Water Treatment Plant Operator

Salt-River-Pima--maricopa-Indian-Community-; Scottsdale (AZ); On-site; USD 52,000 - 74,000; Full time

Job summary

Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community seeks a Water Treatment Plant Operator to monitor, operate, and maintain drinking water facilities on-site. The role involves chemical handling, testing, SCADA monitoring, and routine maintenance to ensure EPA-compliant water quality.

Requirements include a high school diploma or GED with college coursework in water treatment, 4 years of experience, and a Grade III certification. On-call, weekend shifts, and strict safety protocols apply.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED and some college coursework in water treatment technology or closely related field.
• 4 years of full-time work experience as a Water Treatment Plant Operator or closely related work, with at least 2 years operating an arsenic removal plant.
• ADEQ or ITCA Grade III Water Treatment Operator Certification required at time of hire; reciprocity acceptable.

Responsibilities

• Monitors and operates water treatment facility equipment and systems, maintaining flow and treatment.
• Conducts regular chemical tests and adjusts dosages to meet water quality specifications.
• Records meter readings, tests, and inspections; maintains reports and logs.
• Performs maintenance and minor repairs on facility equipment and documents issues.
• Ensures safe handling and storage of hazardous chemicals and maintains inventory.
• Maintains cleanliness and safety of plant facilities and supports policy development.
• Assists supervisor with operation policies and procedures.
• Responds to emergencies including power failures and chlorine leaks, after-hours as needed.
• Performs other duties as assigned by Supervisor.

Skills

Equipment operation

SCADA systems

Chemical handling

Safety compliance

Math calculations

Recordkeeping

Troubleshooting

Communication

Education

High school diploma or GED

Some college in water treatment

ADEQ or ITCA Grade III Certification

4 years water treatment plant operation experience

Tools

SCADA

Microsoft Word

Microsoft Excel

Job description

Under general supervision of the Water Treatment & Production Supervisor, monitors, operates and maintains water treatment plant systems and related equipment to ensure quality drinking water is provided throughout the Community. Monitors and dispenses appropriate levels of chemicals to ensure water quality complies with EPA safe drinking water guidelines. Performs a variety of work associated with water testing, maintaining water sampling and inspection records, repair of water system equipment, and monitoring water distribution in accordance with tribal/federal water compliance standards. This job class is treated as FLSA Non-Exempt and considered DRIVING position, subject to working on call and weekend hours.

Essential Functions: (Essential functions may vary among positions, but may include the following tasks, knowledge, skills, abilities, and other characteristics. This list of tasks is ILLUSTRATIVE ONLY and is not intended to be a comprehensive listing of tasks performed by all positions in this classification.)

• 1. Monitors and operates water treatment facility equipment and systems including the wells, pumps, arsenic removal process, disinfection process, storage tanks, pressure pumps, etc., to maintain adequate water flow, proper water treatment and plant functions. Monitors, fills, and maintains appropriate levels of hazardous chemicals such as ammonia, chlorine, sulfuric acid, scale inhibitor, fluoride, etc., to maintain proper water treatment plant operations. Observes and follows safety and compliance requirements in accordance with established regulations, standards, and procedures.
• 2. Takes water samples from various water treatment locations to ensure proper treatment of drinking water from each plant. Conducts regular chemical tests at all facilities to determine water chemical composition, to control water quality, and ensure compliance with federal and tribal regulations. Adjusts water flow and chemical dosages as needed to maintain required water quality specifications.
• 3. Reads and records meter readings and other information to document and ensure proper water treatment plant operation. Monitors control panels, gauges, and meters, including SCADA system, to detect and correct variations in operating conditions. Maintains accurate and consistent reports on all test results, flow rates, gauge and meter readings. Maintains logs and records, prepares reports, writes work orders and enters information into the computer systems.
• 4. Performs maintenance on all equipment located in the water treatment facility. Conducts visual plant inspections of all equipment and monitors plant operations/processes to ensure facility operates according to required equipment specifications. Monitors and takes prompt action to detect and correct equipment failures, potential leaks, and other problem situations. Makes adjustments in plant operations as appropriate to maintain proper operations. Installs, repairs, and performs scheduled preventative maintenance on all facility equipment. Reports faulty equipment, problem situations, or emergencies to appropriate personnel.
• 5. Ensures availability of adequate materials and equipment to conduct work activities; initiates orders for new or replacement materials; receives incoming orders of chemicals and supplies, conducts periodic inventory counts to ensure the safety and security of all hazardous chemicals and supplies.
• 6. Performs general cleaning/maintenance tasks necessary to keep plant facilities, equipment, and tools in operable condition, which may include inspecting equipment, performing minor repairs, replacing parts, washing/cleaning equipment, or cleaning work areas; monitors equipment operations to maintain efficiency and safety; reports faulty equipment.
• 7. Assists supervisor with the development of water treatment operation policies, procedures, and guidelines.
• 8. Responds to emergency situations involving power failures, chlorine leaks, and other situations during regular hours or after-hours calls as needed.
• 9. Performs other job-related tasks as assigned by Supervisor.

