Job Description

Objective

Under general supervision, performs a variety of duties associated with the day-to-day operation and maintenance of the water or the wastewater plant/facilities for the City of Palestine.

Essential Job Functions

• Monitors overall operations of water or wastewater treatment plant;  checks gauges, chemical dosages and feed rates;  adds chemicals to maintain proper feed rates and chemical balances;  checks equipment to maintain proper operation;  maintains, cleans and backwashes screens, sand traps, and other devices; performs daily, scheduled and preventative maintenance on all equipment, instruments, and hand tools.
• Reviews and assesses water quality; creates, updates and maintains a variety of records, files and reports; performs quality control checks on equipment, incoming and outgoing water quality; monitors lab test results;  undertakes and performs minor equipment repairs;  responds to water and/or wastewater emergencies on a 24 hour on-call basis;   responds to citizen inquiries and concerns. 

Other Important Job Functions

• Knowledge of applicable local, state and Federal statutes, rules, regulations, ordinances, codes, policies and procedures, water quality requirements, City of Palestine policies and procedures and other governing documents.
• Knowledge of the principles of file and records management.
• Knowledge of basic chemistry, chemical compounds and related disciplines.
• Knowledge of the basic principles of hydraulics, water flow, pumping and related operations.
• Skill in reading, understanding, interpreting and applying complex, potentially conflicting policies, procedures, guidelines and directives.
• Skill in reviewing and assessing potentially conflicting information and establishing priorities.
• Skill in developing and presenting oral and written reports for internal and public distribution.
• Skill in establishing and maintaining effective working relations with employees, other departments, contractors, vendors, the new media, the general public and others having business with the City of Palestine.
• Skill in setting up, operating and handling a variety of testing equipment and in operating a computer utilizing a variety of software applications.

Qualifications and Education Requirements

• A high school diploma or GED AND two years of relevant, progressively responsible water and/or wastewater treatment plant operation, plumber, construction or closely related responsibilities.

• Must have at the time of application or must be able to obtain and maintain a Class “C” certificate in water treatment and/or wastewater treatment within 6 months after work experience requirements are met from the TCEQ.

Acceptable Experience and training

Certifications and Licenses required

Must be willing and capable of completing all required courses and classes for certification requirements.

Must possess a Valid Texas motor vehicle driver’s license.

Conditions of Employment

Must pass a pre-employment drug screen and/or physical exam.  Employees are subject to random drug/alcohol testing throughout their employment.

Must have and maintain a satisfactory driving record 

Additional Information

• The Water Treatment Plant works a Saturday to Friday work week schedule.
• Must be able to work any shift.
• Performs other duties as assigned or required
• May be required to work overtime or be called in to work when staffing requires.  May be exposed to infectious diseases, hazardous chemicals, extreme weather conditions, and dangerous machinery.
• May be required to lift and/or carry heavy, bulky equipment, supplies and/or materials weighing up to 100 pounds.
• May be required to work outside the traditional work schedule/week.
• (Essential functions, as defined under the Americans with Disabilities Act may include, but are not limited to, the following tasks, knowledge, skills and other characteristics.  This list of tasks is ILLUSTRATIVE ONLY and is not a comprehensive listing of all functions and tasks performed by positions in this class.)