Water Operator I

Job Description

Position Purpose: 

Operates and maintains water treatment, processing, distribution, installation and testing equipment in water distribution and treatment system and facility and to purify water to meet permit and operational requirements.

Primary Duties/Responsibilities: 

• Performs manual labor including filling and emptying of machine bins and cleaning equipment, installing lines and meters, work in facilities and grounds as required. Performs minor maintenance including, but not limited to, routine preventive maintenance, lubrication and minor adjustments. Operates vehicles for plant operational and system maintenance purposes. Practices good housekeeping in assigned area and properly disposes of waste according to safety and environmental policies.
• Monitors flow meters, gauges, flow ratios, pressures and related controls through instrument panels, computer terminals and programmable logic control units in assigned area. Monitors and records operating conditions observations and data in area shift log. Ensures conformance to process specifications. Diagnoses basic operational problems and takes corrective action per procedure. Verifies and reports suspected malfunctions and variances to supervisor and takes corrective actions. Performs routine and preventative maintenance and maintenance related items as assigned.
• Tends automatic and semi-automatic machines and related equipment including pumps, engines, generators, valves, gates, mixers, conveyors, blowers, chemical feed and vacuum filters used to decontaminate water by settling, aeration and filtration. Monitors control panels and adjusts valves and gates manually or by remote control to regulate flow.
• Performs field tests (chemical, physical and biological) in order to pace chemical dosages for process control units or alter unit processes. Samples water according to schedule. Prepares chemical solutions and services automatic samplers. Monitors process chemical supplies and recommends reorder.
• Performs routine lab tests. Performs routine instrument calibration for portable meters including, but not limited to, dissolved oxygen, pH, percent oxygen, lower explosive limit.
• Assists in other areas of plant as needed.
• Performs a variety of manual functions. Follows established procedures to perform standardized or routine tasks. Must follow established operational, process control, compliance and safety and emergency response procedures. Must adhere to specifications and schedule. May suggest process improvements.
• Uses initiative in carrying out recurring assignments. Waits for direction for next steps or assignments outside of routine. Keeps supervisor informed of problems.

Work Environment:

• Spends 100% of time in operations environment.
• May need to work outside in inclement weather conditions and drive company vehicle to perform duties.
• Possible Work Hazards: May be exposed to possible operations hazards including fumes, toxic and caustic chemicals, heavy machinery, high pressure, hot or cold work environment temperatures, slippery surfaces, water hazards and electrical equipment.

Qualifications

Education/Experience/Background: 

• High School Diploma/GED is required.
• One to two years of experience in a related position and environment with knowledge of the methods, techniques, and practices of water treatment and distribution.

Knowledge/Skills/Abilities: 

• Must have the ability to read, write and comprehend English (operational, process, safety and quality instructions).
• Must have the ability to perform basic mathematical calculations.
• Must consistently demonstrate the ability to learn and independently operate assigned machines and equipment meeting or exceeding processing and quality targets.
• Must demonstrate ability to learn and independently operate equipment such as pumps, engines, centrifuge, generators, valves, gates, mixers, conveyors, blowers, dryers, chemical feed, odor control, disinfection equipment, sludge processing filters, belt presses and measuring/control devices, testing equipment and material handling equipment.
• Must demonstrate a working ability to use computer programs for process control.
• Must demonstrate ability to work in a team environment and willingness to assume additional or new responsibilities readily.
• Must be able to serve rotational 24-hour emergency on call if required by site.

Required Certification/Licenses/Training: 

• Holds a first level treatment and distribution certificate (CA T1 and D1). (Requires minimum water license as required by regulatory agencies at site).
• Must possess a valid driver’s license and a safe driving record.
• Employee Orientation, Departmental Operating Procedures, Safety, OSHA and Quality Training.
• HAZWOPER (Hazardous Waste Operations and Emergency Response) Level I and II certification within 6 months of hire date if required by site.
• Cross-training if feasible.
• Must become proficient in the care and use of all site specific, facility required PPE (Personal Protection Equipment), including respirators, gas detectors, confined space equipment, etc.)
• Work toward higher level water treatment certification.
• May perform more advanced functions as part of training and development.

Physical Requirements:

• Amount of time spent – Standing 25%, Walking 75% for as many as five miles per shift.
• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms; and talk or hear.
• The employee is occasionally required to stoop, kneel, or crouch and enter confined spaces.
• May be required to use ladders or stairs.
• The employee must lift and/or move up to 50 pounds (occasionally 60 pounds).
• Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, and ability to adjust focus. Requires close visual observation to detect process non-conformance and machine malfunction.

Additional Information

Pay Rate: $36.18 per hour.

Benefits: Our employees are covered by comprehensive benefits packages including paid time off policies; health, dental, vision, and life insurance; retirement plans, savings accounts; tuition reimbursement; paid volunteering and more.

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer! All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status.

Disclaimer: The salary, other compensation, and benefits information is accurate as of the date of this posting. The Company reserves the right to modify this information at any time, subject to applicable law.