WATER TREATMENT PLANT OPERATOR

The essential function of the position within the organization is to participate in the 24/7 operation of the County's water treatment plant to produce potable water. Under limited supervision, the position is responsible for maintaining chemical treatment levels, elevated tank levels, telemetry (SCADA) operations, maintaining plant equipment and grounds, providing customer service, performing laboratory test and analysis and maintaining regulatory logs and records. The position reports to the Water Treatment Plant Operator in Responsible Charge.

Examples of Duties

This list represents the essential tasks performed by the position. Employees may be assigned additional duties by management as required.

• Collect and analyze samples for monitoring and controlling water treatment plant (WTP) processes;
• Conduct bench-top tests for control and optimization of all treatment operations;
• Documents readings, test results and equipment adjustments, and enter information into the computer database for record maintenance;
• Maintain prescribed water levels in County tanks and monitors water pumps throughout the distribution system for proper pressure and tank levels;
• Implement treatment process changes under the authority of the WTP Operator in Responsible Charge (WTP ORC);
• Backwash filters in compliance with filter effluent turbidity regulations;
• Monitor alum sludge residual flow, processing, and disposal to ensure NPDES permit compliance
• Inspect and monitor plant equipment and systems to insure proper functionality and working conditions;
• Record and report all deficiencies in treatment processes, systems, or equipment
• Assist maintenance staff in repairing equipment, correcting deficiencies, and preventative maintenance activities ;
• Monitors plant security utilizing perimeter cameras, controls access to facility through remotely operated gates;
• Interact with County customers by telephone to disseminate information and assist with resolution of water problems;
• Maintains cleanliness of the plant;
• Attends periodic technical or professional classes, workshops or seminars, and departmental training to improve professional skills and/or to maintain certification;
• Participates in departmental cross-training
• Requires light to medium work involving standing, walking and ascending/descending ladders and stairs; frequently exerting up to 20 pounds of force and occasionally required to exert 50 pounds of force; draw, drag, haul, or tug objects in a sustained motion; performs a variety of task involving reaching, grasping, feeling, and fingering consistent with pouring, holding glassware, pushing buttons, writing, and operating a computer mouse; vocal communication is required for expressing or exchanging ideas; visual acuity is required for depth perception, and analyzing written or computer data, visual inspection involving the use of measuring devices; the position requires the operation of a motor vehicle; the position is subject to inside and outside environmental conditions; the position is exposed to bright/dim lights, moving mechanical parts, electrical equipment and toxic or caustic chemicals; the position will be required to wear personal protective equipment occasionally

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS: The successful applicant shall possess

• Valid C-Surface Water Treatment Certification from the North Carolina Water Treatment Facility Operators Board or sufficient education or experience with regards to water treatment that certification can be obtained within one year of employment. B-Surface and A- Surface certifications raise starting salary.
• a high school diploma or GED;
• A valid driver's license
• A working knowledge of computers and common office software (i.e. MS Word, Excel, & Outlook) as demonstrated through past experience or coursework.
• Satisfactory completion of high school level chemistry or relevant experience in a laboratory environment

Preferred Qualifications

Preference shall be given to applicants with the following qualifications and/or experience

• Experience with Supervisory Control And Data Acquisition (SCADA) Software
• A mechanical, electrical and mathematical aptitude as demonstrated through past experience;
• Demonstrated ability to learn new computer software;
• Sufficient experience to understand the basic principles relevant to the primary duties of the position usually associated with the completion of an apprenticeship/internship or having had a similar position for one to two years.

EXPERIENCE and CERTIFICATIONS may result in a higher salary grade being offered.