Water Treatment Plant Operator II

Under the supervision of a higher-classified employee, observe and adjust gauges, filters, valves, chemical feeders, and other water plant equipment during an assigned shift. Perform physical, chemical, and bacteriological analysis of the water supply and record findings.

Responsibilities

• Make observations and record information from gauges, charts, and meters on a regular basis.
• Adjust pumping, treatment, and other equipment to ensure a continuous supply of potable water, occasionally involving mechanical adjustments using fly wheels and pulling chains.
• Collect water samples periodically at the plant and perform various required chemical analysis tests.
• Conduct water chemistry tests on raw water entering the treatment plant and finished water entering the distribution system.
• Perform bacteriological work, such as inoculating culture tubes and plates with water samples to assess disinfection efficiency and safety for consumption.
• Clean and sterilize glassware used in the laboratory.
• Fill chemical feeding machines with materials such as caustic soda, phosphate, and fluoride; unload and replace large chlorine tanks and other chemicals.
• Calculate and adjust chemical feed rates to correct levels.
• Obtain periodic readings from charts and maintain daily logs for state report preparation.
• Perform general plant inspections, change charts, wash filters, and note maintenance or repairs needed.
• Compute and record operational data, such as parts per million of chemicals fed, daily water pumped, and any unusual occurrences affecting plant operations.
• Perform general maintenance of plant facilities as necessary.
• Start up and operate diesel generators and accessories.
• Wear appropriate personal protective equipment, including self-contained breathing apparatus when necessary.
• Report jobs worked, equipment, and materials used on a timecard.
• May perform the work of lower-classified employees as assigned.

Requirements

• High school education or GED.
• Must obtain an F-4 Operators license as required by the State of Michigan within two years from the date of appointment.
• Ability to lift, push, or pull objects weighing up to 50 pounds.
• Ability to read, write, speak, and understand English as necessary for the position.
• Ability to follow written and oral instructions and work cooperatively with other employees and the public.
• Must possess and maintain a record of law-abiding citizenship, sobriety, integrity, and loyalty reflecting positively on employment with the City.
• Must be physically and mentally able to perform job duties without excessive absences.

Physical Demands

• Frequently stand, sit, walk, use arms, hands, and fingers, talk, hear, and see.
• Frequently use hand strength to grasp tools and turn large valves.
• Frequently climb steps and occasionally climb ladders.
• Frequently reach, pull, and twist with hands and arms.
• Operate vibrating machinery, use a shovel and hand tools, move and operate portable pumps, air hammers, power saws, etc.
• Occasionally lift and/or move up to 60 pounds and assist co-workers with heavier objects; apply torque strength of up to 75 pounds.
• Occasionally work in a business office setting with limited mobility and manual dexterity for typing and data entry.
• Work both indoors and outdoors, occasionally near moving mechanical equipment.
• Frequently work with hazardous chemicals and irritants, using appropriate personal protective equipment.
• Moderate noise levels in the work environment.