Water Treatment Plant Operator

Primary Role

To have active involvement in and make process control decisions associated with the operation and maintenance of water purification systems and related washwater processes.

Position Responsiblities

• Operate, maintain, control and perform routine repair of plant equipment including preventive maintenance duties.
• Establish, maintain and control flow through the water purification process and into and within the distribution system.
• Maintain process control through the water purification and washwater processes including the establishment, maintenance, calibration and adjustment of chemical feed rates necessary to optimize the process operation.
• Monitor the water purification plant and water distribution system and make operational control adjustments as necessary.
• Maintain all necessary records.
• Perform water quality sampling, testing and analysis to determine compliance with federal, state and PAWC’s standards.
• Loading, unloading, handling, placing into storage and batching water treatment plant chemicals.
• Operate and maintain raw water facilities including reservoir supply, transmission and pumping facilities.
• Perform general maintenance duties at water treatment plant and related facilities and other assigned duties.
• Provide assistance to other company employees, as directed by supervision.  
• Perform necessary emergency operating procedures and take proper corrective action for continuous, effective operation of the water purification plant.
• Any other duties which are assigned.

Knowledge/Skills

• Knowledge of water purification processes, basic scientific concepts, water quality standards and regulations.
• Working knowledge of basic mechanical and automated control systems.
• Must adhere to company policies regarding mandatory shift coverage when  required.
• Communicate in an effective manner, both oral and written, with the general public and company personnel.  Read and understand instructions, safety rules, etc.
• Mathematical skills sufficient to be able to calculate dosages, surface areas, volumes, weights, measures and algebraic formulas.
• Mechanical ability sufficient to operate pumps, valves, motors and other mechanical equipment related to plant operation and maintenance.
• Must cope with environmental conditions including contact with water, chemicals, fumes, odors and dust as a result of working with and handling potentially hazardous water treatment and laboratory chemicals.
• Minimum exposure to inclement weather mostly of short duration.
• Must be able to comply with continuing education requirements as needed for Operator certification renewal.

Experience/Education

• High School graduate or state recognized education equivalency certificate. 
• Must possess a valid PA driver’s license.
• Ability to obtain Waterworks Operators Certificate (Plant Specific) within one to three years, depending on class.
• Successful Completion of the following correspondence course; "Volume 1  - Water Treatment Plant Operation", offered by University of California at Sacramento.
• Waterworks Operator's Certification in appropriate class is desirable.
• Experience with technically advanced computer control systems (SCADA) and advanced coagulant control using zeta meter is preferred.
• Previous employment in water treatment, hydrology or related environmental science, civil or environmental engineering, or analytical experience, is preferred.
• Technical college coursework and / or degree in chemistry, environmental sciences, civil or environmental engineering is preferred.

Physical Requirements

• Physical fitness- capable of lifting and/or carrying 50 lbs. or more on a frequent basis.  
• Walking up and down stairs.  
• Working in confined areas.  
• Ability to wear a respirator. 
• Ability to comply with the Company's attendance policies.
• Ability to respond to 24 / 7 callout.

Competencies