Water Plant Operator 2 - Susquehanna Plant

PA Section American Water Works Association (PA-AWWA); Lancaster, Northern (Lancaster County, KY); Hybrid; USD 52,000 - 68,000; Full time

Job summary

The City of Lancaster is seeking a Water Plant Operator 2 for the Susquehanna Plant. This on-site role involves operating water treatment equipment, monitoring SCADA, and maintaining water quality and pressure for the city.

Responsibilities include managing chemical feeders, pumps, and filters, performing laboratory tests, and documenting data to support reliable service. A high school diploma is required, with a preference for a Bachelor’s degree and at least three years of experience.

Qualifications

• High School diploma or GED required; bachelor’s degree preferred.
• At least 3 years of experience as a water plant operator is highly preferred.

Responsibilities

• Operate water treatment equipment to ensure proper pumping, treatment and filtration.
• Monitor SCADA system and adjust as needed to maintain flow and pressure.
• Manage chemical feeders, pumps, filters and related plant equipment to produce potable water.
• Conduct laboratory tests to determine chemical feed rates and water quality.
• Enter data and maintain records for regulatory and operational purposes.
• Provide instruction and direction on assigned shifts and communicate with public and service teams.

Skills

SCADA monitoring

Water plant safety

Team collaboration

Education

High School Diploma

Bachelor’s degree preferred

Tools

SCADA

Job description

Water Plant Operator 2 - Susquehanna Plant

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.

• 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.

Primary Functions and Job Details

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 the position screening process.