Water Plant Operator Apprentice/Water Plant Operator I (based on qualifications)

Water Plant Operator Apprentice 
$20.48 per hour - $29.70 per hour
Assists the Water Treatment Plant Operators as an apprentice performing duties as assigned.

Water Plant Operator I
$23.71 per hour - $34.38 per hour
Cost effectively operates and maintains municipal water treatment plant facilities providing quality and safe water to Grapevine residents while meeting or exceeding the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) and the Environmental Agency (EPA) standards.

Water Plant Operator Apprentice
Under close supervision and guidance from a minimum class C-licensed operator, the apprentice performs various assigned duties at the water treatment facility in order to learn critical elements of safety, water treatment and plant operations and performs:
 
1.    Water quality analysis including water sample collection, testing and interpretation, maintaining prescribed standards or modifying as necessary.
2.    Monitors and maintains plant equipment, pumps, motors and the Supervisory Control and Data Accession (SCADA) system as necessary.
3.    Records water quality and plant operating information on standard reports, capturing significant water quality information for decision making.
4.    Monitors and adjusts plant instrumentation, chemical levels, line pressures and pump functions, and chemical doses.
5.    Maintains a clean and safe plant work area.
6.    Performs driving duties to collect water samples and perform other related functions at various locations within the City or outside of the City as directed.
7.    Performs related duties as directed when such duties are a logical and appropriate assignment to the position.
8.    Regular and timely attendance are required for this position.
9.    Interacts professionally and respectfully with the public, coworkers and others in the course of daily work.

Water Plant Operator I
1.    Performs various plant operating duties associated with the efficient operation and maintenance of the water treatment facility from guidelines and standards provided by supervisor.
2.    Monitors, calculates and records water quality specs before and after treatment and required chemical concentration modifications.
3.    Monitors and records plant operations involving controlled water flows, chemical additives and concentration levels, adequate storage tank capacities, backwash filter change and maintenance, instrumentation review and monitoring and facility record keeping.
4.    Conducts preventive equipment maintenance activities that includes grease, repair, adjust, clean, paint, calibrate, lubricate, etc. plant equipment and instrumentation.
5.    Provides facility maintenance and cleaning including sweeping and cleaning inside work areas and mowing/weed eating, etc. outside facility grounds.
6.    Records instrument and equipment readings, making necessary calculations, records results and reports abnormal situations to supervisor and files records.
7.    Operates Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) computer system.
8.    Works on plant instrumentation as required.
9.    Performs driving duties to collect water samples and perform other related functions at various locations within the City or outside of the City as directed.
10.    Performs related duties as directed when such duties are a logical and appropriate assignment to the position.
11.    Regular and timely attendance are required for this position.
12.    Interacts professionally and respectfully with the public, coworkers and others in the course of daily work.Water Plant Operator Apprentice

SKILLS, KNOWLEDGE AND ABILITY

•    Knowledge of and ability to apply basic chemistry and mathematical principles.
•    Ability to accept responsibility and account for his/her actions.
•    Ability to follow instructions, safety practices and standard operating procedures in performing assigned tasks.
•    Ability to perform work accurately and thoroughly.
•    Ability to communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.
•    Ability to interpret charts, flow diagrams, maintenance manuals, and instructions.
•    Ability to perform mechanical repairs.
•    Ability to respond appropriately in emergency situations.
•    Must have the ability to read and interpret lab equipment and fluids.
•    Skill in use of personal computer including Microsoft Office, Microsoft Excel, e-mail and the internet.
•    Must possess and exhibit the skills necessary to operate assigned tools and equipment in a safe and proper manner.

EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE AND OTHER REQUIREMENTS
 
Requires a high school diploma or equivalent. Requires Class D Water license from the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) within 6 months of hire, and a Class C Surface Water license from TCEQ within 18 month of hire.
 
Requires the physical ability to perform assigned tasks at the City of Grapevine Water Treatment Plant.  

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

Must pass a Federal/National criminal background check and 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, and functional assessment screening (Level 2).

Water Plant Operator I
SKILLS, KNOWLEDGE AND ABILITIES
•    Knowledge and understanding of standard water treatment plant equipment (pumps, motors, valves, chlorinators, ammoniators, safety etc.).
•    Knowledge and experience commensurate with city size, water volumes, plant and equipment operating complexities, etc.
•    Up-to-date knowledge of Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) regulations.
•    Must possess good reading, writing, and math skills sufficient to work with complicated formulas, equipment, chemicals, instruments, and water laboratory related equipment.
•    Must have basic computer skills.
•    Ability to accept responsibility and account for his/her actions.
•    Ability to follow written and verbal instructions, safety practices and standard operating procedures in performing assigned tasks.
•    Ability to perform work accurately and thoroughly.
•    Ability to interpret charts, flow diagrams, maintenance manuals and instructions.
•    Ability to work effectively with limited supervision; follow oral and written communications; effectively communicate with the public in giving and receiving information and answering inquiries relative to area of responsibility.
•    Ability to respond appropriately in emergency situations as needed.
•    Ability to distinguish different colors to read and interpret lab equipment and fluids.
•    Ability to perform heavy manual labor and to work in adverse conditions when required.
•    Must be able to perform all lab required testing per TCEQ and EPA regulations.
•    Must be able to interpret data collected and maintain accurate logs and records.
•    Must be able to generate and maintain reports required for the Surface Water Monthly Operating Report (SWMOR).
•    Performs related duties as directed when such duties are a logical and appropriate assignment to the position.
•    Interacts professionally and respectfully with the public, coworkers and others in the course of daily work.
•    Regular and timely attendance are required for this position.
•    Ability to work any day of the week (weekends and weekdays) and long hours.
•    Must be able to work shift work, overtime and be subject to on-call as required.
•    Must have thorough knowledge and understanding of all plant process instrumentation in regards to installation, operation, maintenance, and calibration.
•    Understanding of the following State and EPA required tests:
              o    Lead and Copper Testing
              o    UCMR Testing (Unregulated Contaminant Monitoring Rule)
              o    LT2 Testing (Long Term)
              o    BacT Testing
              o    NAP Testing (Nitrification Activation Plan)
              o    RTCR (Revised Total Coliform Rule)
              o    Understanding of the following reports per requirements:
              o    Water Use Survey
              o    Water Loss Audit
              o    Water Utility Profile
              o    Water Conservation Plan
              o    CCR (Consumer Confidence Report)
EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE AND OTHER REQUIREMENTS
High school diploma or equivalent is required.

Must possess a valid class “C” Surface Water certificate issued by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ).  

Two years experience at a surface water treatment plant using conventional treatment methods is required.  May substitute one-year of experience for 100 hours of training classes in water treatment provided by the Texas Engineering Extension Service (TEEX) or TCEQ accredited schools.  

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
• Electrical shock 
• Toxic/caustic chemicals 
• Explosives
• 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.