Water Treatment Plant Operator

Lewiston Public Schools; Lewiston (ID); On-site; USD 52,000 - 76,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Paid Training Opportunities

Vacation Accrual

PERSI Retirement

Summer Shift Pay

Certification Pay - Up to $3/hour

Medical, Dental, Vision Plan

Sick Leave

13 Paid Holidays

Basic Life Insurance

Job summary

City of Lewiston is seeking a Water Treatment Operator to operate the water treatment plant and well system, monitor equipment, collect samples, and maintain logs to ensure compliance with EPA and state standards.

Requirements include a high school diploma and Idaho Class I Water Treatment Operators License, valid driver’s license, and willingness to work shifts. Benefits cover health, retirement, holidays, and ongoing training.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Idaho Class I Water Treatment Operators License.
• Valid driver’s license with a good driving record.
• Safety Sensitive Position.

Responsibilities

• Operate the water treatment plant, well system, and booster stations during an assigned shift.
• Perform water quality testing and lab tests including pH, alkalinity, hardness, iron, chlorine.
• Maintain records and logs; submit results to EPA and regulators as required.
• Calibrate chemical feeders and monitor dosages per procedures.
• Operate SCADA terminal and routine maintenance on plant equipment.

Skills

Water treatment operations

Laboratory testing

Safety compliance

SCADA operation

Record keeping

Public communication

Education

High school diploma

Idaho Class I Water Treatment Operators License

Job description

This position is open until filled and applications will be reviewed as they are received.

Anticipated starting wage for this position is $52,276.94/year, with a full salary range up to $76,031.72.

Benefits For This Position Include

• Paid Training Opportunities
• Vacation Accrual
• PERSI Retirement
• Summer Shift Pay
• Certification Pay - Up to $3/hour
• 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 sampling and various lab tests; operate a variety of treatment plant and testing equipment; prepare and maintain a variety of records and logs; clean clear wells, reservoirs, settling basins, and membrane filtration facilities; conduct periodic inspections of the water plant to assure proper operation of electronic and mechanical equipment.

Essential Functions

• Operate the water treatment plant, well system, and booster stations during an assigned shift; control the flow of raw water through the water treatment plant and finished water production to storage reservoirs; act as responsible charge operator for assigned shift to 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 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 washwater settling basins; Conduct water sampling throughout the system for state analysis; remove sludge from sedimentation basin; maintain chemicals inventory for the plant as assigned.
• Safely operate aerial work platforms (scissor lifts) to access, inspect, clean, and perform routine maintenance on elevated membrane filtration racks, modules, and piping systems.
• Safely manage, oversee, and execute the offloading of bulk chemical deliveries (including, but not limited to, sodium hypochlorite, caustic soda, aluminum chlorohydrate, and citric acid) from commercial transport tankers into designated facility storage tanks or via chemical totes.
• Safely operate powered industrial trucks (forklifts) to load, unload, transport, and stack chemical totes, drums, pallets, and heavy plant equipment.
• Strictly adhere to Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), OSHA guidelines, and approved emergency response plans. Correctly utilize required Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), including chemical-resistant suits, face shields, and respirators when mandated.
• Conduct and document 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 in conducting plant tours as assigned.
• Be available for standby duty and respond to emergency call-out situations as assigned.
• Perform related duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

• Graduation from high school and sufficient training or experience to demonstrate the knowledge, skills and abilities listed herein.
• Valid driver's license with an acceptable driving record.
• Possess or acquire through reciprocity a valid Idaho Class I Water Treatment Operators License.
• Safety Sensitive Position.

Knowledge & Abilities

• Practices and procedures to properly operate and maintain a membrane water filtration plant.
• Principles, practices, methods and procedures of conducting chemical tests and analysis on City water supply.
• Appropriate amounts of chemical dosages to apply to pre-treated water.
• Operation and maintenance of chemical addition corrosion control systems.
• Operation and maintenance of chemical and ultraviolet disinfection systems.
• Water production and pumping facilities and pressure zone boundaries.
• Basic math, chemistry and hydraulics as they relate to water treatment and distribution.
• 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.
• Perform water quality sampling and testing.
• Read and interpret a variety of meter readings.
• Operate a SCADA 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 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. Frequent exposure to outdoor elements and industrial environments containing hazardous chemicals. 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.

City of Lewiston offers a competitive and comprehensive benefit package to all full time employees. Benefits include:

• Health Plan - A high quality, affordable health plan that includes medical, dental, vision and prescription coverage administered by Regence BlueShield of Idaho and Delta Dental of Idaho. The City pays 100% of the premium for employees and 80% of the premium for dependents.
• Public Employee Retirement System of Idaho (PERSI) - PERSI, one of the best pension plans nationwide, ensures our employees have first-class, reliable retirement. Employees can also contribute additional funds to PERSI Choice 401(k), Nationwide 457, ICMA 457, or ICMA Roth IRA through payroll.
• Holiday Leave - Employees enjoy 13 paid holidays throughout the year including a floating holiday to use on a day of their choosing.
• Vacation/Sick Leave - Employees accrue vacation and sick leave at competitive rates.
• Basic Life Insurance - Upon hire, employees are enrolled in basic life and accidental death and dismemberment policy at no cost to them.
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP) - Available to all employees, the EAP, provides a variety of free services, including anything from visits with a mental health provider to finding quality pet care.
• Wellness Incentive Program - Employees are eligible to particpate in an annual Wellness Program with quarterly incentives including an additional day off.
• Optional Benefits - Other optional benefits avaiable to employees include Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs), Life Insurance, and Short & Long Term Disability.

For more information about benefits offered to our employees, please visit https://www.cityoflewiston.org/191/Benefits or contact Human Resources at [e-mail].

Please note, Non-Seasonal Part Time positions working 20-29 hours per week are eligible for PERSI Retirement and pro-rated Sick Leave and Vacation Accrual. Seasonal and Non-Seasonal Part Time jobs working less than 20 hours per week are not benefit eligible.