Treatment Plant Operator I, II, III

To be considered for the position you must apply using the provided link: Click Here to Apply!

*This is a full time, non-exempt position and can be filled as a Treatment Plant Operator II, or III based on experience. (See link for full description and salary detail).

Treatment Plant Operator I: $45.56 - $49.05/hour

Treatment Plant Operator II: $52.83 - $56.88/hour 

https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/scvwater/classspecs/1250129

Treatment Plant Operator III: $58.31 - $62.80/hour

https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/scvwater/classspecs/1656089

DEFINITION

Initially under immediate and then general supervision, learns and performs a variety of semi-skilled and skilled duties associated with the installation, repair, operation and maintenance of the agency's water treatment plants and distribution systems and facilities; monitors and controls the operation of water treatment plants and distribution systems; utilizes the Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) system to ensure efficient operation of the water treatment and distribution systems; operates and monitors pumps, valves, and related equipment to regulate the flow of water through a treatment plant and related facilities; inspects, tests and maintains motors, pumps, valves, chemical feeders, and related equipment; and performs other related duties as required.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS

Treatment Plant Operator I is the entry-level class in the Treatment Plant Operator series.  This class is distinguished from Treatment Plant Operator II in that incumbents in this class perform the more routine duties assigned to the series with less independence while acquiring the knowledge and experience needed to perform the full range of journey level work.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED/EXERCISED

Receives general supervision from the Operations & Maintenance Superintendent. Incumbent does not lead or supervise other employees. 

EXAMPLES OF ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS (Illustrative Only)

Management reserves the right to add, modify, change, or rescind the work assignments of different positions and to make reasonable accommodations so that qualified employees can perform the essential functions of the job.

Duties may include, but are not limited to, the following: 

• Learns and performs a variety of skilled and semi-skilled duties associated with the installation, repair, operation and maintenance of the agency's water treatment plants and distribution systems and facilities.

• Monitors and controls the operation of water treatment plants and distribution systems, including performing chemical pump drawdowns, adjusting flows, setting, adjusting, and backwashing filters, and calculating and setting optimal chemical dosage levels by adjusting chemical feeders; utilizes telemetry system, filtration equipment, plant flow and aqueduct water blends, reservoirs, and/or storage tanks to determine system demands. 

• Utilizes Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) system to ensure efficient operation of the water treatment and distribution systems, including water treatment plants, reservoirs, wells, water storage tanks, pump stations, and related facilities; monitors flow and pressure; responds to alarms. 

• Operates and monitors pumps, valves, and related equipment to regulate the flow of water through a treatment plant and related facilities, and the water distribution system; starts, adjusts, and shuts down plant operations, and/or adjusts well field and distribution system flows to meet production and storage requirements and water quality standards. 

• Inspects, and tests motors, pumps, valves, chemical feeders, and related equipment; inspects vaults, pipelines, and related facilities for leaks; reports unusual conditions and/or the need for maintenance and repair of equipment, buildings, and grounds; notifies purveyors of water flow changes. 

• Takes inventory of chemicals and other treatment supplies; orders chemicals according to standard procedures; receives chemicals and supplies delivered during assigned shift and assists in their safe unloading and storage; handles hazardous materials in accordance with safety rules and procedures. 

• Takes water samples and performs standardized laboratory testing, such as chlorine residual, pH, turbidity, temperature, taste, and odor; calculates chemical dosages and adjusts chemical feeders as necessary to maintain water quality. 

• Logs plant operations, test results, unusual operating conditions, maintenance work performed, and related information; maintains accurate logs and records of work performed and materials and equipment used; prepares operations reports. 

• Reads and interprets meters, gauges, charts, and instruments; performs preventive maintenance on pumps, motors, and other equipment; checks and adds oil; greases bearings. 

• Responds to alarms, equipment failures, and emergencies, taking necessary actions to maintain a reliable water supply. 

• Makes minor repairs or inspects contract repair work associated with repairs of pipelines, pumps, tanks, reservoirs, and related equipment. 

• Follows safety procedures and regulations. 

• Maintains public facilities, storage sites, and other work areas in a clean and orderly condition, including securing equipment at the close of the workday. 

• Operates a computer and assigned software.

• Performs other related duties as required.

PHYSICAL, MENTAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL WORKING CONDITIONS

This position requires prolonged sitting, standing, walking, reaching, twisting, turning, kneeling, bending, squatting, and/or stooping in the performance of daily activities.  The position also requires grasping, repetitive hand movement and fine coordination in making repairs. Additionally, the position requires near and far vision in making mechanical and system repairs. Incumbents are required to turn valves. The need to lift, drag, and push materials, supplies, and equipment weighing 50 pounds also is required.

Work is primarily performed outdoors in varied weather conditions including heat, rain and cold, and with potential exposure to road traffic, mechanical hazards, electrical hazards, and occasional confined spaces.

