Treatment Plant Operator I, II, III

SCVW ORC Carrier Site; California; On-site; USD 63,000 - 87,000; Full time

Job summary

SCV Water is seeking a Treatment Plant Operator I-III in California for a full-time, non-exempt role. Pay ranges shown per level: Operator I $45.56–$49.05/hr, Operator II $52.83–$56.88/hr, Operator III $58.31–$62.80/hr. Role centers on operation and maintenance of water treatment and distribution systems.

Expect to work with SCADA systems, adjust flows, test water quality, and perform routine repairs. Position offers progression from Operator I to III based on experience and performance.

Qualifications

• Any combination of education and experience providing the knowledge, skills, and abilities for Treatment Plant Operator.
• Operator I requires HS diploma or equivalent and no experience; Operator II requires 2 years; Operator III requires 5 years with progression.

Responsibilities

• Monitor and control water treatment plants and distribution systems.
• Operate SCADA to ensure efficient operation and respond to alarms.
• Perform preventive maintenance on pumps, valves, and motors.
• Maintain logs and prepare operation reports.

Education

High school diploma or GED

Two years of experience in operation, maintenance, and/or repair of water treatment plants

Five years of experience in the operation, maintenance, and/or repair of water treatment plants with progression requirements

Tools

SCADA system

Job description

*This is a full time, non-exempt position and can be filled as a Treatment Plant Operator II, or III based on experience. (See link for full description and salary detail).

Treatment Plant Operator I: $$45.56 - $49.05/hour

Treatment Plant Operator II:$52.83 - $56.88/hour

https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/scvwater/classspecs/1250129

Treatment Plant Operator III:$58.31 - $62.80/hour

https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/scvwater/classspecs/1656089

DEFINITION

Initially under immediate and then general supervision, learns and performs a variety of semi-skilled and skilled duties associated with the installation, repair, operation and maintenance of the agency's water treatment plants and distribution systems and facilities; monitors and controls the operation of water treatment plants and distribution systems; utilizes the Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) system to ensure efficient operation of the water treatment and distribution systems; operates and monitors pumps, valves, and related equipment to regulate the flow of water through a treatment plant and related facilities; inspects, tests and maintains motors, pumps, valves, chemical feeders, and related equipment; and performs other related duties as required.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS

Treatment Plant Operator I is the entry-level class in the Treatment Plant Operator series. This class is distinguished from Treatment Plant Operator II in that incumbents in this class perform the more routine duties assigned to the series with less independence while acquiring the knowledge and experience needed to perform the full range of journey level work.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED/EXERCISED

Receives general supervision from the Operations & Maintenance Superintendent. Incumbent does not lead or supervise other employees.

EXAMPLES OF ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Management reserves the right to add, modify, change, or rescind the work assignments of different positions and to make reasonable accommodations so that qualified employees can perform the essential functions of the job.

Duties may include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Learns and performs a variety of skilled and semi-skilled duties associated with the installation, repair, operation and maintenance of the agency's water treatment plants and distribution systems and facilities.
• Monitors and controls the operation of water treatment plants and distribution systems, including performing chemical pump drawdowns, adjusting flows, setting, adjusting, and backwashing filters, and calculating and setting optimal chemical dosage levels by adjusting chemical feeders; utilizes telemetry system, filtration equipment, plant flow and aqueduct water blends, reservoirs, and/or storage tanks to determine system demands.
• Utilizes Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) system to ensure efficient operation of the water treatment and distribution systems, including water treatment plants, reservoirs, wells, water storage tanks, pump stations, and related facilities; monitors flow and pressure; responds to alarms.
• Operates and monitors pumps, valves, and related equipment to regulate the flow of water through a treatment plant and related facilities, and the water distribution system; starts, adjusts, and shuts down plant operations, and/or adjusts well field and distribution system flows to meet production and storage requirements and water quality standards.
• Inspects, and tests motors, pumps, valves, chemical feeders, and related equipment; inspects vaults, pipelines, and related facilities for leaks; reports unusual conditions and/or the need for maintenance and repair of equipment, buildings, and grounds; notifies purveyors of water flow changes.
• Takes inventory of chemicals and other treatment supplies; orders chemicals according to standard procedures; receives chemicals and supplies delivered during assigned shift and assists in their safe unloading and storage; handles hazardous materials in accordance with safety rules and procedures.
• Takes water samples and performs standardized laboratory testing, such as chlorine residual, pH, turbidity, temperature, taste, and odor; calculates chemical dosages and adjusts chemical feeders as necessary to maintain water quality.
• Logs plant operations, test results, unusual operating conditions, maintenance work performed, and related information; maintains accurate logs and records of work performed and materials and equipment used; prepares operations reports.
• Reads and interprets meters, gauges, charts, and instruments; performs preventive maintenance on pumps, motors, and other equipment; checks and adds oil; greases bearings.
• Responds to alarms, equipment failures, and emergencies, taking necessary actions to maintain a reliable water supply.
• Makes minor repairs or inspects contract repair work associated with repairs of pipelines, pumps, tanks, reservoirs, and related equipment.
• Follows safety procedures and regulations.
• Maintains public facilities, storage sites, and other work areas in a clean and orderly condition, including securing equipment at the close of the workday.
• Operates a computer and assigned software.
• Performs other related duties as required.

