Drinking Water Treatment Technician Level II

Bellevue College; Midland (TX); On-site; USD 40,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

Join a forward-thinking organization as a Water Treatment Plant Operator II, where you'll play a crucial role in ensuring the safety and quality of water for the community. This position offers the opportunity to operate and maintain sophisticated water treatment systems, perform vital laboratory tests, and respond to emergencies effectively. If you have a passion for environmental quality and a commitment to excellence, this role is perfect for you. Work in a dynamic environment that values teamwork and provides the chance to grow your skills while making a significant impact on public health and safety.

Qualifications

• Requires a Class 'C' Water Treatment Plant Operator Certificate.
• Minimum two years experience in water treatment operations.

Responsibilities

• Operate and monitor water treatment plant equipment and processes.
• Perform laboratory tests and maintain water quality records.
• Respond to emergencies and assist in training new operators.

Skills

Water Treatment Operations

Chemical Handling

Laboratory Testing

Preventative Maintenance

Emergency Response

Customer Service

Mathematical Calculations

Teamwork

Education

High School Diploma or GED

College Level Coursework in Chemistry/Biology

Tools

SCADA System

Laboratory Equipment

Chemical Feed Systems

Power Tools

Job description

Water Treatment Plant Operator II – This is the experienced level class in the Water Treatment Plant Operator series. Positions at this level require a demonstrated ability to perform the full range of complex water treatment plant maintenance and repair duties as well as to learn the full range of complex plant operational duties. Positions allocated to the Water Treatment Plant Operator II level may act as shift lead operator once the Operator has obtained a Class “C” Water Treatment Plant Operator Certificate issued by the TCEQ. Positions in this class series are flexibly staffed and positions at the Water Treatment Plant Operator II level are normally filled by Promotion from the Water Treatment Plant Operator I level. Positions at this level require a minimum of two years of experience comparable to a Water Treatment Plant Operator I and must possess a Class “C” Water Treatment Plant Operator Certificate issued by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality at the time of accepting position.

Responsibilities:

1. Operates the water treatment plant including related subsystems and instrumentation.
2. Monitors the treatment process from the control board/computer screen; monitors various treatment processes including coagulant feed, rapid mix, flocculation, sedimentation, filtration, and disinfection; monitors the addition of chemicals added for algae & corrosion control.
3. Monitors water quality by performing laboratory tests at various stages in the treatment process including tests for chlorine residual, pH, turbidity, hardness, alkalinity, odors, and other tests as necessary to maintain water quality; calibrates laboratory equipment; maintains laboratory records.
4. Determines chemical dosage and makes adjustments to plant processes as necessary including for ferric chloride/Aluminum Sulfate, chlorine, ammonia, potassium permanganate, Earth Tec/Copper sulfate, powdered activated carbon, and other chemicals.
5. Reads gauges and meters; interprets data to maintain the proper treatment process, proper distribution operation, security, and alarm status; makes flow adjustments.
6. Operates pumps and valves utilizing a SCADA system; monitors systems for alarms, makes adjustments, and provides appropriate response; notifies Plant Management or Maintenance personnel as necessary to respond to problems.
7. Operates mechanical equipment including pumps and motors, chemical feed pumps and systems, air compressors, and manual, electrical, and pneumatically operated valves; operates hand and power tools; operates a light truck.
8. Operates chlorination equipment related to the chlorine feed system; performs maintenance on chlorine system including chemical piping system; participates in calibration of chemical feed equipment.
9. Takes delivery of bulk chlorine.
10. Maintains operational logs and records.
11. Makes visual inspections; monitors facilities and roads to ensure adequate security.
12. Assists maintenance personnel with preventative and predictive maintenance on treatment plant equipment; also, with making major and/or specialized repairs to equipment.
13. Assists with the Operation of the City’s water production system including elevated & ground storage tanks and pump stations; ensures adequate availability and pressure to all service connections.
14. Provides appropriate response to emergencies and spills including those involving hazardous materials; wears respirators including self-contained breathing apparatus as required.
15. Responds to inquiries from the vendors, suppliers, and public; answers questions from customers pertaining to water quality, low pressure, and leak reports.
16. Assists in training and guidance new operators.
17. Performs any and all related duties as required.

