cold, wet or humid conditions, bright and/or dim light, dust or pollen, intense noise levels, vibration, fumes or noxious odors. All required safety standards shall be adhered to mitigate risk from moving mechanical parts, electrical shock, heights, blood-borne pathogens, traffic, animals and wildlife, toxic or caustic chemicals, and other identified hazards.

Physical requirements

This position requires frequent standing, kneeling, bending and climbing. The employee must be able to use hands to operate and manipulate tools and equipment. This position requires very heavy physical exertion including the ability to lift over 50 pounds and exert over 100 pounds of force on a regular basis.

The employee must be willing to work non-standard and overtime hours as required.

The position requires normal visual acuity and field of vision, hearing, and depth perception.