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, and Other Characteristics:

• Knowledge of operational standards of water treatment and potable water distribution regulations, standards, and criteria.
• Knowledge of methods, equipment, material, tools, and standards for operation of a water treatment facility.
• Knowledge of practices for obtaining and testing water samples.
• Knowledge of methods of physical and chemical treatment of water, including but not limited to, adsorption, coagulation, flocculation, sedimentation, and chlorination.
• Knowledge of water distribution system dynamics, including flow and pressure parameters.
• Knowledge of Federal (OSHA) regulations and department policies regarding safe work practices and handling and disposal of hazardous materials.
• Knowledge of mathematical principles used in calculating measurements and calibrations.
• Knowledge of maintenance, operation, and repair of chlorination and chlorine injection systems.
• Skill in establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with customers and other staff.
• Skill in following oral and written instructions and procedures.
• Ability to respond to emergency repair calls at any time and under a variety of weather conditions.
• Ability to follow oral and written instructions.
• Ability to perform mathematical calculations as required for system operation.
• Ability to read and interpret system technical and operational guidelines.
• Ability to operate manual and automated valve, pump, and control systems.
• Ability to work alone, unsupervised, during evening or weekend shifts.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with other staff and the public.
• Ability to pick up and move objects weighing at least 75 pounds for short periods.
• Ability to read and interpret meters, gauges, control panels, and testing and monitoring equipment.
• Ability to operate power equipment, hand tools, and breathing apparatus and respirators.
• Ability to climb ladders or steps, and bend or stoop repeatedly or continually.
• Ability to work independently and alone.
• Ability to work non-standard, flexible shifts and respond to on-call emergencies.
• Ability to maintain compliance documentation, log, and records related to water testing and sampling and other internal tracking forms.
• Ability to read and interpret technical and operational manuals, blueprints, and diagrams.
• Ability to work in confined space and endure exposure to extreme environmental conditions.
• Ability to use personal computers and related software such as Microsoft Word and Excel to prepare letters, reports, and records for the job.

Education & Experience: Graduation from high school or GED equivalency and some college course work in water treatment technology or closely related field, and 4 years fulltime work experience as a Water Treatment Plant Operator or closely related work, and at least two (2) years’ experience operating an arsenic removal water treatment plant.

• Possess an ADEQ or ITCA Grade III Water Treatment Operator Certification upon time of hire. Certification from other states with Arizona reciprocity is acceptable.
• Ability to work non-standard, flexible shifts and respond to on-call emergencies.

Equivalency: Any equivalent combination of education and/or experience that would allow the candidate to satisfactorily perform the duties of this position, will be considered.

Underfill Eligibility: An enrolled Community Member who closely qualifies for the minimum qualifications for a position may be considered for employment under SRPMIC Policy 2-19, Underfill.

Must possess and maintain a valid Arizona Driver’s License.

Prior to hire as an employee, applicants will be subject to drug and alcohol testing. Will be required to pass a pre-employment background/fingerprint check.

"SRPMIC is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer" Preference will be given to a qualified: Community Member Veteran, Community Member, Spouse of Community Member, qualified Native American, and then other qualified candidate.

In order to obtain preference, the following is required:

• 1) Qualified Community Member Veteran (DD-214) will be required at the time of application submission
• 2) Qualified Community Member (must provide Tribal I.D at time of application submission)
• 3) Spouse of a Community Member (Marriage License/certificate and spouse Tribal ID or CIB required at time of application submission)
• 4) Native American (Tribal ID or CIB required at time of application submission)