WATER TREATMENT PLANT OPERATOR I

About the role

Under general supervision, this position is responsible for monitoring, operating, and controlling water treatment and processing equipment to regulate the water purification process. The role ensures an adequate supply of potable water for domestic use and fire protection, and performs related duties as assigned.

Responsibilities

• Checks and maintains proper levels in the brine tank.
• Regulates the proper flow of chemicals through mechanical feeders according to prescribed instructions.
• Transfers chemicals from storage to feeder hopper.
• Assists with the changing of chlorine tanks.
• Checks for residual chlorine, pH, and hardness.
• Operates water filters, maintains proper water level, and washes filters when necessary.
• Regenerates water softeners.
• Checks and maintains proper water levels in the tank and covered storage reservoir by operating pumps and opening and closing valves.
• Takes water samples for chemical analysis, checks samples for clearness and settled water, and makes routine chemical tests of water samples.
• Checks and lubricates pumps, motors, and other plant equipment.
• Brings mechanical defects to the attention of the Assistant Water Utilities Superintendent and assists with the maintenance and repair of machinery and equipment.
• Performs general custodial work in keeping the plant clean and orderly.
• Performs general maintenance duties as assigned by the Assistant Water Utilities Superintendent or designee.
• Meets all job safety requirements and standards that pertain to the essential functions of the position.
• Demonstrates regular and predictable attendance.

Requirements

• Graduation from a standard high school or trade school, including or supplemented by courses in chemistry or related subjects.
• Experience in water plant operations and maintenance work; or any equivalent combination of experience and training which provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities.
• Must possess a valid State of Ohio driver’s license and ability to maintain continuing eligibility under the City’s driver eligibility standards.
• Must possess a valid EPA Water Supply Class I license upon hire, or obtain an Operator In Training designation (OIT) within 12 months of hire.
• Must be lab-certified by the Ohio EPA in chemical analysis within 3 months of hire.
• Must be a non-smoker and non-tobacco/nicotine user, including but not limited to cigarettes, cigars, pipes, snuff, etc., and refrain from using all tobacco/nicotine products for the duration of employment with the City.
• Must be able to work any shift assigned, including 10 days on and 4 days off. Regular shift assignments are assigned annually based on City seniority.
• Must be a current non-probationary AFSCME member who has occupied their current position for more than 180 days.

Skills & Knowledge

• Knowledge: Functions and servicing requirements of mechanical equipment and machinery, and the processes involved in water purification, including some knowledge of chemistry.
• Skills: Mechanical aptitude.
• Abilities:
  • Inspect machinery and mechanical equipment in operation and detect flaws and defects.
  • Read simple meters and charts accurately and maintain simple records of shift operation.
  • Understand and follow oral and written instructions.

Tools & Equipment Used

The following are examples only and are not intended to be all-inclusive:

• Motor vehicles, generators, pumps, gauges
• Common hand and power tools, shovels, wrenches
• Detection devices, mobile radios, phones, calculators
• Various lab equipment

Physical Demands

• Regularly required to stand, walk, use hands and fingers to handle or feel, and talk or hear.
• Frequently required to reach with hands and arms and climb or balance.
• Occasionally required to sit.
• Must frequently lift and/or move up to 10 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds.
• Specific vision abilities required include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.

Work Environment

• Regularly works in outside weather conditions.
• Occasionally works near moving mechanical parts and is occasionally exposed to wet and/or humid conditions.
• Occasionally works in high, precarious places and is occasionally exposed to fumes or airborne particles, risk of electrical shock, and vibration.
• Frequently exposed to hazardous chemicals.

Schedule

Seniority per classification at the Water Treatment Plant determines regular shift assignments:

• 8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
• 4:00 p.m. - 12:00 midnight
• 12:00 midnight - 8:00 a.m.

Benefits

• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision plan options.
• Comprehensive prescription-drug plan.
• Medical and dependent care flexible spending accounts.
• Employee assistance program.
• Voluntary Vitality wellness program with financial incentives credited to health savings account (HSA) or health reimbursement account (HRA).
• Free membership at the City’s state-of-the-art Natatorium fitness facility.
• State pension benefits and deferred compensation plans for personal retirement savings.
• Group and retiree life insurance, voluntary life insurance for employees and dependents, plus supplemental benefits through AFLAC.