OTHER REQUIREMENTS

Some of these requirements may be accommodated for otherwise qualified individuals requiring and requesting such accommodations. For more information, see SCV Water Employee Manual Policy No. 4 – Americans with Disabilities, or the following link: SCV Water Employee Manual.

According to California state law, all Agency employees are disaster service workers and are expected to participate in emergency response initiatives. This could include contributing to the emergency planning process, participating in disaster exercises and training, as well as potentially responding to support actual emergency events. For more information, please see Section 6.10 of SCV Water Employee Manual Policy No. 6 – Recruitment and Hiring, or by clicking this link: SCV Water Employee Manual.

QUALIFICATIONS (The following are minimal qualifications necessary for entry into the classification.)

Education and / or Experience: 

Any combination of education and experience that has provided the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary for a Treatment Plant Operator. A typical way of obtaining the required qualifications is to possess:

Treatment Plant Operator I

• A high school diploma, GED or equivalent.

• No experience required.

Treatment Plant Operator II

• A high school diploma or equivalent GED.

• Two (2) years of experience in the operation, maintenance, and/or repair of water treatment plants and water distribution systems at a level comparable to Treatment Plant Operator I with the Agency.

Treatment Plant Operator III

• A high school diploma or equivalent GED.

• Five (5) years of experience in the operation, maintenance, and/or repair of water treatment plants and water distribution systems, including at least three (3) years at a level comparable to a Treatment Plant Operator II.

Licenses and Certifications:

• Possession of a valid California Driver's License, or evidence of equivalent mobility, to be maintained throughout employment.

Treatment Plant Operator I

• Possess and maintain a valid Grade II Water Treatment Operator Certificate issued by the California State Water Resources Control Board.

• Must obtain a Grade III Water Treatment Operator Certificate and a Grade III Water Distribution Operator Certificate issued by California State Water Resources Control Board within 18 months of hire.

Treatment Plant Operator II

• Possession of a valid Grade III Water Treatment Operator’s certification issued by the California State Water Resources Control Board, Division of Drinking Water, to be maintained throughout employment.

• Possession of a valid Grade III Water Distribution Operator’s certification issued by California State Water Resources Control Board, Division of Drinking Water, to be maintained throughout employment.

Treatment Plant Operator III

• Possess and maintain a valid Grade IV Water Treatment Operator Certificate issued by the California State Water Resources Control Board.

• Possess and maintain a valid Grade III Water Distribution Operator Certificate issued by California State Water Resources Control Board.

KNOWLEDGE / SKILLS / ABILITIES (The following are a representative sample of the KSA’s necessary to perform essential duties of the position.) 

Knowledge / Skills of:

• Basic principles, practices, tools, equipment, and materials required to maintain, operate, and control water treatment systems, reservoirs, and related infrastructure, facilities, water distribution systems, water hydraulics, valves, pipe materials and water service components. 

• Operational and maintenance practices of electrical motors, pumps, and circuitry. 

• Routine preventive maintenance applicable to treatment plant facilities and equipment. 

• Occupational hazards and safety equipment and practices related to the work, including the handling of hazardous chemicals and confined space entry. 

• Basic mechanical, electrical and hydraulic principles. 

• Computer software related to the work such as SCADA and other telemetry systems. 

• English usage, spelling, vocabulary, grammar, and punctuation. 

• Mathematics related to water treatment. 

• Safe driving rules and practices. 

• Interpersonal skills using tact, patience, and courtesy.

Ability to:

• Understand and follow oral and written instructions. 

• Read and understand the policies, procedures, laws, codes, and regulations pertaining to assigned programs and functions. 

• Read, interpret, and apply technical information from manuals, drawings, and specifications. 

• Modify, maintain, and repair water treatment and water distribution systems, reservoirs, and related infrastructure, facilities, and equipment. 

• Analyze treatment processes and act when necessary. 

• Perform routine laboratory tests, interpret results, and adjust plant accordingly.  

• Troubleshoot maintenance problems and determine materials and supplies required for repair. 

• Make accurate arithmetic calculations such as flow rates, chemical dosages, chlorine demands, area circumference, and volume. 

• Safely and effectively use and operate hand tools, mechanical equipment, power tools, and equipment required for the work. 

• Maintain accurate logs, reports, and basic written records of work performed. 

• Organize work, set priorities, meet critical time deadlines, and follow up on assignments. 

• Use English effectively to communicate in person, over the telephone, and in writing. 

• Use tact, initiative, prudence, and judgment within well-defined policy and procedural and legal guidelines. 

• Operate a computer and assigned software.

• Communicate clearly and concisely. 

• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with agency staff, outside agencies, and the public.

To be considered for the position you must apply using the provided link: Click Here to Apply!