Water Treatment Operator Iii

SUMMARY

Under general supervision, ensures safety of potable and irrigation water sold to District customers by operating and maintaining surface and groundwater treatment and distribution facilities in accordance with state health regulations; maintains plant equipment and facilities; participates in construction projects as assigned; operates trucks, tractors, and other equipment; and performs related duties as assigned.

EXAMPLES OF ESSENTIAL DUTIES

· Operates pumps, chlorinators, chemical feeders, and other associated treatment plant equipment; adds chemicals such as ammonia and chlorine to disinfect and deodorize water; changes chlorine cylinders, wearing self-contained breathing apparatus and special protective suit; in accordance with state and federal requirements, obtains and tests water samples for chemical residuals, bacteria, nitrate levels, and carcinogens; on a rotating basis, acts as shift operator, assuming primary responsibility for safe and effective operation of the water treatment plant.

· Operates a supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA) system for the treatment plant and distribution system; conducts regular equipment checks to determine operating condition and make necessary adjustments; calibrates gas detectors to ensure safety of plant and personnel; maintains, repairs, lubricates, and services plant equipment; adjusts pumps, motors, and other plant machinery; monitors safety and conductivity of water pipeline, and services pipeline as needed; reads a variety of meters to monitor water usage and changes meters annually; keeps logs of plant operations.

· Completes a wide range of safety-related training, including confined space, HAZWOPER (hazardous waste operations and emergency response), and incident command system.

· Communicates with District customers to resolve issues related to water quality or pressure; coordinates repairs and maintenance of District facilities to ensure minimal disruption of customers’ operations.

· Participates in District construction projects; maintains treatment plant and other District property by performing duties such as painting, groundskeeping, vehicle maintenance, and other tasks associated with repair and upkeep of District facilities.

· Orders and purchases materials, supplies, and equipment; compiles supporting documentation for requisitions and purchases.

· Participates in orientation of new staff and training of other staff on particular tasks; monitors and reviews work of contractors and vendors to ensure it meets District requirements and specifications.

· Serves as the acting Dam Operator as necessary and performs duties related operating the Santa Felicia Dam, hydroelectric power plant, Lake Piru water distribution pipelines, and aids in implementing the Dam’s Emergency Action Plan.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

Employees in this classification must be able to participate in rotating shift operator duty, which entails being on-call for one calendar week at a time. While acting as shift operator, the employee must be available to respond to plant or system emergencies 24 hours per day, with a 30-minute maximum response time.

Separate from shift operator duty, employees in this classification may be called upon to respond to other District emergencies, including chemical releases or events caused by extreme weather conditions or natural disasters.

Knowledge of:

• Safety practices related to hazardous chemicals, tool usage, vehicle and equipment operation, and general maintenance;
• Standard written English sufficient to read and understand written instructions and procedures, prepare routine reports, document incidents, and keep a variety of records.
• Breakpoint chlorination and chloramination;
• Mathematics, chemistry, and computers sufficient for effective performance of water treatment tasks;
• Principles and practices of maintaining mechanical, hydraulic, and electrical systems;
• Procedures for sampling, handling, and analyzing water samples;
• Operating characteristics of pumps, motors, valves, tools, and equipment used in water treatment and distribution;
• Federal and state regulations and codes pertaining to safe drinking water;

Ability to:

• Train others on District practices and procedures and specific tasks;
• Use hand and power tools;
• Work independently and make sound decisions;
• Operate vehicles and equipment;
• Collect data, analyze problems with facilities and equipment, and select an appropriate course of action;
• Follow safety rules, practices, and procedures in all aspects of work.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with colleagues, customers, contractors, and vendors;
• Use the SCADA system to monitor conditions and operate plant;
• Understand and apply federal, state, and local laws and regulations pertaining to the pumping, treatment, and distribution of water;

Education

Possession of a high school diploma or equivalent is required. Completion of college-level course work in water science is desirable.

Experience

At least three years of experience in the operation, maintenance, repair, and construction of water treatment and distribution facilities and equipment, including at least one year of experience performing duties equivalent to Water Treatment Operator II for the District.

Certificates and Licenses

• Possession of a valid T3 certificate as a Water Treatment Operator and a valid D3 certificate as a Water Distribution Operator issued by the California Department of Health Services is required upon hire.
• Possession of a valid California Class C Driver’s License is required upon hire. Possession of a California Class A Driver’s License is highly desirable.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

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.

• Vision: constant use of overall vision, including near vision, distance vision, color vision and ability to adjust focus.
• Hearing/Talking: frequent hearing and talking, in person and on the phone.
• Emotional/Psychological: frequent contact with coworkers and others; depending on assignment, may also frequently work alone.
• Lifting: occasional lifting up to 10 pounds; occasional lifting up to 75 pounds.
• Mobility: Job tasks are varied and require standing, walking, sitting, climbing, bending, stooping, kneeling and crouching.
• Environmental: exposure to moderate noise levels, but hearing protection must be worn in certain areas. Frequent exposure to chemicals; occasionally uses smell to distinguish or identify objects.
• Dexterity: occasional grasping, fine manipulation, reaching, pushing and pulling; occasional use of touch to distinguish or identify objects.

The employee must be able to wear and use a self-contained breathing apparatus and a Class A Hazardous Materials suit.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $76,497.70 - $92,978.82 per year

Benefits:

• Flexible spending account
• Flexible schedule
• Life insurance
• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Retirement plan
• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance
• Tuition reimbursement

Work Location: In person