Junior Operator/Plant Operator

Performs routine operational and general maintenance tasks involved in the operation of water treatment plant equipment and facilities by:

• Performing maintenance on chemical feeders, valves, pumps and other associated equipment.
• Entering recorded data into computer systems to monitor treatment effectiveness.
• Operating and assisting with the Solids Dewatering process depending on plant assignment.
• Assuring compliance with established operating practices and techniques, safety rules, hazardous materials handling, and accident prevention measures.
• Assisting with inventory maintenance of chemicals and other related material.
• Backwashing filters as needed.
• Clearing leaves, ice, grass and other materials from raw water intake systems as necessary.
• Under the direction of a Lead Operator, assisting with the adjustment of chemical feeders, start/stop motors, pumps and other treatment equipment to control the physical, chemical and microbiological characteristics of water purification.
• Responding to chemical emergencies, utilizing appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).
• Unloading and storing incoming shipments of chemicals and other materials.
• Cleaning and maintaining Fairfax Water vehicles.
• Writing maintenance notifications as required. Submitting appropriate operational reports to the Lead Operator including unusual activities or incidents requiring attention or corrective action.
• Conducting building maintenance tasks to include: cleaning floors, tools and work areas.
• Collecting water samples and conducting laboratory tests to include: pH, turbidity, hardness, alkalinity, color and other related tests at prescribed stages and time intervals in the treatment cycle.
• Filling chemical hoppers and tanks; cleaning filter modules and checking chemical feeders.
• Assisting in the reading and recording of information observed and obtained from computers, lab tests, meters, gauges and other instruments during shift operations.
• Making regular and continuous tours of the treatment plant facilities and monitoring the performance of operating equipment and the effectiveness of the treatment process. Reporting any unusual conditions to Lead Operator.

• Must be able to learn the technical processes relating to water purification including the accurate reading, interpreting and recording of instrumentation and laboratory data.
• Must pass a controlled substance (drug) test. This position is subject to random testing after hire.
• Must be able to work overtime on a rotating shift.
• Demonstrated ability to assume responsibility as part of an operating team and maintain effective working relationships with co-workers, supervisors and the public.
• Ability to understand and follow oral and written instructions.
• Possession of a valid driver's license and good driving record.
• Must be able to inspect machinery and mechanical equipment and to detect flaws and defects in operation.
• Knowledge of computer basics, and the functions and servicing requirements of mechanical equipment and machinery.
• Must obtain a Commonwealth of Virginia Class III Waterworks Operator's license within two years and a Commonwealth of Virginia Class II Waterworks Operator's license within 4 years of the date of employment, promotion or transfer as a condition of continued employment.
• Graduation from high school or GED.

• Ability to operate, or learn to operate, loading equipment such as a fork lift.
• Ability to lift chemical bags (weight up to 50 lbs. average).
• Ability to climb ladders.
• Must pass a respiratory physical for respirator and self-contained breathing apparatus use and a respirator fit test. Must maintain personal grooming standards for effective use of the equipment.