What are the responsibilities and job description for the Water Plant Operator position at City of Bloomington Illinois?
The job incumbent provides skilled work in the operation of a water treatment plant on an assigned shift. Work involves providing technical, operational, and incidental maintenance services related to water treatment plant operations, instrumentation, and service delivery. The employee checks operating conditions, interprets and registers meter and gauge readings, performs basic water testing at various stages of plant processes; monitors supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA) system and equipment; performs laboratory water quality analysis; makes equipment and chemical feeder adjustments on the basis of interpretation, tests, and checks. Incidental maintenance is performed in the cleaning of work premises and equipment.
After training and operating experience has been gained, work is performed under the general supervision of the Superintendent of Water Purification and is reviewed through inspections, discussions of operating problems, through records prepared and maintained, and by observation of results obtained.
This list may not include all tasks and/or knowledge which may be expected of the employee, nor does it cover all specific duties which may be required. Other duties may be assigned.
Operates water treatment plant and related equipment to provide safe and adequate water supply; monitors raw, intermediate, finished, and distribution water conditions; adjusts water treatment processes and chemicals.
Produces and monitors finished water quality to ensure safe water supply that is compliant with established standards and laws; monitors, maintains and calibrates various water quality instruments; performs water laboratory testing and reviews results.
Utilizes plant control systems to maintain complete and accurate records in accordance with procedures and retention schedules.
Monitors and regulates water flows based on supply needs; monitors system volumes, pressures, pumpage, and SCADA system and equipment.
Makes periodic rounds of plant checking charts and meters; makes equipment adjustments after interpreting readings from meters, gauges, and other control and measuring devices.
Performs incidental preventative maintenance on equipment and instruments to ensure efficient operations and accurate readings; monitors security systems at various facilities; washes filters and performs general cleaning of filter room and premises; removes grit and lime wastes from lime slakers.
Regulates the operation of electric motors and pumps to adjust rates of water flow and pumpage.
Performs laboratory water quality analysis to monitor and adjust treatment process; registers chlorine test levels; calculates chemical dosages for pumpage changes as required; adds lime, chlorine, phosphate and other chemicals as indicated; records amount and types of chemicals added to water.
- Prepares polymer blend for feeding into softening basins, or as designated.
Manages records and information in any format, in accordance with applicable statutes, regulations and City policy, guidance and records retention schedule.
Maintains chemical inventory and orders water treatment chemicals as required. Is familiar with workplace safety procedures.
General Skill Levels:
Knowledge of:
Applicable Federal, state and local laws, codes, regulations and/or ordinances.
Procedures, processes and methods of water treatment plant operations.
Applicable procedures, processes and methods of water treatment technology.
Applicable systems, equipment and tools.
Water sampling and testing protocol and methods.
Municipal water system grid and its components.
Occupational hazards involved and the safety precautions necessary in water treatment plant operations.
Mathematical concepts.
Modern office equipment.
Skills in:
Interpreting and applying applicable laws, codes, regulations and standards.
Prioritizing work activities and projects.
Sampling water and maintaining test results.
Providing positive and effective communication.
Performing quality control checks and maintaining safe water standards.
Monitoring and regulating water flows.
Identifying issues and recommending solutions.
Reading and interpreting technical documents.
Preparing and maintaining documents and records.
Teaching and conveying technical information.
Adhering to safe work practices.
Utilizing a computer and relevant software applications.
Using tact, discretion, initiative and independent judgment within established guidelines.
Ability to:
Perform analytical laboratory tests, interpret results, and determine validity of analytical results and observations as necessary to monitor and control the treatment process. This includes relating the data acquired to water treatment plant operations, environmental and regulatory reporting and compliance.
Develop a thorough understanding of the water treatment plant, treatment processes methodology, processes, process flows, equipment, and functions of each.
Read gauges, charts, computer monitors, operations manuals, and meters correctly and to act quickly and independently in operational emergencies.
Follow detailed and general oral and written instructions.
Prepare and maintain operational records.
Perform work independently under limited supervision.
Ensure that proper on-the-job safety procedures are followed, and safety equipment is properly and consistently used.
Read and understand technical information and apply guidelines and regulations to operational situations.
Monitor use and inventories of process chemicals and supplies.
Communicate orally and in writing with internal and external stakeholders professionally.
Work evenings, nights and weekends as required and respond to emergency situations.
Perform basic arithmetic.
Certificates and Licenses:
Driver’s License – required
Laboratory Analyst Designation for Colilert technique, by Illinois Department of Public Health – required within 6 months
EPA Public Water Supply Class C Operators License – required within 18 months. Employees must pass the Class C exam within their probationary period but will be allowed 18 months to earn hours towards the license requirement.
EPA Public Water Supply Class A Operators License – preferred
4) Physical Requirements/Working Conditions: Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this position.
Majority of work is performed in both indoor and outdoor setting in all conditions including hot, cold, wet and dry conditions. Work requires traveling to various sites and the ability to traverse a variety of natural and altered ground surfaces which may be uneven, wet or slippery or sloped.
Salary : $70,595
