Operator \"B\" - Water Plant

West Columbia, City of (SC); South Carolina; On-site; USD 45,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

West Columbia, City of is seeking a Water Treatment Plant Operator to manage the treatment process, monitor water quality and perform routine lab tests. You will be responsible for chemical dosing, recording data, and maintaining equipment to ensure safe, potable water for West Columbia and surrounding jurisdictions.

Rotational 12-hour shifts from 7 to 7, including weekends and holidays, with a focus on compliance with regulatory standards and safe plant operation.

Qualifications

• Vocational/technical training in water treatment operations.
• 3–5 years of experience in water treatment plant operations.
• Certification as Water Treatment Plant Operator 'B' required.

Responsibilities

• Operates pumps, motors and valves to regulate flow and treatment processes.
• Loads and doses chemicals (chlorine, ammonia, lime) as directed and monitors automatic feeders.
• Starts flashmixers and controls filter beds; tests water quality and records results.
• Maintains logs, charts and reports per SC DHEC requirements.
• Operates plant control board and related lab equipment; ensures safety and sanitation.

Skills

Water treatment operations

Motor control and equipment operation

Data recording and reporting

Safety procedures

Education

Vocational/technical water treatment education

Water Treatment Plant Operator B certification

Tools

Chlorine onsite generator (OSG)

Alum feeder

Lime feeder

Fluoride feeder

Turbidity meter

pH meter

Calibrations equipment

Job description

GENERAL STATEMENT OF JOB

Under general supervision, operates water treatment plant and pump station in accordance with established rules, regulations, standards and guidelines to supply safe, potable water to the citizens of West Columbia, the Town of Lexington and Lexington County. Tasks include operating and maintaining equipment, taking water samples, performing quality tests on water samples, checking water pressures, preparing reports, etc. Reports to the Water Plant Superintendent or Director of Planning, Engineering and Water Plants.

POSITION HOURS

Rotational 12-hour shift from 7 to 7, which includes working weekends and holidays.

SPECIFIC DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITI ES

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

• Operates and controls electric motors, pumps and valves to regulate flow of raw water treating plant.
• Loads specified amounts of chemicals, such as chlorine, ammonia and lime into water or adjusts automatic devices that admit specified amounts of chemicals into treatment section to disinfect and clarify water.
• Starts flashmixers to mix chemicals and allow impurities to settle to bottom of basins.
• Turns valves to regulate water through filter beds to remove impurities.
• Pumps purified water into water mains and storage tanks.
• Monitors panel board and adjusts controls to regulate flow rates, loss of head pressure, water elevation and the distribution of water.
• Cleans filter beds using backwash system.
• Tests water samples to determine acidity, color and impurities using colorimeter, turbidimeter and conductivity meters.
• Records data such as residual content of chemicals, water turbidity and water pressures.
• Prepares various records and reports including flow charts, filter backwash charts, turbidity charts, bacteria records, dosage charts, calibration records, etc. Maintains such records and reports as directed by SC DHEC.
• Operates/utilizes a variety of types of equipment including water pumps, chlorine onsite generator (OSG) unit, alum feeder, lime feeder, fluoride feeder, turbidity meter, autoclave, diagnostic instruments, laboratory equipment, mechanic’ tools, etc.

ADDITIONAL JOB FUNCTIONS

• Performs related duties as required.

MINIMUM TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE

Requires a vocational/technical school education/training in water treatment plant operations and three to five years of experience in water treatment plant operations; or any equivalent combination of education and experience, which provides the required skills, knowledge and abilities for the position. Must possess certification as a Water Treatment Plant Operator "B."

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS OR STANDARDS REQUIRED TO PERFORM ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

Physical Requirements

Must be physically able to operate a variety of types of equipment including pumps, flashmixers, turbidity meter, PH meter, autoclave, lime feeder, alum feeder, chlorinator, control board, various types of mechanic’s tools and supplies, etc. Must be physically able to exert up to 25 pounds of force frequently or constantly to lift, carry, push, or otherwise move objects. Physical demands are in excess of sedentary work; position requires constant standing, walking, reaching, stooping, crouching, and climbing. Must be able to lift and/or carry weights of approximately 50 pounds.

Data Conception

Requires the ability to compare and/or judge the readily observable functional, structural or compositional characteristics (whether similar to or divergent from obvious standards) of data, people or things.

Interpersonal Communications

Requires the ability of speaking and/or signaling people to convey or exchange information. Includes the receiving of information and instructions from supervisor.

Language Ability

Requires the ability to read and understand a variety of documents, reports and manuals. Requires the ability to prepare various charts, records and reports relative to water testing and other activities. Requires the ability to interact with supervisor, co-workers, other department personnel and the general public, etc., with poise, voice control, and confidence.

Intelligence

Requires the ability to apply principles of rational systems such as water treatment processes in order to solve practical problems and deal with a variety of concrete variables in situations where only limited standardization exists; to interpret a variety of instructions furnished in oral, written, diagrammatic or schedule form.

Verbal Aptitude

Requires the ability to record and deliver information and to follow verbal and written instructions.

