Water Plant Operator

City of Bloomington Illinois; Illinois; On-site; USD 45,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

The City of Bloomington is seeking a skilled Water Treatment Plant Operator to manage operations and ensure compliance with safety and quality standards. The role involves monitoring water quality, performing laboratory tests, and maintaining equipment. Candidates must possess relevant licenses and demonstrate strong analytical and communication skills. This position offers a dynamic work environment with opportunities for professional growth.

Qualifications

• Knowledge of federal, state, and local water treatment laws and regulations.
• Ability to perform analytical laboratory tests and interpret results.
• Familiarity with water treatment processes and safety procedures.

Responsibilities

• Operates water treatment plant to ensure safe water supply.
• Monitors and adjusts water treatment processes and chemicals.
• Performs laboratory testing and maintains accurate records.

Skills

Water Quality Analysis

Communication

Analytical Skills

Education

Driver’s License

Laboratory Analyst Designation

EPA Public Water Supply Class C Operators License

Job description

The job incumbent provides skilled work in the operation of a water treatment plant on an assigned shift. Work involves providing technical, operational, and incidental maintenance services related to water treatment plant operations, instrumentation, and service delivery. The employee checks operating conditions, interprets and registers meter and gauge readings, performs basic water testing at various stages of plant processes; monitors supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA) system and equipment; performs laboratory water quality analysis; makes equipment and chemical feeder adjustments on the basis of interpretation, tests, and checks. Incidental maintenance is performed in the cleaning of work premises and equipment.

After training and operating experience has been gained, work is performed under the general supervision of the Superintendent of Water Purification and is reviewed through inspections, discussions of operating problems, through records prepared and maintained, and by observation of resultsobtained.

Thislistmaynotincludealltasksand/orknowledgewhichmaybeexpected oftheemployee,nordoesitcover all specific duties which may be required. Other duties may be assigned.

• Operates water treatment plant and related equipment to provide safe and adequate water supply;monitorsraw, intermediate, finished, and distribution water conditions; adjusts water treatment processes and chemicals.

• Produces and monitors finished water quality to ensure safe water supply that is compliant with established standards and laws; monitors,maintainsand calibrates various water quality instruments; performs water laboratory testing and reviews results.

• Utilizes plant control systems tomaintaincomplete andaccuraterecordsin accordance withprocedures and retention schedules.

• Monitors and regulates water flows based on supply needs; monitors system volumes, pressures,pumpage, and SCADA system and equipment.

• Makes periodic rounds of plant checking charts and meters; makes equipment adjustments after interpreting readings from meters, gauges, and other control and measuring devices.

• Performs incidental preventative maintenance on equipment and instruments to ensure efficient operations andaccuratereadings; monitors security systems at various facilities; washes filters and performs general cleaning of filter room and premises; removes grit and lime wastes from lime slakers.

• Regulates the operation of electric motors and pumps to adjust rates of water flow andpumpage.

• Performs laboratory water quality analysis tomonitorand adjust treatment process; registers chlorine test levels; calculates chemical dosages forpumpagechanges asrequired; adds lime, chlorine,phosphateand other chemicals asindicated; records amount and types of chemicals added to water.

• Prepares polymer blend for feeding into softening basins, or as designated.

• Manages records and information in any format,in accordance withapplicable statutes, regulations and City policy, guidance and records retention schedule.

• Maintains chemical inventory and orders water treatment chemicals as required. Is familiar with workplace safety procedures.

General Skill Levels:

Knowledge of:

• Applicable Federal,stateand local laws, codes,regulationsand/or ordinances.

• Procedures,processesand methods of water treatment plant operations.

• Applicable procedures,processesand methods of water treatment technology.

• Applicable systems,equipmentand tools.

• Water sampling and testing protocol and methods.

• Municipal water system grid and its components.

• Occupational hazards involved and the safety precautions necessary in water treatment plant operations.

• Mathematical concepts.

• Modern office equipment.

Skillsin:

• Interpreting and applying applicable laws, codes,regulationsand standards.

• Prioritizing work activities and projects.

• Sampling water andmaintainingtest results.

• Providing positive and effective communication.

• Performing quality control checks andmaintainingsafe water standards.

• Monitoring and regulating water flows.

• Identifyingissues and recommending solutions.

• Reading and interpreting technical documents.

• Preparing andmaintainingdocuments and records.

• Teaching and conveying technical information.

• Adhering to safe work practices.

• Utilizing a computer and relevant software applications.

• Using tact, discretion,initiativeand independent judgment within established guidelines.

Ability to:

• Perform analytical laboratory tests, interpret results, anddeterminevalidity of analytical results and observations as necessary tomonitorand control the treatment process.This includes relating the dataacquiredto water treatment plant operations, environmental and regulatoryreportingand compliance.

• Develop a thorough understanding of the water treatment plant, treatment processesmethodology, processes, process flows, equipment, and functions of each.

• Read gauges, charts, computer monitors, operations manuals, and meters correctly and to act quickly and independently in operational emergencies.

• Follow detailed and general oral and written instructions.

• Prepare andmaintainoperational records.

• Perform work independently under limited supervision.

• Ensure that proper on-the-job safety procedures are followed, and safety equipment is properly and consistently used.

• Read and understand technical information and apply guidelines and regulations to operational situations.

• Monitor use and inventories of process chemicals and supplies.

• Communicate orally and in writing with internal and external stakeholders professionally.

• Work evenings, nights and weekends asrequiredand respond to emergency situations.

• Perform basic arithmetic.

Certificates and Licenses:

Driver’s License –required

Laboratory Analyst Designation for Colilert technique, by Illinois Department of Public Health –requiredwithin 6 months

EPA Public Water Supply Class C Operators License–requiredwithin 18 months. Employees must pass the Class C exam within their probationary periodbut will be allowed 18 months to earn hours towards the license requirement.

EPA Public Water Supply Class A Operators License– preferred

PhysicalRequirements/Working Conditions: Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functionsof this position.

Majority of work is performed in both indoor and outdoor setting in all conditions including hot, cold,wetand dry conditions. Work requires traveling to various sites and the ability to traverse a variety of natural and altered ground surfaces which may be uneven,wetor slippery or sloped.