WATER TREATMENT PLANT OPERATOR I

Under general supervision, is responsible for monitoring, operating, and controlling water treatment and processing equipment; regulates the water purification process to provide and maintain an adequate supply of potable water for domestic use and fire protection.  Performs related duties as assigned.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:  

• Checks and maintains proper levels in the brine tank.
• According to prescribed instructions, regulates the proper flow of chemicals through mechanical feeders.
• 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.

OTHER DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:  Performs any related duties as assigned.

TOOLS AND 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, and various lab equipment.

Graduation from a standard high school or trade school, including or supplemented by courses in chemistry or related subjects; must have experience in water plant operations and maintenance work; or any equivalent combination of experience and training which provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform the essential functions of the position. 

• Knowledge: The 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.

LICENSURE OR CERTIFICATION REQUIRED:  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.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:  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.

The Water Treatment Plant requires 24/7 operation.  The employee 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.

SUPERVISION EXERCISED:  None

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:  The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand; walk; use hands and fingers to handle or feel; and talk or hear.  The employee frequently is required to reach with hands and arms and climb or balance.  The employee is occasionally required to sit.  The employee must frequently lift and/or move up to 10 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds.  Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust to focus.

WORK ENVIRONMENT:  The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee regularly works in outside weather conditions.  The employee occasionally works near moving mechanical parts and is occasionally exposed to wet and/or humid conditions.  The employee occasionally works in high, precarious places and is occasionally exposed to fumes or airborne particles, risk of electrical shock, and vibration.  The employee is frequently exposed to hazardous chemicals.

REGULAR WORK WEEK:  Seniority per classification at the Water Treatment Plant shall be the determining factor in regular shift assignments as follows:
ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:  Must be a current non-probationary AFSMCE member who has occupied their current position for more than 180 days.

CONTACT:   Russell Kring, Water Utilities Superintendent, at 330-971-8133, if there are questions.

Employees who wish to be considered for this position may complete a written AFSCME bid application and submit it to the Human Resources department by the bid deadline, or complete a promotional application online by the bid deadline at:

https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/cuyahogafalls/promotionaljobs