WATER PLANT LEAD OPERATOR - LAKE MURRAY

About the role

This position performs skilled technical and manual work in the daily operation of an assigned water treatment plant; directs and provides instruction and leadership to lower-level operators as assigned; prepares and maintains required records and reports; and performs related work as required.

Responsibilities

• Provides direct supervision of Water Plant Operators engaged in monitoring and performing all daily plant operations to achieve compliance and maximum efficiency of operations;
• Inspects equipment and processes to determine efficiency of operations, maintenance requirements, and cleanliness;
• Troubleshoots technical and mechanical problems; initiates corrective action as necessary;
• Advises and consults with appropriate Water Treatment Plant staff on unusual operational issues and/or the need for adjustments/repairs of equipment that may potentially affect compliance and/or efficiency with respect to the overall process control of the Water Treatment Plant;
• Provides assistance to the Assistant Water Treatment Plant Superintendent with plant safety and other work related programs;
• In the absence of the Water Plant Chief Operator, may assume those duties and responsibilities on a temporary basis as assigned;
• Maintains and cleans assigned vehicles and equipment;
• Monitors and records readings from meters, gauges and instruments;
• Starts up, shuts down, regulates and adjusts motors, pumps, compressors, grinders, blowers, valves and other apparatus to meet changing operating conditions;
• Assists in determining chemical dosages and feed rates;
• Cleans and maintains assigned vehicles and equipment;
• Assists in ensuring plant compliance with City/department policies and procedures, S.C. DHEC regulations, and all other applicable laws, regulations, and standards of quality and safety;
• Assists in ensuring plant security at all times;
• Prepares and maintains accurate and complete work records;
• Completes special projects as assigned;
• Performs general clerical work as required, including preparing records and reports, completing forms, copying and filing documents, entering and retrieving computer data, answering the telephone, etc.;
• Attends meetings, training, seminars, etc., as appropriate to enhance job knowledge and skills;
• Receives and responds to inquiries, requests for assistance and complaints from City personnel and customers in areas of responsibility;
• Serves on call 24 hours per day to ensure uninterrupted service for customers;
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

Requirements

• High school diploma or GED;
• Two (2) years of relevant prior experience;
• Valid South Carolina Class “D” Driver’s License;
• Class “B” Water Treatment Plant Operator’s License;
• Must obtain a Class “A” Water Treatment Plant Operator’s License within one (1) year from date of hire or promotion;
• Selected applicant must pass a respiratory physical in compliance with OSHA Regulation 1920.134 Section (b);
• Will be required to work rotating shifts to include nights, weekends and holidays.

Qualifications

• Knowledge of addition and subtraction, multiplication and division, and/or calculating ratios, rates and percentages;
• Ability to coordinate or determine time, place or sequence of operations or activities based on analysis of data or information and may implement and report on operations and activities;
• Ability to provide information, guidance or assistance to people to directly facilitate task accomplishment; may give directions or assignments to helpers or assistants;
• Ability to lead, operate or repair complex machinery or equipment that requires extended training and experience, such as water meters; may involve installation and testing.

Special Requirements

• Selected applicant must pass a respiratory physical in compliance with OSHA Regulation 1920.134 Section (b);
• Will be required to work rotating shifts to include nights, weekends and holidays.

Pay

The City of Columbia is proud to offer a complete benefits package to full-time employees. This package includes health care, dental, vision, retirement, deferred compensation plans, flexible spending accounts, life insurance, long-term disability, holidays, vacation, and sick leave.

Schedule

Part-time or temporary employees, including interns, are not eligible for City benefits.