Chief Water Plant Operator

City of Auburn (AL); Auburn (AL); On-site; USD 52,000 - 76,000; Full time

Job summary

City of Auburn (AL) is seeking a Chief Water Plant Operator to supervise the water treatment plant, water supplies, and pumping facilities. You will collect regulatory samples and report to the Water Plant Manager, ensuring safe drinking water and compliance with regulations.

The role requires a High School diploma, 5–8 years’ experience, and an Alabama Grade IV license, with a valid driver’s license. Strong supervisory skills and proficiency in MS Office are needed.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Five to eight years’ experience in water plant operations.
• Alabama Grade IV license for water treatment.
• Valid driver's license is required.
• Knowledge of water treatment operations and related regulations.
• Experience with water sampling and laboratory analysis.
• Proficiency in MS Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.

Responsibilities

• Oversee plant operations and maintenance activities.
• Collect and process water samples for lab analysis.
• Monitor chemical usage and water quality results.
• Meet with customers to address water quality issues.
• Perform light maintenance on equipment as needed.
• Exercise supervision over water plant personnel.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Skills

Water plant operations

Regulatory compliance

Water sampling

Laboratory procedures

Communication skills

Supervisory ability

Microsoft Word

Excel

PowerPoint

Time management

Education

High School diploma

Tools

Microsoft Word

Excel

PowerPoint

Job description

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform the essential job functions satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the primary job functions herein described. Since every duty associated with this position may not be described herein, employees may be required to perform duties not specifically spelled out in the job description, but which may be reasonably considered to be incidental in the performing of their duties just as though they were actually written out in this job description.

CHIEF WATER PLANT OPERATOR

Department: Water Resource Management

Pay Grade: 113

FLSA Status: Non-Exempt

Personnel Status: Regular Full-Time

JOB SUMMARY

This position is responsible for supervising and participating in the operations of the water treatment plant, water supplies, and water pumping facilities; and for the collection of various regulatory water samples in the water distribution system. This position reports to the Water Plant Manager.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

• Assists with the overseeing of plant operations and maintenance activities.
• Collects and processes various water samples for laboratory analysis.
• Maintains plant efficiency by monitoring daily chemical usage and monitors lab procedures and water quality tests results.
• Meets with customers to address water quality issues.
• Performs light maintenance on pertinent equipment as required and/or necessary.
• Performs other related job duties as assigned.
• Exercises functional supervision over water plant personnel.

AGENCY-WIDE COMPETENCIES

Professional Excellence

Sense of responsibility and commitment; ability to meet expectations; quality of work output; willingness to admit and correct mistakes.

Communication

Ability to express oneself clearly, credibly, and respectfully in an appropriate tone; quality of judgment exercised in what information should be communicated; ability to adjust to different communication styles.

Teamwork

Commitment to team activities; placing value of team success over personal recognition; altruism; impact on team success; willingness to fulfill a variety of roles.

Engagement

Initiative exercised in solving problems; willingness to take on new responsibilities; acting on opportunities and presenting ideas; modeling a positive attitude and resilience; volunteering for group work; praising work of the City and coworkers; demonstrating pride in public service.

Public Service

Views citizens as a priority; demonstrates ethical, trustworthy behavior, stands as an example of servant leadership; maintains trust of the Auburn citizens.

QUALIFICATIONS

Education and Experience:

High School diploma or equivalent; five (5) to eight (8) years’ experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

Special Qualifications:

• Possession of or ability to readily obtain and Alabama Grade IV license for water treatment.
• Possession of a valid driver’s license for the type of vehicle or equipment operated. Requirement exists at the time of hire and as a condition of continued employment.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Knowledge of the operation, maintenance, and repair of water treatment plants, pumping facilities, and related infrastructure.
• Knowledge of local, state, and federal rules, regulations and laws related to the treatment and distribution of drinking water.
• Knowledge of water sampling and laboratory analysis procedures.
• Knowledge of local government operations, policies and plans, and modern office practices and procedures.
• Knowledge of Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and other similar programs.
• Skill in using computers for data entry, word processing, and/or accounting purposes.
• Skill in the use of small office equipment, including calculators, copy machines or multi-line telephone systems.
• Skill in effective communication, both orally and in writing.
• Ability to meet and deal with employees and the public in an effective and courteous manner.
• Ability to get along with others, and work effectively with the public and co-workers.
• Ability to deal with confidential and sensitive matters.
• Ability to use computers for data entry, word processing, and/or accounting purposes.
• Ability to work independently, work well with others, and manage time effectively.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The work is medium work, which requires exerting up to 50 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 30 pounds of force frequently, and/or up to 20 pounds of force constantly to move objects. Work is typically performed while intermittently sitting, stooping, balancing, climbing, standing, stooping, bending, crouching, or walking. The employee uses tools or equipment requiring a high degree of dexterity, distinguishes between shades of color, and utilizes the sense of smell.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

The work is typically performed in various indoor and outdoor environments. The employee may be exposed to noise, dust, dirt, grease, machinery with moving parts, contagious or infectious diseases, and irritating chemicals. Work requires the use of personal protective equipment such as specialized clothing, goggles, masks, boots, gloves, and other protective devices as required.