Plant Operator I - Water / Wastewater

Description

SEE SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS SECTION FOR BENEFITS AND INCENTIVES

Under general supervision, performs responsible technical work in the operation of a water or sewer treatment plant on and assigned shift. Is responsible for performing plant operation and maintenance duties in a responsible and professional manner consistent with standard operating practices in order to meet State and Federal standards and rules to protect the public health and environment. Reports to Superintendent.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS :

• On an assigned shift, inspects plant equipment and machinery to determine that all machinery is operating properly; takes samples of water or sewage at various stages of the treatment process, performs routine laboratory analyses to determine effectiveness of treatment procedures and records results; on the basis of sample results, adjusts treatment plant equipment, such as chlorinators, lime shakers, flocculators, digesters, sludge collectors, sand filters, chemical feeders, vacuum filters, conveyer systems, screens and related equipment; inspects recording charts and meters, and on the basis of such information, makes adjustments to controls in conformance with operation instructions.
• Performs preventative maintenance and, as necessary, makes minor repairs and adjustments on equipment; takes hourly reading and records them on log sheets.
• Performs physical tests which include turbidity, color, odor, taste and temperature; chemical tests which include pH, alkalinity, carbon dioxide, hardness, metal content and residual chlorine fluoride; and other tests which include bacteriological count such as chloroform bacteria, plate count, etc.
• Assists in maintaining sufficient supplies of chemicals to include chlorine, aluminum, Calgon, lime carbon, sodium chloride and various other chemicals.
• Assists in instructing new employees in work methods and procedures; determines the need for special attention to operating or maintenance requirements and makes recommendations to superiors.
• Checks for leaks in chlorine tanks and ammonia tanks.
• Performs minor calibrations of complex equipment.
• Answers calls from the public for emergency repair work or re-connection of service; dispatches personnel and / or performs tests; responds to public through written reports of findings or telephone calls.
• Monitors control panel charts and pressure gages.
• Keeps plant records and periodic summary reports of operations; maintains an operation and maintenance log for the treatment plants.
• Reports immediately, in person or via telephone, any serious plant breakdown or condition causing or likely to cause serious, inefficient or unsafe treatment plant operation or discharge of water or wastewater in a manner not authorized by the applicable regulatory agencies.
• Submits complete, accurate reports relative to treatment plant operation, sampling and laboratory analysis on a daily basis.

Minimum Requirements (Must meet by the closing date of the posting unless otherwise stated)

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE REQUIRED :

CERTIFICATIONS AND LICENSE REQUIRED :

Essential Functions

Current Incentives / Benefits :