Water Production Specialist (Apprentice)

Why Work at Des Moines Water Works?
At Des Moines Water Works (DMWW), every employee plays a vital role in delivering Water You Can Trust for Life to over 600,000 central Iowans. We’re looking for team members who are customer-focused and committed to our mission.

When you join DMWW, you become part of a team that values environmental stewardship—protecting our most essential natural resource: water. Just as importantly, we recognize that our people are our greatest asset. Your wellbeing matters to us—from physical and psychological safety to wellness, fitness, and professional growth, we’re committed to supporting your health and development at work and beyond.

About the Position: Under the supervision of the Water Production Supervisor of Operators, controls and operates all treatment and pumping facilities necessary to produce high-quality adequate quantities of water to meet system demand as economically as possible. Will on occasion be the operator in charge after normal business hours and maintain equipment, as assigned.

• Controls, operates, and monitors all treatment plant pumps and related equipment.
• Regulates treatment plant production to meet system demand. 
• Monitors and controls the distribution of system water resources, to insure a sufficient supply of water to all customers. 
• Using the SCADA systems, monitors treatment process and system performance data, to ensure the production of high-quality water and proper operation of all equipment. 
• Monitor the status of treatment processes by performing mini-lab analysis and reviewing lab test results. 
• Evaluates the treatment process chemical selection, feed rate and results, to make sure they are appropriate, based on desired water quality results and current raw water quality.
• Controls and operates diesel driven pump, boiler system and emergency generator as required. 
• Operates microprocessors controls and observes in-plant instrumentation for chemical feed systems, pumps, and treatment processes. 
• Keeps accurate daily logs of operating data and activities for the water treatment process and remote facilities operation. 
• Monitors weather, fire, and security systems, acknowledges alarms, and make appropriate communication contacts in emergency situations.
• Coordinates the duties and responsibilities of the other Operators as needed, to ensure the efficient and effective operation of the Fleur Drive treatment and other remote facilities. 
• Assists Operator in duties relating to water treatment, water distribution, and heating/ventilating systems. 
• Determines urgency of requests and coordinates notification of personnel during regular hours and off hours to ensure proper response to emergencies. 
• Works in a team environment with minimum supervision.
• Receives, interprets and responds to two-way radio requests for information on routine and emergency situations.
• Communicates and coordinates with internal and external customers through the use of computers, reports, charts, and process knowledge. 
• Operates, adjusts, and maintains the lime slakers and the lime slurry feed equipment.
• Determines the number of filters required, maintains filter water levels, and backwashes filters.
• Collects and analyzes water samples from raw water sources, pre-sed and softening basins, filters, and finished water source for pH, hardness, alkalinity, and turbidity control. Makes necessary adjustments to maintain desired results. 
• Performs periodic inspections of basins, filters, low lift pumps, Flooding Station, Raccoon River intake, chemical feed systems and process equipment. 
• Inspects, operates, maintains and repairs treatment plant equipment including basins, tanks, chemical feeders, pumps, valves, tools, electrical, plumbing and heating systems. 
• Assists in the unloading and loading of chemicals and equipment.
• Cleans pre-sedimentation and treatment basins, tanks, and vaults.
• Performs preventive, normal, and emergency maintenance on water treatment equipment, using required tools.
• Performs general maintenance and lubrication on all equipment in a safe, clean, and orderly manner.
• Performs other duties of a similar nature.

Education:
High School Diploma or GED. Completion of three years of operational experience in water treatment, water distribution or wastewater OR completion of at least 18 months operational experience and applying 67.5 CEUs.

Experience:
At least two years of experience at an Iowa Grade 2 treatment plant or equivalent.  

Licenses/Certifications:

•   Must possess a valid Iowa Driver’s license with a good driving record.
  • This position requires Driver remain insurable under the Company’s coverage.
• Grade II Iowa Water Treatment Plant Operator Certification.
• Must complete an apprenticeship program within three years of appointment to the position.

Age:

• Minimum age of 21 years old preferred.
  • Candidates under 21 years old must have an acceptable driving record to be selected.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Iowa Grade 2 Water Distribution Operator’s Certificate.
• At least four years of experience at an Iowa Grade 4 treatment plant or equivalent. 
• At least two years of college or associate’s degree.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, and ABILITIES:

• Basic verbal and written communication skills
• Proficient analytical/decision-making skills
• Knowledge of federal, state and local regulatory requirements
• Knowledge of DMWW rules and regulations
• Basic team skills
• Basic human relations skills
• Basic planning/organizing skills
• Basic skills in using a personal computer and basic software to complete daily reports, time sheets, work orders, and required reports
• Basic mechanical skills
• Proficient mathematical skills
• Basic maintenance skills
• Ability to work various shift schedules
• Knowledge of equipment owned and operated by DMWW
• Ability to determine emergency calls
• Ability to read maps and schematics
• Knowledge of laboratory practices and procedures
• Ability to interpret test results
• Knowledge of safe drinking water regulations and practices
• Ability to read, write, communicate, and understand English

HARDWARE/SOFTWARE/EQUIPMENT/TOOLS NEEDED TO PERFORM JOB:
Frequently/Often

• EAM (Enterprise Asset Management)
• ADP
• SCADA
• Microsoft Word
• Microsoft Excel
• Microsoft Outlook
• Smartphone
• Radio
• Personal Computer
• General Office Equipment
• Hand Tools
• Hand Power Tools
• Plumbing Tools
• Ladders/Scaffolding
• Lab Equipment
• Safety Equipment
• Shop Equipment
• Fall Protection

Sometimes

• GIS
• Carpentry Tools
• Electrical Equipment

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Frequently lifts more than 100 pounds

WORKING CONDITIONS:

• Frequently works in office or similar indoor environment, outdoor environment, street environment, confined space or shop environment.
• Occasionally works in construction site or warehouse environment.

  

Des Moines Water Works is an Equal Opportunity Employer: All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, or protected veteran status, in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local laws.

Selection Process: The hiring process includes a review of qualifications, interviews, and job-related assessments. The selected candidate must pass a criminal background check, which includes a sex offender registry search, a pre-employment drug screen, and physical examination.

E-Verify Participation: Des Moines Water Works participates in the federal E-Verify program. We will provide the Social Security Administration (SSA) and, if necessary, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) with information from each new employee’s Form I-9 to confirm work authorization. All candidates offered a position must complete Section 1 of Form I-9 and present documentation verifying their identity and eligibility to work in the United States prior to starting employment. For questions about acceptable documents, please contact Human Resources at 515-283-8717.