This position requires a demonstrated ability to perform advanced functions related to the operator and maintenance of equipment at all water treatment facilities. This position functions as a Lead Operator and also as Chief Plant operator when required, performing complex analysis of the Water Treatment Plant operations and having direct charge of the operation of a water treatment facility or Water Production Facilities. Positions at this level provide instruction and assistance to lower level Water Treatment Plant Operators. This position is normally filled by advancement from the Water Treatment Operator II. Position requires three to five years of experience in a Surface Water Treatment Plant Operator and must possess a minimum of a  Class 'C' Surface Water Treatment Plant Operator Certificate issued by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality at the time of accepting position.

Incumbents may not perform all of the list duties and/or may be required to perform additional or different duties from those set forth below to address business needs and changing business practices.
 

• Operates the water treatment plant including related subsystems and instrumentation.
• Monitors the treatment process from the control board/computer screen; monitors various treatment processes including coagulant feed, rapid mix, flocculation, sedimentation, filtration and disinfection; monitors the addition of chemicals added for taste and odor control.
• Monitors water quality by performing laboratory tests at various stages in the treatment process including tests for chlorine residual, ph, turbidity, hardness, alkalinity, odors and other tests as necessary to maintain water quality; calibrates laboratory equipment; maintains laboratory records.
• Determines chemical dosage and makes adjustments to plant processes as necessary including for ferric Sulfate/Aluminum Sulfate, chlorine, ammonia, potassium permanganate, caustic soda, powdered activated carbon, and other chemicals.
• Reads gauges and meter; interprets data to maintain the proper treatment process, proper distribution operation, security, and alarm status; make flow adjustments.
• Operates pumps and valves utilizing a SCADA system; monitors systems for alarms, make adjustments, and provides appropriate response; notifies Plant Management or appropriate staff as necessary to respond to problems.
• Operates mechanical equipment including pumps and motors, chemical feed pumps and systems, air compressors, and manual, electrical, and pneumatically operated valves; operates hard and power tools; operates a light truck.
• Operates chlorination equipment related to the chlorine performs maintenance on chlorine system including chemical piping system; participates in calibration of chemical feed equipment.
• Orders chemicals, Inventories and takes delivery of bulk chlorine.
• Maintains operational logs and records.
• Makes visual inspections; monitors facilities and roads to insure adequate security.
• Performs preventative and predictive maintenance on treatment plant equipment; assists Maintenance personnel in making major and/or specialized repairs to equipment; coordinates work of contractors and of other departments.
• Operates the City's water production system including elevated and ground storage and pump stations; ensures adequate availability and pressure to all service connections.
• Provides appropriate response to emergencies and spills including those involving hazardous materials; wears respirators including self contained breathing apparatus as required.
• Responds to inquiries from the vendors, suppliers, and public; answers questions from customers pertaining to water quality, low pressure, and leak reports.
• Supervises and Trains operators.
• Performs related duties as assigned or required
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The conditions herein are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential job functions.

Environment: Water treatment plant. Exposure to noise of plant machinery and other equipment; mechanical and electrical hazards of operating equipment; fumes and odors of chemicals and gases; toxic substances such as chemicals, cleaners, solvents, and gases; all types of weather and temperature conditions. Work and/or walk for long periods of time on various types of surfaces including slippery or uneven surfaces and rough terrain. Subject to 24-hour emergency callbacks and requires working varying hours, overtime, weekends, and holidays. Work environment is informal, team-oriented, having both routine and variable tasks with variable pace and pressure. Work is performed in both indoors and in plant area and outdoors in field and collateral facilities.

Physical: Primary functions require sufficient physical ability to work in a plant and field setting and operate assigned equipment. CONTINUOUS walking, balancing, bending, stooping, kneeling, crouching, lifting of objects weighing up to 10lbs from below waist level to above shoulder level and transporting for distances up to 100 yards, fine finger dexterity to operate tools and controls, firm grasp to lift and carry objects; FREQUENT sitting, standing, reaching, twisting at waist, upward and downward flexion of neck, side to side turning of neck, lifting of objects weighing 11-25lbs from below waist level to above shoulder level and transporting up to 100 yards; OCCASIONAL climbing, pushing/pulling, lifting of objects weighing from 26-50lbs from below waist level to above shoulder level and transporting for distances up to 10 yards; INFREQUENT crawling, lifting objects weighting from 51-100lbs below waist level; with assistance, and transporting for distances up to 10 feet with assistance. Must be able to climb 150+ foot ladder and work effectively at the height.

Other: Safety regulations prohibit Operators from wearing contact lenses when working with certain chemicals or from wearing beards or other facial har that prevents a proper respirator fit. Must pass annual respirator physical and fit testing.

The following generally describes the knowledge and ability required to enter the job and/or be learned within a short period of time in order to successfully perform the assigned duties.
 

• Operations, services, and activities of a water treatment system.
• Principles, practices, materials, chemicals, and operating procedures related to operation and maintenance of a water treatment plant.
• Operating principles of plant equipment including valves, pumps, and motors.
• Methods and techniques of reading and interpreting gauges, recording devices, and related monitoring systems.
• Tools and equipment used in the operation and maintenance of water treatment plant facilities.
• Maintenance and repair principles and practices including preventatvie maintenance procedures.
• Emergency maintenance and repair procedures related to water treatment facilities.
• Methods and techniques of conducting laboratory tests and procedures related to water treatment analysis.
• Mathematical calculations used in the water treatment operations.
• Hydraulic and distribution principles.
• Pertinent federal, state, and local laws, codes, and regulations.
• Operational and safety regulations pertaining to water treatment plant operations.
• Occupational hazards and standard safety precautions.
• Principles and procedures used in the proper handling of chemiclas.
• Principles and practices of customer service.
• Office procedures, methods, and equipment including computers and applicable software applications.
• Principles and practices of record keeping
• Principles of training.

Ability to:

• Operate, monitor, and maintain a variety of water treatment plant equipment, facilities and systems.
• Perform complex inspections and preventive maintenance of treatment plant facilities and equipment.
• Read and interpret gauges, meters and other instrument readings and take effective course of action.
• Diagnose complex operational problems and perform effective maintenance on equipment.
• Respond to changing demands on water flow, water quality, and equipment requirements.
• Monitor and adjust plant processes.
• Compile and record complex data and material.
• Work well with others in a team environment.
• Complete work within an assigned time frame.
• Perform math calculations related to water works.
• Operate assigned equipment and tools in a safe and effective manner.
• Operate office equipment including computers and applicable software applications.
• Work independently in the absence of supervision.
• Demonstrate an awareness and appreciation of the cultural diversity of the community.
• Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.

Education and Experience: High School Diploma or GED required supplemented by TCEQ training courses in the Surface and Ground Water related fields also management training is highly desirable.

Experience: Three to Five years of experience in a Surface Water Treatment Plant Operator.

License or Certificate: Possession of a Class 'C' Surface Water Treatment Plant Operator Certificate issued by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality Required. Must be able to obtain and acquire a valid class 'B' Water works license issued by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality within (2) years of accepting position. Possession of a valid Texas Class  C Texas driver's license is required.