Listing Summary

Job Description – Water Treatment Plant Operator Nature of the Work To operate, monitor, maintain, and trouble-shoot the water treatment facility and its processes. Work involves responsibility for the technical aspects of plant operations, compliance with state and federal operating regulations. Work is performed with considerable independence under the direction of the Plant Manager, subject to review through reports and results achieved. The general work activities are plant operations, which involve water treatment theory / practice, plant equipment operation, maintenance, and repair. Essential Duties and Responsibilities Perform all aspects of sampling, monitoring, reporting and testing required to maintain compliance with Federal, State and Local regulations governing the water treatment process. Perform the installation, maintenance and repair of the physical plant and all of their components as well as the grounds. Assist in the performance of regular and unscheduled maintenance and repairs on all plant equipment and machinery. On call to respond to emergencies and breakdowns at the plant. Perform all work in conformance to Occupational Safety and Health Act regulations. Maintain open communications with the Plant Manager regarding the treatment process malfunctions, as well as make recommendations for repairs and improvements to these systems. Monitor the status of plant operating parameters, such as flows, pressures, chemical feeds, levels, and water quality indicators by reference to measuring systems, investigate variances, and make necessary adjustments as directed by the Plant Manager. Collect representative treatment process samples, perform water quality tests for turbidity, pH chlorine residual, and other tests as required and take appropriate action based on the results as per the State of Georgia Drinking Water Standards. Participates in and supports all Environmental, Health and Safety programs and initiatives such as inspections, meetings, hazard assessments, incident tracking, emergency drills, and other procedures and guidelines including those of Occupational Health and Safety

Communicate effectively with the public, other operators, supervisors, contractors, customers and other sections and departments at the appropriate technical level. Respond promptly and appropriately to environmental, electrical or mechanical emergencies to maintain compliance with the established policies and procedures. Support routine and emergency repairs to treatment process equipment without allowing the quality of the water to be compromised. Perform operational and maintenance inspections and testing of system assets, such as pumps, generators, chemical feeders, etc. Perform preventive maintenance, including lubrication, operating adjustments, cleaning and painting equipment. Load and unload chemicals, bulk liquids, powdered chemicals and bagged chemicals. Perform routine servicing and minor maintenance on plant mechanical equipment. Maintain plant records, including operating logs, daily diaries, monthly and annual reports, chemical inventories, and data logs. Record and document all data to ensure compliance with SOP’s and regulatory requirements. Identify needs; repair parts and tools, monitor inventory levels, and provide budget suggestions. Collect representative distribution system samples, perform water quality tests, and other tests as required. Perform outside maintenance activities such as general grounds keeping, reservoir, raw water intake, etc. Perform security, equipment inspections and local operation of plant, reservoir and raw water pump station. Other duties as assigned by the Plant Manager. Work Requirements Be able to perform and document various tests required by State and Federal agencies for the operation of a water treatment plant. Have a working knowledge of the operation, methods and procedures of a water treatment plant.Have a working knowledge of the machinery used for water treatment and pumping stations. Have a thorough knowledge of mechanical equipment and the ability to diagnose and correct equipment malfunction. Have a working knowledge of basic machinery preventive maintenance and repair. Demonstrated mechanical aptitude and the ability to accurately use a wide range of monitoring, controls and laboratory testing equipment. Demonstrated ability to work unsupervised and co-operate with other operators, to understand and follow instructions. Strong computer aptitude including demonstrated proficiency with databases, spreadsheets and word-processing software. Must be physically fit in order to climb ladders, work at heights, enter vaults and open and close valves. Demonstrated safety skills in the use of specialized protective equipment for chemical handling or containment and cleanup, including respirators, SCBA. Ability to work inside and outside in all types of weather and in conditions which may be noisy, dirty, wet, cold, hot and disagreeable. Be able to read and understand blueprints, drawings, schematics and maps Have the ability to work with independence and to make routine decisions on the operation of the plant processes and equipment during the Plant Managers absence. Training and Experience Required Hold a high school diploma or equivalent and have adequate experience in operating a water treatment facility. Necessary Special Requirements Must possess a Georgia Water Treatment Plant Operator’s Grade III license or the ability to obtain one. Maintain a Georgia Class C Driver’s license.This position is responsible for being aware of and complying with all applicable regulations, policies and procedures for day-to-day operations and to immediately report non-compliance situations to Plant Manger. This position requires operators to troubleshoot problems and exercise critical thinking in the execution of their duties. Incumbents in this role are mandated by legislation to attain and maintain required certifications and may be subject to external audits, spot inspections and other reviews to ensure compliance with these requirements. Physical Requirements Have the ability to descend and climb a ladder. Have the ability to lift at least 50 pounds. Have adequate respiratory function to utilize a Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus. Have the ability to detect and differentiate colors. This position requires shift work, 24/7, 365 days per year. Operators require the ability to use computerized controls and data collection systems to monitor and control plant operations and to acquire data. This position requires Operators to frequently learn new systems and procedures as the water treatment industry rapidly evolves. This position requires handling of hazardous chemicals on a daily basis