Water Treatment Operator

Leavenworth Waterworks; Leavenworth (KS); Hybrid; USD 41,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

Leavenworth Waterworks in Kansas is seeking an Operator to support the treatment of plant machinery and equipment, conduct sampling and testing to ensure water quality, monitor gauges and meters, and maintain a dependable water supply for the public and industrial users.

The position requires a High School Diploma or GED, an associate degree preferred in chemistry or biology, the ability to obtain a Class I water certification, physical fitness to lift up to 100 pounds, weekend/evening shifts,

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or GED required.
• Associate degree in Chemistry, Biology, or related field preferred.
• Ability to obtain Class I water certification.
• Knowledge of water treatment operating procedures.

Responsibilities

• Collect water samples and perform tests to assess quality and compliance.
• Monitor gauges and meters; record data.
• Operate plant to maintain uninterrupted water supply.
• Daily and annual cleaning of water treatment facilities.
• Maintain plant and grounds.
• Record data such as residual chemical content and pressure.
• Repair and lubricate machinery and equipment.

Skills

Water treatment knowledge

Chlorination concepts

Lab equipment use

Data collection

Problem solving

Safety awareness

Math/chemistry basics

Microsoft Excel

Microsoft Word

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Associate degree in Chemistry/Biology or related field

Tools

Microsoft Excel

Microsoft Word

Job description

Controls the treatment of plant machinery and equipment to purify and clarify water for human consumption and industrial use.

JOB DUTIES:

The list below is intended as illustrations of the various types of work performed. These examples are neither restrictive nor all-encompassing of the duties to be performed under this job title.

• Collecting water samples and conducting tests to determine water quality comply with the standards and regulations of Leavenworth Waterworks and KDHE.
• Monitor gauges and meters; record required data.
• Operate to the highest possible standards to provide an uninterrupted water supply.
• Annual and daily cleaning of water treatment plants.
• General water plant and grounds maintenance.
• Records data, such as residual chemical content, water turbidity, water pressure, plant and distribution storage, and flow levels.
• Repairs and lubricates machines and equipment with hand and power tools.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Knowledge of:

• Chemical and physical processes are used to purify drinking water.
• Basic algebra and chemistry, along with the ability to apply that knowledge to the water treatment process.
• Standard water treatment operating procedures.
• Knowledge of disinfection concepts and procedures (e.g., chlorine contact time, residual, demand, and dosage)
• Skill in replacing chlorine containers and adjusting gas chlorinators.
• Knowledge of the chlorine disinfection process, including free and combined chlorine and chloramines
• Basic knowledge of computer HMI’s
• Basic knowledge of Microsoft software, including Excel and Word

Ability to:

• Determine processing and treatment requirements.
• Collect and analyze samples at stages of processing to determine the effectiveness of the treatment process and make any necessary adjustments.
• Use specialized equipment, chemical feed systems, pumps, electronic equipment, and laboratory equipment.
• Use computer workstations for data entry, data interpretation, KDHE reporting, and online calibration and equipment monitoring.
• Identify problems and provide solutions to ensure the proper and efficient operation of the treatment plant.
• Maintain effective working relationships with management, coworkers, and the public.
• Understand basic algebra and chemistry and be able to apply that knowledge to the water treatment process.
• Obtain the knowledge and training to procure a Class I water certification.

EDUCATION:

• High School Diploma or GED
• Associate degree in Chemistry, Biology, or another related field preferred.

NECESSARY SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Possession of a valid Kansas driver’s license
• Ability to attend continuing education classes every two years – 10 hours of water-related courses are necessary to keep the license valid.
• Work in extreme heat and cold environments
• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is occasionally required to use hands to finger, handle, or reach with hands or arms, and to stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. The employee is frequently required to stand, walk, sit, climb, or balance.
• The employee must lift and/or move materials weighing up to and over 100 pounds; frequently lift 25 to 55 pounds; and regularly lift 10 pounds.
• Drug testing and physical fitness test
• Must be able to work varying shifts, as assigned.
• Must be available for emergency situations.
• Must be available to work holidays, weekends and evenings.

PAY RANGES:

• Operator-in-Training/Class I: $41,000 - $52,000
• Class II: $46,800 - $62,400
• Class III: $52,000 - $69,680
• Class IV: $55,120 - $74,880