Facility Operator

About the role

Under the direction of the Field Supervisor, this role performs a variety of activities to support the operation of water production facilities, wastewater treatment facilities, lift stations, booster stations, distribution system, and the wastewater collection system.

Location: Based in the Wilmington area (main office in Hampstead).

Responsibilities

• Maintains equipment at assigned water production facilities and booster stations
• Operates and maintains distribution systems including mains, valves, hydrants and service lines
• Maintains equipment at wastewater treatment facilities and lift stations
• Operates and maintains sewer collection systems including collections mains and pump stations
• Troubleshoots and repairs service piping and other related equipment
• Performs routine water quality analysis in accordance with established processes and procedures
• Makes operational adjustments as needed to comply with state and federal water quality standards
• Adjusts chemical treatment to ensure water quality meets standards
• Calculates various ratios and dosages
• Completes customer service work orders, updates and maintains appropriate system documentation of activities and closes work orders in accordance with department policies and procedures
• Performs all tasks safely, professionally and in accordance with company policies and procedures as well as local, state and federal laws, rules and guidelines
• Assists with other tasks or projects as assigned

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED
• No previous experience required
• Valid U.S. Driver's License

Knowledge, skills, and abilities

• Familiarity with computers / tablets and the basic operation of database, spreadsheet and word processing programs preferred
• Ability to read, understand and accurately follow operating instructions both written and verbal
• Mathematical ability to perform calculations to determine various ratios, dosages, volumetric calculations that are required for the operation of the Wastewater Treatment Plants and Water Treatment Plants
• Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to communicate in writing
• Familiarity with and understanding of the need to prevent wastewater pollution of area waters
• Understand and maintain plant processes through computer-controlled equipment
• A team player able to work effectively in a team fostered multi-tasking environment

Career progression

• FO I – Minimum license requirement of C Well or Grade I
• FO II – Must meet dual licensing requirements and have either a B Well or a Grade II
• FO III – Must meet dual licensing requirements of at least a B Well and Grade II plus have an A Well or Grade III

Working conditions

• May be subject to extreme temperatures, noise, wet and/or humid conditions, mechanical, electrical, gas exposure hazards, fumes, dusts, mists, gases and/or poor ventilation atmospheric conditions
• Ability to lift and carry up to 75 pounds
• Working conditions include travel to work sites of Essential Utilities and/or other constituents
• Must obtain a CDL Class C with Hazmat endorsement within 90 days of hire
• Must be available to be on-call nights and on weekends to adequately staff a 24 hour/7 day operation