Water Plant Operator 2 - Susquehanna Plant

City of Lancaster; Lancaster (Lancaster County); On-site; USD 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

The City of Lancaster, Pennsylvania, is seeking a Water Plant Operator to operate and maintain the city’s water treatment facilities, ensuring safe, clean water and reliable service for thousands of residents. This on-site role requires hands-on experience with SCADA systems, chemical feeding, data recording, and coordinating with maintenance staff.

A High School diploma is required, plus a PA Driver’s License; a Class A Waterworks certification must be earned within three years.

Qualifications

• High School diploma or GED required; a Bachelor’s Degree in a related field is preferred.
• At least three years experience as a water plant operator is highly preferred.

Responsibilities

• Operate water treatment equipment at the plant to produce potable water.
• Monitor SCADA and adjust equipment to maintain proper flow, pressure and quality.
• Receive, document and respond to service requests related to City water services; dispatch staff as needed.
• Determine chemical feed rates and perform laboratory tests for turbidity, chlorine residuals, taste and odors.

Skills

SCADA operation

Water treatment knowledge

Reading measurements

Team collaboration

English communication

Education

High School diploma or GED

Bachelor’s degree (preferred)

Tools

SCADA system

Laboratory testing equipment

Job description

Explore a rewarding career with the City of Lancaster, Pennsylvania! Spanning just 7 square miles in south Central Pennsylvania, the City of Lancaster is home to nearly 60,000 diverse residents. The City oversees a range of public services including fire and police, health, housing, parks, streets, as well as water and wastewater for upwards of 120,000 customers in the surrounding region. This work is powered by nearly 600 employees who are committed to the core values of quality, teamwork, integrity, and respect. https://jobs.cityoflancasterpa.gov/

Mayor Arroyo’s Strategic Priorities

• An Economy That Works - Driving equitable growth, empowering small businesses, and creating opportunities that strengthen our community.
• Government That Delivers - Leading with integrity, accountability, and action to meet the needs of every resident and build trust in our city’s future.
• A City Built for Everyone - Ensuring safe streets, quality housing, and a community where every person has the tools they need to succeed.

Our Core Values: Quality. Teamwork. Integrity. Respect.

Primary Functions And Job Details

Shift: X Shift: Shifts vary based on availability.

Operates water treatment equipment at a City water treatment plant for the proper pumping, treatment and filtering of water and for maintaining proper water flow and pressure for the City.

Examples Of Essential Duties

• Follows safe practices in the performance of duties.
• Monitors supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA) system for membrane plant and makes adjustments as necessary.
• Operates high service finished water pumps, chlorinators, dry and liquid chemical feeders, filters, electric motors and other water plant equipment in order to produce clean, pure and potable water.
• Operates raw water pumps, grit machines, screens, and wet well gates.
• Monitors tank levels and other system information and alerts proper personnel to abnormalities or problems.
• Makes calculations according to established procedures in order to determine proper chemical feed rates, flow quantities, detection and contact times.
• Operates a mechanical centrifuge for dewatering sludge.
• Receives and documents a variety of incoming calls for service, information, and/or other related issues related to Citywide and/or non-City provided services.
• Dispatches servicepersons in accordance with City approved procedures.
• Communicates positively and effectively with the general public.
• Performs custodial, maintenance and preventive maintenance duties including, but not limited to, painting, cleaning and repairing equipment.
• Determines appropriate chemical feed rates through laboratory testing for turbidity, chlorine residuals, taste and odors, and other tests as required.
• Enters data as required to create and maintain appropriate records.
• Provides instruction and direction on an assigned shift in the operation of a water treatment plant.

Typical Qualifications

Education, Training and Experience

• Graduation from High School or completion of a GED is required; a Bachelor’s Degree in a related field is preferred.
• At least three (3) years experience as water plant operator is highly preferred.

Licenses and Certificates

• Possession of a valid Pennsylvania State Driver’s License is required; a CDL Class B driver’s license is preferred.
• Possession of a Class “A” Waterworks Operator Certification with all subclasses required by the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection to make process control decisions at the City of Lancaster’s water plants within three (3) years.

Knowledge, Skills And Abilities

• Knowledge of safe practices related to the water treatment plant.
• Proven ability to use, adjust and note defects in mechanical and electrical equipment is required; experience in the equipment used in a water filtration/pumping plant is preferred.
• Proven ability in taking accurate readings, keeping accurate records and making mathematical computations is required.
• Proven ability to identify and analyze problems and determine remedial action is required.
• Ability to operate a vehicle on private and public streets is required.
• Proven ability to read, write, speak and comprehend English is required.
• Proven ability to work well under pressure and to maintain positive interactions is required.
• Proven ability to work as part of a team and to collaborate successfully with others is required.
• Proven ability to adapt to new or changed situations and to show flexibility in making improvements in work processes and operations is required.
• Proven ability to exhibit customer-centered behaviors and to focus on customer needs is required.
• Proven ability to commit to excellence in service and to continuous improvement is required.

Environmental Conditions

• Indoors, Environmentally Controlled.
• Exposed to inclement weather and extreme temperature, including long periods of standing outdoors.
• Works outdoors and indoors with, or without, heat and/or air conditioning.
• Exposure to noise and pollution.

Safety Equipment Used or Needed

• Wear personal protection as required.
• Ability to read and understand Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) for chemicals.

Comments

• Successful completion of a job-related mathematical, chemistry, mechanical and customer service skills test administered by the City of Lancaster Human Resources Bureau is required.
• Satisfactory completion of the pre-employment process, which includes successful passing of a pre-employment physical and drug test, and an FBI criminal history check.
• Requires frequent walking, standing and kneeling.
• Requires occasional climbing and working from a ladder.
• Works around motorized or moving equipment and machinery.
• Requires occasional lifting up to 50 lbs with use of handcarts and hoists is required.
• This description was prepared to indicate the kinds of activities and levels of work difficulty required of positions in this class. It is not intended as a complete list of specific duties and responsibilities.
• Knowledge,skills and/or abilities assessment tests may be conducted as part of theposition screening process.

Applicants must possess valid employment authorization to work in the United States. Applicants must have the ability to work on-site at City of Lancaster, Pennsylvania locations.

Employment Policy

It is the policy of the City of Lancaster to provide fair and equal employment opportunities to all applicants for employment. Applicants are recruited, selected and hired on the basis of individual merit and ability and without discrimination because of race, color, religion, sex, gender, sexual orientation, age, handicap, disability, veteran status or national origin.

Accommodations Statement for Job Applications

The City of Lancaster is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to providing reasonable accommodations to applicants with disabilities. If you need a reasonable accommodation to participate in the application or interview process, please contact [e-mail] to request a needed accommodation.

The City of Lancaster, PA provides a comprehensive benefits package for all benefits-eligible positions. Available benefits include Medical (PPO and HDHP/HSA options), Dental, Vision, Life Insurance, Flexible Spending Accounts, Critical Illness and Accident Insurance, Pension plans, and 457 Deferred Compensation. Employees also receive Sick, Vacation, and Personal Leave, as well as 13 paid holidays for non-essential positions. Essential positions receive bonus days in lieu of holidays. https://jobs.cityoflancasterpa.gov/benefits/