PHYSICAL, MENTAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL WORKING CONDITIONS

This position requires prolonged sitting, standing, walking, reaching, twisting, turning, kneeling, bending, squatting, and/or stooping in the performance of daily activities. The position also requires grasping, repetitive hand movement and fine coordination in making repairs. Additionally, the position requires near and far vision in making mechanical and system repairs. Incumbents are required to turn valves. The need to lift, drag, and push materials, supplies, and equipment weighing 50 pounds also is required.

Work is primarily performed outdoors in varied weather conditions including heat, rain and cold, and with potential exposure to road traffic, mechanical hazards, electrical hazards, and occasional confined spaces.

OTHER REQUIREMENTS

Some of these requirements may be accommodated for otherwise qualified individuals requiring and requesting such accommodations. For more information, see SCV Water Employee Manual Policy No. 4 – Americans with Disabilities, or the following link: SCV Water Employee Manual.

According to California state law, all Agency employees are disaster service workers and are expected to participate in emergency response initiatives. This could include contributing to the emergency planning process, participating in disaster exercises and training, as well as potentially responding to support actual emergency events. For more information, please see Section 6.10 of SCV Water Employee Manual Policy No. 6 – Recruitment and Hiring, or by clicking this link: SCV Water Employee Manual.

QUALIFICATIONS

(The following are minimal qualifications necessary for entry into the classification.)

Education and / or Experience:

Any combination of education and experience that has provided the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary for a Treatment Plant Operator. A typical way of obtaining the required qualifications is to possess:

Treatment Plant Operator I

• A high school diploma, GED or e quivalent.
• No experience required.

Treatment Plant Operator II

• A high school diploma or equivalent GED.
• Two (2) years of experience in the operation, maintenance, and/or repair of water treatment plants and water distribution systems at a level comparable to Treatment Plant Operator I with the Agency.

Treatment Plant Operator III

• A high school diploma or equivalent GED.
• Five (5) years of experience in the operation, maintenance, and/or repair of water treatment plants and water distribution systems, including at least three (3) years at a level comparable to a Treatment Plant Operator II.

Licenses and Certifications:

• Possession of a valid California Driver's License, or evidence of equivalent mobility, to be maintained throughout employment.

Treatment Plant Operator I

• Possess and maintain a valid Grade II Water Treatment Operator Certificate issued by the California State Water Resources Control Board.
• Must obtain a Grade III Water Treatment Operator Certificate and a Grade III Water Distribution Operator Certificate issued by California State Water Resources Control Board within 18 months of hire.

Treatment Plant Operator II

• Possession of a valid Grade III Water Treatment Operator’s certification issued by the California State Water Resources Control Board, Division of Drinking Water, to be maintained throughout employment.
• Possession of a valid Grade III Water Distribution Operator’s certification issued by California State Water Resources Control Board, Division of Drinking Water, to be maintained throughout employment.

Treatment Plant Operator III

• Possess and maintain