Knowledge of:

1. Operations, services, and activities of a water treatment system.
2. Principles, practices, materials, chemicals, and operating procedures related to the operation and maintenance of a water treatment plant.
3. Operating principles of plant equipment including valves, pumps, and motors.
4. Methods and techniques of reading and interpreting gauges, recording devices, and related monitoring systems.
5. Tools and equipment used in the operation and maintenance of water treatment plant facilities.
6. Maintenance and repair principles and practices including preventative maintenance procedures.
7. Emergency maintenance and repair procedures related to water treatment facilities.
8. Methods and techniques of conducting laboratory tests and procedures related to water treatment analysis.
9. Basic principles of chemistry and microbiology.
10. Mathematical calculations used in the water treatment operations.
11. Hydraulic and distribution principles.
12. Pertinent federal, state, and local laws, codes, and regulations.
13. Operational and safety regulations pertaining to water treatment plant operations.
14. Occupational hazards and standard safety precautions.
15. Principles and procedures used in the proper handling of chemicals.
16. Principles and practices of customer service.
17. Office procedures, methods, and equipment including computers and applicable software applications.
18. Principles and practices of record keeping.
19. Principles of training.

Ability to:

1. Operate, monitor, and maintain a variety of water treatment plant equipment, facilities, and systems.
2. Perform complex inspections and preventive maintenance of treatment plant facilities and equipment.
3. Read and interpret gauges, meters, and other instrument readings and take effective course of action.
4. Diagnose complex operational problems and perform effective maintenance on equipment.
5. Respond to changing demands on water flow, water quality, and equipment requirements.
6. Monitor and adjust plant processes.
7. Collect a variety of water samples and conduct appropriate tests in accordance with state and federal regulations and requirements.
8. Compile and record complex data and material.
9. Maintain accurate and detailed logs and records of work and laboratory tests performed.
10. Complete emergency response training and perform in emergency situations.
11. Work well with others in a team environment.
12. Complete work within an assigned time frame.
13. Perform math calculations related to water works.
14. Operate assigned equipment and tools in a safe and effective manner.
15. Operate office equipment including computers and applicable software applications.
16. Provide clear, clean and concise penmanship habits and capabilities.
17. Work independently in the absence of supervision.
18. Demonstrate an awareness and appreciation of the cultural diversity of the community.
19. Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.
20. Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.

Education and Experience Guidelines: Any combination of education and experience that would likely provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the knowledge and abilities would be:

Education/Training: High School Diploma or GED required, supplemented by college level course work or trade school training in Chemistry, Biology, Engineering, Microbiology, Bacteriology, or another similar discipline. Previous TCEQ Accepted water works training is highly desirable.

Experience: Minimum of two years of experience comparable to a Surface Water Treatment Plant Operator I.

License or Certificate: Possession of a Class “C” Surface Water Treatment Plant Operator Certificate issued by Texas Commission on Environmental Quality required. Must be able to obtain a class “B” Surface water license within (2) years of being promoted to Operator II position. Possession of a valid Texas Class “C” driver’s license required.

Environment: Water treatment plant. Exposure to noise of plant machinery and other equipment; mechanical and electrical hazards of operating equipment; fumes and odors of chemicals and gases; toxic substances such as chemicals, cleaners, solvents, and gases; all types of weather and temperature conditions. Work and/or walk for long periods of time on various types of surfaces including slippery or uneven surfaces and rough terrain. Subject to 24-hour emergency callbacks and requires working varying hours, overtime, weekends, and holidays. Work environment is informal, team-oriented, having both routine and variable tasks with variable pace and pressure. Work is performed both indoors in plant area and outdoors in field and collateral facilities.

Physical: Primary functions require sufficient physical ability to work in a plant and field setting and operate assigned equipment. Continuous walking, balancing, bending, stooping, kneeling, crouching, lifting of objects weighing up to 50 lbs. from below waist level to above shoulder level and transporting for distances up to 100 yards, fine finger dexterity to operate tools and controls, firm grasp to lift and carry objects; frequent sitting, standing, reaching, twisting at waist, upward and downward flexion of neck, side-to-side turning of neck, lifting of objects weighing 11-25 lbs. from below waist level to above shoulder level and transporting up to 100 yards; occasional climbing, pushing/pulling, lifting of objects weighing from 26-50 lbs. from below waist level to above shoulder level and transporting for distances up to 10 yards; infrequent crawling, lifting of objects weighing from 51-100 lbs. below and at waist level, with assistance, and transporting for distances up to 10 feet with assistance.

Vision: See in the normal visual range with or without correction; vision sufficient to read computer screens, printed documents, meter-reading equipment, dials, and gauges and to operate vehicles and equipment; color vision acuity.

Hearing: Hear in the normal audio range with or without correction.

Other: Safety regulations prohibit Operations Staff from wearing contact lenses when working with certain chemicals, or from wearing beards or other facial hair that prevents a proper respirator fit. Must pass annual respirator physical and fit testing.