Numerical Aptitude

Requires the ability to utilize mathematical formulas; to add, subtract, multiply and divide numbers; to determine percentages and utilize decimals; to apply algebraic and geometric principles; and to determine time and weight.

Form/Spatial Aptitude

Requires the ability to inspect items for proper length, width and shape.

Motor Coordination

Requires the ability to coordinate hands and eyes in using various types of equipment.

Manual Dexterity

Requires the ability to handle a variety of items, control knobs, buttons, switches, catches, etc. Must have high levels of eye/hand/foot coordination.

Color Discrimination

Requires the ability to differentiate colors and shades of color.

Interpersonal Temperament

Requires the ability to deal with people beyond receiving instructions. Must be adaptable to performing under moderate stress when confronted with emergency situations.

Physical Communications

Requires the ability to talk and/or hear: (talking: expressing or exchanging ideas by means of spoken words; hearing: perceiving nature of sounds by ear).

PERFORMANCE INDICATORS

Knowledge of Job:

Possesses knowledge of the methods, theories, processes and procedures used in operating the water treatment plant. Has knowledge of the rules, regulations, standards and guidelines governing the operation of water treatment facilities. Has knowledge of state and federal permit requirements for effluent quality including those set forth by the EPA and SC DHEC. Has knowledge of departmental safety rules and procedures and is able to use related protective equipment. Knows procedures used in collecting and testing water samples. Has good knowledge of chemicals used in water treatment and is able to utilize same safely and accurately. Knows of clearwell and tank levels, which must be maintained in order to meet water demands. Understands the importance of maintaining sanitary conditions in the plant, and is able to do so at all times. Has good understanding of procedures used in correcting system failures and is able to learn and apply new ideas, concepts, repair techniques, etc. Is able to understand and follow oral and written instructions. Is willing and able to perform work under various weather conditions. Is able to maintain logs, reports, etc., in a neat and accurate manner. Is able to communicate effectively with supervisor, co-workers, members of the public, etc. Knows how to make minor repairs and/or adjustments to equipment. Knows how to read and understand the plant control board. Has the ability to use independent judgment in routine as well as occasional non-routine situations. Has good technical and organizational skills.

Quality of Work

Maintains high standards of accuracy in exercising duties and responsibilities. Exercises immediate remedial action to correct any quality deficiencies that occur in areas of responsibility. Maintains high quality communication and interaction with all city departments and divisions, supervisor, co-workers and members of the public.

Quantity of Work

Performs described Specific Duties and Responsibilities and related assignments efficiently and effectively in order to produce quantity of work which consistently meets established standards and expectations of the city.

Dependability

Assumes responsibility for completing assigned work. Completes assigned work within deadlines in accordance with directives, city policy, standards and prescribed procedures. Remains accountable for assigned responsibilities in the technical, human and conceptual areas.

Attendance

Attends and remains at work regularly and adheres to policies and procedures regarding absenteeism and tardiness. Provides adequate notice to higher management with respect to vacation time and time-off requests.

Initiative and Enthusiasm

Maintains an enthusiastic, self-reliant and self-starting approach to meet job responsibilities and accountabilities. Strives to anticipate work to be accomplished, and initiates proper and acceptable direction for the completion of work with a minimum of supervision and instruction.

Judgment

Exercises analytical judgment in areas of responsibility. Identifies problems or situations as they occur and specifies decision objectives. Identifies or assists in identifying alternative solutions to issues or situations. Implements decisions in accordance with prescribed and effective policies and procedures and with a minimum of errors. Seeks expert or experienced advice where appropriate and researches problems, situations and alternatives before exercising judgment.

Cooperation

Accepts supervisory instruction and direction and strives to meet the goals and objectives of same. Questions such instruction and direction when clarification of results or consequences are justified, i.e., poor communications, variance with city policies or procedures, etc. Offers suggestions and recommendations to encourage and improve cooperation between all staff persons and departments within the city.

Relationships with Others

Shares knowledge with managers, supervisors and staff for mutual and city benefit. Contributes to maintaining high morale among other employees. Develops and maintains cooperative and courteous relationships with department employees, staffers and managers in other departments, representatives from organizations and the public so as to maintain good will toward the city and to protect a good city image. Tactfully and effectively handles requests, suggestions and complaints from other departments and persons in order to maintain good will within the city. Emphasizes the importance of maintaining a positive image within the city. Interacts effectively with higher management, city administrator, professionals and the public. Maintains a cooperative and courteous manner when dealing with the public.

Coordination of Work

Plans and organizes daily work routine. Establishes priorities for the completion of work in accordance with sound time-management methodology. Avoids duplication of effort. Estimates expected time of completion of work elements and establishes a personal schedule accordingly. Attends required meetings, planning sessions and discussions on time. Implements work activity in accordance with priorities as set forth by the immediate supervisor.

Safety and Housekeeping

Adheres to all established safety and housekeeping standards established by the city and various regulatory agencies. Sees that the standards are not violated. Maintains a clean and orderly workplace.

The city of West Columbia is an Equal Opportunity Employer. The city does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, age, national origin or disability.

DISCLAIMER: This job description is not an employment agreement or contract. Management has the exclusive right to alter this job description at any time without notice.