WATER TREATMENT OPERATOR

To perform a variety of semi-skilled and skilled tasks associated with the operation of the City’s drinking water treatment plant; to monitor treatment plant and distribution system operations; to respond to alarms; to collect and analyze water samples; and to maintain and submit a variety of State documents and records.
 

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS

This is the journey level class in the Water Treatment Operator series requiring certification as a Grade T3 Operator and is distinguished from the entry level by the assignment of the full range of duties. Employees at this level receive relatively less instruction or assistance and are fully aware of the operating procedures and policies within the work unit. This class is distinguished from the Advanced Water Treatment Operator in that the latter performs the more complex duties related to the operation of the City’s Water Treatment Plant.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED

Receives general supervision from an assigned supervisor or manager and receives technical and functional supervision from an Advanced or Senior Water Treatment Operator.

Duties may include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Control and operate treatment plant equipment manually and using SCADA (Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition) computer equipment to control and monitor flow of water and treatment chemicals through the water treatment plant and water distribution systems; monitor gauges and meters and record meter readings; maintain shift log.
• Monitor operations to ensure proper processing of water to meet local, State and Federal regulations; adjust treatment processes and chemicals as necessary to ensure proper water quality; maintain logbooks, daily plant data and other records.
• Observe variations in operating conditions; interpret computer, meter, and gauge readings; check, standardize, and calibrate instruments, analyzers, and chemical feed pumps; start and stop electric driven pumps and motors to control and adjust flow and treatment processes.
• Respond to and resolve alarms.
• Inspect mechanical equipment for proper working order and prepare/submit work orders for mechanic and/or electrical maintenance attention; perform routine maintenance work.
• Collect, test, and analyze water samples; collect, record, and analyze plant performance and water quality data for compliance reporting purposes and internal use.
• Compile, review and analyze statistical data related to treatment plant operations for to assist in the planning of plant upgrades and implementation.
• Complete a variety of weekly, monthly, and annual operational reports; develop and update standard operating procedures; prepare and submit reports required by the State.
• Order and receive chemicals; complete necessary paperwork.
• Monitor and diagnose plant and distribution operation issues and take corrective actions; control water tank levels, pressure reducing/flow control stations, and pumping stations.
• Receive and respond to customer service issues related to water quality.
• Assist in the development and/or update of Standard Operating Procedures.
• Perform all duties associated with the Water Treatment Operator classification.
• Represent the City with dignity, integrity, and the spirit of cooperation in all relations with staff and the public.
• Foster an environment that embraces integrity, service, inclusion and collaboration.
• Be an integral team player, which involves flexibility, cooperation, and communication.
• Build and maintain positive working relationships with co-workers, other City employees and the public using principles of good customer service.
• Performs related duties as assigned.

Knowledge of:

• Principles, practices, and regulations related to operating a water treatment plant in accordance with the scope of duties allowed by a licensed treatment plant operator at the level required for position.
• State of California expected range of knowledge for licensed treatment plant operators at the level required for position.
• Arithmetic calculations.
• Basic mechanical, electrical and hydraulic principles.
• Tools and equipment needed to make general repairs and adjustments to water treatment plant equipment.
• Principles and practices associated with operating a drinking water treatment plant and associated facilities.
• Basic drinking water standards and regulations.
• Basic water treatment and distribution practices and procedures.
• Proper handling of hazardous materials.
• Basic water quality testing procedures.
• Modern office practices, methods, and computer equipment including relevant software programs.
• Oral and written communication skills; business English including vocabulary, spelling, and correct grammatical usage and punctuation.
• Safe work practices.
• Principles and practices of excellent customer service.

Ability to:

• Apply practices and procedures related to the operation and maintenance of a drinking water treatment plant consistent with the level of license required for the position.
• On an ongoing basis, know and understand operations, and all requirements and essential aspects of the job, know and observe safety rules and identify hazards; intermittently locate, analyze, detect and diagnose problem equipment and determine solutions; locate, adjust and operate tools and equipment; intermittently access, review, interpret and enter or adjust information on documents and work orders, remember instructions and how to operate equipment; interpret and communicate technical and numerical information.
• Position self and intermittently move so as to access, maintain, clean, repair and/or install equipment; intermittently move, traverse and position self around the office, shop or job site while performing work activities and performing maintenance and repair activities and to reach needed items; remain in stationary position at a desk, table, counter, or while driving vehicle or operating equipment; manipulate and use a variety of mechanical and electric powered tools; manipulate, activate, operate and adjust equipment; ascend and descend ladders or step stools to reach equipment or other items and to access areas out of reach; safely use and dispose of chemicals as per instructions; and move or transport weight of 50 pounds or less.
• Keep and maintain written records, logs, and reports.
• Apply local, State and Federal regulations related to the operation of a drinking water treatment plant.
• Effectively use a variety of software related to office operations and the operation of the plant and distribution system.
• Learn to operate a variety of heavy equipment.
• Understand and carry out oral and written instructions and prioritize workload to meet deadlines.
• Read, write, and comprehend the English language at a level necessary for effective job performance exercising correct English usage, vocabulary, spelling, grammar and punctuation.
• Communicate effectively, tactfully, and positively in both oral and written form.
• Operate and use modern office equipment and technology, including computers and applicable software.
• Maintain regular attendance and adhere to prescribed work schedule to conduct job responsibilities.
• Utilize appropriate safety procedures and practices for assigned duties.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.
• Contribute effectively to the accomplishments of City goals, objectives, and activities.

Education and Experience:

Any combination of education, experience, and training that would provide the best qualified candidates. A typical way to obtain the knowledge, skills, and abilities would be:

Equivalent to the completion of the twelfth grade.

Two years of increasingly responsible experience in the monitoring and operation of a water treatment plan similar to that of a Water Treatment Operator Trainee with the City of Napa.

Special Requirements:

Possession at the time of hire and continued maintenance of a valid California Class C Driver’s License is required.

Possession at the time of hire and continued maintenance of a Grade T3 Water Treatment Operator Certificate issued by the State of California is required.

Working Conditions:

Work is performed in a typical outdoor and plant environment on a year-round basis, subject to typical field noise and exposure to loud equipment and machinery. Some positions may be assigned to remote locations. Positions require 12-hour shifts including graveyard shift assignments. Positions may be required to respond to emergencies and work outside of normal business hours including evenings and weekends. Must be willing to work in confined spaces and with exposure to potentially hazardous substances. Depending upon assignment, may require standby work assignments. Travel is rare.