Chief Water Plant Operator

Directs the operation of both water treatment plants to ensure the quality and quantity of water supplied to the City's water distribution system.

• Plans, assigns, and supervises the work of employees engaged in various processes of water treatment.
• Sets up, calibrates, and inspects the operation of chemical feed and filtration equipment.
• Consults with the water laboratory regarding water treatment problems and determines the type and amount of chemicals to be used.
• Determines the need for recovery cleans and repairing of membranes.
• Receives and investigates complaints from the public concerning the condition of finished water.
• Trains operators and other personnel in the performance of their duties.
• Processes and organizes employees’ timecards, overtime records, operation logs, employee attendance records, schedules employee time off, and prepares various reports as needed.
• Utilizes daily reports, operator logs, bench testing, daily lab reports, and other resources to support process control decisions and troubleshooting. 

Education, Training and Experience

• High School or completion of a GED is required.
• Minimum of four (4) years of experience in filter plant operations, including at least two (2) years in a supervisory capacity.

Licenses and Certificates

• Possession of a valid Pennsylvania State Driver’s License is required.
• Possession of, or the ability to obtain within two (2) years, a Class A Water Operator Certification as required by the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection. 

• Follows safe practices in the performance of the position duties.
• Proficiency in knowledge, understanding and use of Microsoft (or similar) suite of tools (Word, and Excel, Outlook or Lotus Notes).
• Ability to interpret, verify, and accurately enter data into a computer database.
• Ability to work well under pressure and to maintain positive interactions.
• Strong interpersonal skills.
• Ability to multi-task in a fast-paced environment.
• Ability to read, write, speak, and comprehend English.
• Ability to work collaboratively as part of a team. 
• Flexibility and adaptability to new or changed situations, with willingness to improve work processes.
• Ability to exhibit customer-centered behaviors and to focus on customer needs.
• Ability to commit to excellence in service and to continuous improvement.

Environmental Conditions 

• Indoors, environmentally controlled work.
• Outdoor, exposed to inclement weather and extreme temperature. 
• Exposure to noise and pollution.

Safety Equipment Used or Needed

• Personal Protective Equipment such as hardhats, gloves, safety glasses, ear protection, rain gear, steel toed safety shoes, rain boots and respirators. 

Comments 

• Requires occasional lifting up to 50 lbs.
• Works around motorized or moving equipment and machinery.
• Requires working long hours and must be available to handle emergency situations after hours, weekends and holidays.
• Knowledge, skills and/or abilities assessment tests may be conducted as part of the position screening process.
• This description was prepared to indicate the kinds of activities and levels of work difficulty required of positions in this class. It is not intended as a complete list of specific duties and responsibilities.