Water Plant Operator II

Responsible for compliance reporting and testing of the City's water treatment and distribution system and for operating the city’s water treatment facility in accordance with the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) and Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regulations. Performs complex lab analyses, resolves water quality concerns, and provides safe and reliable water to Grapevine Residents.

1. Monitors, analyzes, and records water treatment plant operations including chemical feed rates, water flows, storage tank levels, system pressures, filter backwash cycles, and instrumentation readings; adjusts chemical concentrations and treatment processes as required.
2. Reviews and interprets laboratory results, plant data, and distribution system trends; recommends and implements operational changes to maintain compliance and optimize water quality.
3. Operates the Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) system to monitor and control plant processes, alarms, and distribution system conditions.
4. Administers and performs the City’s dead end main flushing program, hydrant/blow off flushing, and associated water quality monitoring, ensuring proper dechlorination and documentation.
5. Collects, tests, analyzes, and interprets water samples for trihalomethanes, HAAs, lead, copper, bacteriological indicators, chlorine residuals, nitrites/nitrates, and other regulatory parameters; implements corrective actions as needed.
6. Conducts some preventive and corrective maintenance on plant equipment and instrumentation, including calibration, adjustments, minor repairs, cleaning, and assisting maintenance with electrical/mechanical troubleshooting.
7. Performs facility maintenance including cleaning, grounds upkeep, and maintaining safe, orderly work areas.
8. Investigates, researches, and resolves customer water quality complaints; provides technical explanations and guidance to citizens and internal departments.
9. Prepares, maintains, and reviews accurate records, logs, and regulatory documentation including SWMOR, bacteriological reports, flushing reports, water loss audits, water use surveys, and other required state and federal submissions.
10. Trains plant personnel on sampling procedures, laboratory and field equipment, plant processes, and water quality standards; may supervise Operators I and Apprentices as needed.
11. Assists in writing, revising, and updating standard operating procedures, forms, and testing protocols; ensures compliance with evolving TCEQ and EPA regulations.
12. Accounts for all water usage associated with flushing, testing, and operational activities.
13. Provides verbal and written reports to management and participates in meetings related to water quality, treatment operations, and regulatory compliance.
14. Performs driving duties to collect samples, respond to water quality issues, and conduct field inspections throughout the City.
15. Ensures safe, efficient, and cost effective operation of sampling, testing, and treatment processes.
16. Interacts professionally and respectfully with the public, coworkers, and regulatory agencies.
17. Performs related duties as assigned when such duties are logical and appropriate to the position.
18. Regular and timely attendance is required for this position.

SKILLS, KNOWLEDGE AND ABILITIES 

• Comprehensive knowledge of water treatment plant operations, pumps, motors, valves, chlorinators, ammoniators, and process instrumentation.
• Strong understanding of water laboratory techniques, sampling protocols, and analytical testing.
• Up to date knowledge of TCEQ and EPA regulations for both treatment and distribution systems.
• Ability to perform complex laboratory analyses, interpret data, and apply corrective measures.
• Ability to operate SCADA systems and interpret system alarms, trends, and process data.
• Ability to read and interpret charts, flow diagrams, maintenance manuals, and technical instructions.
• Strong computer skills for data entry, reporting, and regulatory documentation.
• Ability to independently perform a high percentage of tasks without direct supervision.
• Ability to exercise sound judgment, discretion, and resourcefulness in applying guidelines.
• Ability to respond appropriately to emergency situations and make operational decisions.
• Ability to plan, initiate, and execute plant projects including procurement of supplies and coordination of personnel.
• Strong communication skills in both writing and speech for interacting with the public, coworkers, and regulatory agencies.
• Ability to work any day of the week, including weekends, long hours, shift work, overtime, and on call assignments.
• Ability to perform manual labor and work in adverse environmental conditions.
• Ability to distinguish colors for interpreting lab results and chemical indicators.
• Understanding of the following reports per requirements:
  • Lead & Copper
  • UCMR (Unregulated Contaminant Monitoring Rule)
  • LT2 (Long Term)
  • BacT Testing
  • NAP Testing (Nitrification Action Plan)
  • RTCR (Revised Total Coliform Rule)
  • Water Use Survey
  • Water Loss Audit
  • Water Utility Profile
  • Water Conservation Plan
  • CCR (Consumer Confidence Report)
  • SWMOR (Surface Water Monthly Operating Report)

EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE AND OTHER REQUIREMENTS 

High school diploma or equivalent required and a minimum 2.5 years of experience at a water treatment facility or an equivalent combination of education, training and/or experience that provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform the essential functions of the job. 

An associate’s degree or 60 college credit hours in math, chemistry, biology, or related field preferred.

Must possess a Class “B” Surface Water License issued by the TCEQ. 

Experience with SCADA systems required. 

Must be able to work shift work, overtime and be subject to on-call as required.

Must pass a Federal/National criminal background check. Must have a valid Texas driver’s license with an acceptable driving record as defined by City policy.

Must pass a pre-employment basic physical, drug screen, pulmonary function test, functional  assessment screening (Level 2), Titmus vision screening, and an Ishihara vision screening.

WORKING CONDITIONS 

While performing the essential functions of this position, there will be routine and frequent exposure to:

•             Bright/dim light

•             Dusts and pollen

•             Extreme heat and/or cold

•             Wet or humid conditions

•             Extreme noise levels

•             Animals/wildlife

•             Vibration

•             Fumes and/or noxious odors

•             Traffic

•             Moving machinery

•             Toxic/caustic chemicals

•             Other extreme hazards not listed above

Safety equipment such as gloves, goggles, hard hats, safety vests, steel-toe boots, back support belts, and seat belts are provided and must be worn as required by department procedures and good safety practices.

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.

This job entails moderate physical labor, which requires strength and agility.  While performing the duties of this job, the employee frequently is required to stand; reach with hands and arms; climb or balance; stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl; and talk and hear.  The employee is occasionally required to sit or smell.  The employee must occasionally lift, shovel, and carry 55 to 60 pounds and exert up to 115 pounds of force.  Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus.

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by the person assigned to this position. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of responsibilities, duties and skills required. This job description does not constitute an employment agreement between the employer and the employee and is subject to change by the employer as the needs of the employer and the job requirements change.