Treatment Plant Operator (Water Certification Required)

Posted range: $38.25/hour. This position may be eligible for annual incentive pay and contracted increases as determined by the collective bargaining agreement, with opportunities for continued salary growth.

About the role

The Treatment Plant Operator operates, maintains, and inspects the water treatment plant and related facilities to supply, treat, store, and distribute potable water. They also operate and maintain solids handling facilities to thicken, dewater, and dispose of residuals from the water plant. The role involves technical work related to overall plant operation and maintenance, including adjustments and repairs, as well as solids handling operations. The operator is responsible for the daily operation of all solids handling and dewatering processes, ensuring compliance with regulations and maintaining effective communication with other operators, supervisors, and departments.

Responsibilities

• Monitors overall operations, analyzes chemical processes, and performs functions related to process control.
• Operates, monitors, and adjusts all related plant process equipment, pumps, and instrumentation.
• Operates a belt filter press dewatering system, monitoring and adjusting thickener performance, tracking solids volume, and offloading dewatered sludge.
• Conducts tests to determine proper chemical feed rates; calculates and adjusts pump settings and feeders as needed.
• Monitors and controls the water supply, transmission, and storage systems through SCADA.
• Assists in the safe unloading and storage of chemicals; takes daily inventory of process chemicals.
• Ensures water plant processes comply with all applicable state and federal regulations.
• Makes rounds of treatment facilities, collects and analyzes samples for compliance and process control, and performs laboratory tests.
• Maintains laboratory, plant, and operational equipment; performs routine housekeeping and grounds maintenance.
• Calibrates bench-top, online monitoring equipment, analyzers, and treatment equipment; records plant operation data.
• Maintains daily logs of plant operations, test results, maintenance work, and unusual conditions.
• Performs quarterly filter inspections and basin washes as needed.
• Monitors gravity thickeners, holding tanks, and settling basins; calculates chemical dosages and adjusts flows and polymer feed.
• Prepares polymer and sodium thiosulfate solutions; operates and adjusts mixing and feed systems.
• Takes daily meter readings and records press operation data.
• Operates a dump truck for hauling solids materials; performs daily vehicle checks and maintains heavy equipment.
• Performs solids analysis on slurry, dry cake, and supernatant discharge samples.
• Operates residuals program to maintain compliance with regulations.
• Maintains and calibrates assigned equipment; manages sludge holding area and transports solids for beneficial reuse.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

Requirements

• High school graduate or equivalent.
• Knowledge of water treatment operations, methods, practices, techniques, equipment, and materials.
• Good working knowledge of tools, equipment, safety hazards, and precautions in water treatment and solids handling.
• Knowledge of methods and precautions for storing and handling industrial chemicals.
• Knowledge of health and safety regulations related to electrical and mechanical equipment in water facilities.
• Possession of a Kentucky Class IV-A Water Treatment Operators License.
• Valid Kentucky driver’s license.
• Must maintain personal DOT certification for operating a dump truck.

Skills

• Ability to read and interpret charts, gauges, meters, and recording devices.
• Ability to prepare and maintain accurate records, logs, reports, and computer entries.
• Ability to perform accurate mathematical calculations related to plant operations.
• Ability to perform standardized water process control, monitoring, and compliance sampling and testing.
• Knowledge of water rules and regulations; ability to follow written and verbal instructions.
• Mechanical skills for making minor repairs to process equipment.
• Ability to use initiative and sound independent judgment within established guidelines.
• Computer skills: MS Word, MS Excel, and SCADA systems experience.
• Forklift, dump truck, and backhoe experience preferred.

Benefits

• Comprehensive benefits package including 401(k) and Defined Contribution Plan.
• Employee Stock Purchase Plan.
• Medical, prescription, dental, and vision coverage.
• Disability, paid time off, life insurance, and voluntary benefits.
• Health and wellness programs.
• Professional growth opportunities through learning and work experiences.

Schedule

Monday–Thursday, 10:00 PM – 8:00 AM. Weekend, holiday, and overtime work may be required. Shift work may include 8- to 16-hour shifts, with possible assignment to day, night, or early morning shifts as needed.

Work Conditions

• May be required to work indoors or outdoors in seasonal heat, cold, or adverse weather conditions.
• Regular exposure to fumes, dust, and odors.
• Must be physically able to complete tasks while wearing an approved full-face respirator.
• Must be able to lift in excess of 55 pounds unassisted and perform activities such as walking, stooping, lifting, and climbing.

Competencies

• Champions safety
• Customer obsessed
• Cultivates innovation
• Nimble learning
• Drives results
• Collaborates