Water Treatment Plant Operator

City of Lewiston; Lewiston (ID); On-site; USD 49,000 - 57,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a dedicated Water Treatment Operator to ensure compliance with water quality standards. In this vital role, you will operate the water treatment plant, conduct essential water testing, and maintain equipment to guarantee safe drinking water for the community. Join a team that values safety and environmental responsibility while offering comprehensive benefits, including paid training and retirement plans. If you're passionate about public health and eager to make a difference, this opportunity could be your next career step.

Benefits

Paid Training Opportunities

Vacation Accrual

PERSI Retirement

Medical, Dental, Vision Plan

Paid Sick Leave

13 Paid Holidays

Basic Life Insurance

Compensatory Time Accrual

Summer Shift Pay

Certification Pay

Qualifications

• Graduation from high school and relevant training/experience.
• Valid Idaho Class I Water Treatment Operators License required.

Responsibilities

• Operate and maintain the water treatment plant and well system.
• Perform water quality testing and maintain related documentation.
• Conduct inspections and minor repairs on equipment.

Skills

Water Quality Testing

Chemical Analysis

Interpersonal Skills

Record-Keeping

Basic Math and Chemistry

Education

High School Diploma

Idaho Class I Water Treatment Operators License

Tools

SCADA Terminal

Spectrophotometer

Chemical Feeders

Hand and Power Tools

Job description

Anticipated hiring range for this position is $49,193.19 - $56,450.32 annually, dependent on qualifications and experience. The entire salary range is $49,193.19 - $67,045.27. Additional pay opportunities are also available, please see below:

Benefits for this position include:

Paid Training Opportunities	Vacation Accrual
PERSI Retirement	Summer Shift Pay
Certification Pay	Medical, Dental, Vision Plan
Compensatory Time Accrual	Paid Sick Leave
13 Paid Holidays	Basic Life Insurance

*Please visit our benefits webpage for a complete look at the City of Lewiston's benefits package:https://www.cityoflewiston.org/191/Benefits

Position Summary:

Under the direction of the Water Treatment Plant Supervisor, operate the water treatment plant and well system to assure compliance with federal, state and local laws, regulations and standards; perform water quality testing and various lab tests; operate a variety of treatment plant and testing equipment; prepare and maintain a variety of records and logs; clean clearwells, reservoirs, settling basins, and filtration facilities; conduct periodic inspections of the water plant to assure proper operation of electronic and mechanical equipment.

Essential Job Functions: Operate the water treatment plant and well system during an assigned shift; control the flow of raw water through the water treatment plant and finished production to storage reservoirs; assure compliance with federal, state and local laws, regulations and standards; adjust water flow, pressure, and chemical feed, valves and pumps. Perform water quality testing and various lab tests including alkalinity, hardness, iron, pH, chlorine, bacteria and others; perform daily and weekly water turbidity and quality control tests; maintain related documentation and test results and send to Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and other regulatory departments according to established procedures, standards, rules and regulations. Calibrate and operate wet and dry chemical feeders to disinfect and clarify water; apply aluminum chlorohydrate and sodium hypochlorite to comply with EPA standards; determine and apply correct coagulate dosages according to established procedures. Monitor reservoir levels and daily plant operation activities; input chemical type and dosages applied to water. Operate a variety of treatment plant and testing equipment, such as a spectrophotometer, chemical scale, autoclave, various lab equipment, specialized testing equipment, and hand and power tools; operate a SCADA terminal to control treatment plant, wells, and boosters operation, monitor reservoir levels and daily plant activities. Prepare and maintain a variety of records and logs related to plant operations such as membrane integrity, UV transmittance, pump usage, lab results, reservoir levels, pH and chlorine levels, and others as required; Clean clearwell and reservoirs; backwash settling basins; Conduct water sampling throughout the system for state analysis; remove sludge from sedimentation basin; maintain chemicals inventory for the plant as assigned. Conduct periodic inspections of the water plant to assure proper operation of electronic and mechanical equipment; lubricate and perform maintenance and minor repairs on equipment as necessary; correct or report malfunctions and concerns to appropriate personnel; Maintain facilities in a clean, safe and operative condition; perform grounds maintenance such as watering lawns and trimming vegetation as assigned; perform building maintenance and repair; paint walls, floors and other facilities. Communicate with the public regarding plant operation concerns and water-related questions or issues on the telephone or in person. Assist with the Cross Connection program and distribution crew as assigned; participate in site reviews and testing of backflow devices; install and repair equipment and lines; hypochlorinate new lines and assure new lines are properly disinfected as assigned. Assist in conducting plant tours as assigned. Perform related duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications:

Any combination equivalent to: graduation from high school and sufficient training and experience to demonstrate the knowledge and abilities listed above. Valid Driver’s License. Possess or acquire through reciprocity a valid Idaho Class I Water Treatment Operators License.

Knowledge & Abilities:

Practices and procedures to properly operate and maintain a membrane water filtration plant.
Principles, practices, methods and procedures of conducting chemical test and analysis on City water supply.
Appropriate amounts of chemical dosages to apply to pre-treated water.
Basic math, chemistry and related water subjects.
Applicable state and EPA rules and regulations regarding water quality control and reporting procedures.
Record-keeping techniques.
Interpersonal skills using tact, patience and courtesy.
Operation of a computer terminal and data entry techniques.
Health and safety regulations.
Operation and use of hand and power tools and equipment.
Operate the water treatment plant to assure compliance with federal, state and local laws, regulations and standards.
Learn and perform water quality testing.
Read and interpret a variety of meter readings.
Operate a computer terminal.
Work cooperatively with others.
Maintain routine records.
Learn, apply and explain policies, procedures, rules and regulations.
Analyze situations accurately and adopt an effective course of action.
Observe health and safety regulations.
Operate, maintain and make minor repairs on equipment.
Inspect facilities for maintenance and repair needs and safety and health hazards.


Working Conditions:

Water treatment plant and pump stations work environment; subject to driving to conduct work. Physical activities include: heavy lifting, pulling, pushing and carrying of objects weighing up to 50 pounds; eye-hand coordination to operate computer equipment; climbing stairs, walking over metal grates and wet floors; speaking and exchanging information; and bending at the waist. Incumbents are exposed to hazardous chemicals, fumes and ultraviolet light; working in confined or restrictive work chambers and spaces, electrical cabinets, and working on ladders, lifts and above ground level.

This is a safety sensitive position and will be subject to new hire drug testing.