Water Treatment Plant Operator I / Operator-in-Training

City of Upper Sandusky, Ohio; Upper Sandusky (OH); On-site; USD 42,000 - 54,000; Full time

Job summary

The City of Upper Sandusky, Ohio is seeking a full-time Water Treatment Plant Operator I / Operator-in-Training to operate and monitor the plant and related facilities. The role may include third-shift work to support operations and staffing needs.

The ideal candidate will have a high school diploma or GED, basic maintenance experience, and the required OEPA/Class I Water Operator licenses and CDL. Training opportunities may be provided in this role.

Qualifications

• Completion of secondary education (high school diploma or GED equivalent) or equivalent combination of education and training.
• Six (6) months skilled maintenance experience or equivalent; ability to understand mechanical and technical procedures and maintain records.
• Possession of licenses/certifications and insurability under the city’s vehicle insurance policy.

Responsibilities

• Inspect facility and operate pumps, meters, and chlorination equipment to maintain prescribed water quality.
• Conduct routine tests of water (turbidity, pH, chlorine) and record results daily.
• Perform routine mechanical and electrical maintenance and repair of pumps, motors, and related equipment.

Skills

Maintenance basics

Reading instruments

Record keeping

Communication

Education

High school diploma

Job description

The City is now accepting applications for a full-time position with the Water Treatment Plant, Operator I /Operator-in-Training. As the City continues to grow and expand its operations, we are also looking at adding a third shift. This position will help support our current operations and future staffing needs.

GENERAL DESCRIPTION:

Under the direction of the water superintendent, operates and monitors the city’s water treatment plant and related facilities in accordance with regulatory standards (collects samples, observes meters, gauges, and dials, records readings, performs various tests to analyze water quality and records test results); inspects equipment to ensure proper operating conditions and performs routine maintenance and repairs; performs building and grounds maintenance; operates vehicles and equipment to perform maintenance and repairs to city’s water distribution systems and treatment facilities.

QUALIFICATIONS:An example of acceptable qualifications:

Completion of secondary education (high school diploma or GED equivalent); six (6) months skilled maintenance experience, or equivalent; demonstrable ability to understand system of mechanical and technical procedures, maintain accurate records, and perform manual labor; possession of all required licenses and certifications and be insurable under the city’s vehicle insurance policy; or equivalent combination of education, experience, and training which provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities.

LICENSURE OR CERTIFICATION REQUIREMENTS:

Must possess and maintain OEPA Class I Water Operator’s license, valid commercial driver’s license with appropriate endorsements, and valid state of Ohio driver’s license; must remain insurable under the city’s vehicle insurance policy.

EQUIPMENT OPERATED:The following are examples only and are not intended to be all inclusive:

Laboratory equipment, computer, copier, fax, telephone, and other office equipment; pick-up truck, front end loader, backhoe, dump truck, grader, mower, skid loader, bucket truck, weed trimmer, cutoff saw, chain pipe snapper, Seimen’s UF/NF units, and other hand and power tools.

INHERENTLY HAZARDOUS OR PHYSICALLY DEMANDING WORKING CONDITIONS:

The employee works in the vicinity of floor or wall openings, elevated platforms, and/or runways; ascends and/or descends ladders, stairs, or scaffolds; works in a confined space (e.g., manhole); works in an area in which the means of egress is or can be obstructed; employee has exposure to chemical compounds found in an office environment (e.g., toner, correction fluid, etc.); works on and around powered platforms and/or vehicle mounted platforms; is exposed to environmental conditions which may result in injury from fumes, odors, dusts, mists, gases, and/or poorly ventilated work areas; is exposed to possible injury from extremely noisy conditions above 85 db; is exposed to possible injury from hazardous gases, chemicals, flammables, or air contaminants; is exposed to possible injury due to unclean or unsanitary conditions; is exposed to possible injury as a result of electrical shock; has exposure to possible injury as a result of working with moving mechanical parts of equipment or machines; is exposed to possible injury from explosions; is exposed to possible injury as a result of falling from high places; works around chemicals in containers or in the form of dust, mists, fumes, or vapors; has contact with potentially violent or emotionally distraught persons; has exposure to potentially vicious animals; has exposure to hot, cold, wet, humid, or windy weather conditions; has exposure to hazardous driving conditions; may be required to work evenings, nights, second or third shift, or weekends; lifts and carries objects weighing up to 50 pounds; may be required to move objects weighing several hundred pounds.

Note:In accordance with the U.S. Department of Labor physical demands strength ratings, this is considered heavy work.

JOB DESCRIPTION AND WORKER CHARACTERISTICS:

JOB DUTIES in order of importance

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS OF THE POSITION:For purposes of 42 USC 12101:

30%(1)Inspects facility on scheduled basis to ensure proper operation of plant and equipment and to ensure desired water quality is maintained or achieved, e.g., takes and records equipment readings, operates pumps, motors, metering and chlorinating equipment, adjusts chemical feed flows to ensure adherence to prescribed formulas, checks to ensure UF/NF units have no alarm issues; backwashes filters; ensures proper levels of above ground storage tanks and plant clearwell are maintained and adjusts pumps to maintain or achieve proper levels.

10%(2)Conducts routine tests of water to analyze turbidity, ph, and chlorine; records results on laboratory chart; prepares and submits daily records of plant operation, e.g., water pumped, chemicals used, etc.

10%(3)Performs routine mechanical and electrical work involved with the maintenance, repair, and installation of pumps, motors, feeders, and other related equipment; performs maintenance on equipment and facility (e.g., paints equipment, oils and lubricates machinery, mows grass, shovels snow, loads and stores shipments of chemicals.

20%(4)Performs daily housekeeping tasks throughout plant (e.g., sweeps and/or mops floor, cleans equipment and furniture, cleans spills, etc.)

10%(5)Performs special projects, maintenance, or clean-up tasks as assigned by supervisor.

15%(6)May be assigned to perform maintenance and repairs to city’s water distribution system (e.g., repair or replace broken waterlines, meters, hydrants, valves, etc.); check for leaks; respond to customer complaints.

(7)Maintains required licensures and certification, if any.

(8)Meets all job safety requirements and all applicable OSHA safety standards that pertain to essential functions.

(9)Demonstrates regular and predictable attendance.

OTHER DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

5%Performs other duties as assigned.

Knowledge of:policies and procedures; plant inspection techniques; safety practices and procedures;* water treatment plant operating procedures; water treatment regulations; mechanical maintenance; water distribution systems construction, maintenance, and repair; water distribution systems and components; water distribution principles and practices; proper lifting techniques.

Skill in:operation of water testing instruments and/or materials; use of mechanic's tools and equipment; use of modern office equipment.

Ability to:define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions; determine material and equipment needs; read, copy, and record figures accurately; complete routine forms; prepare accurate documentation; compile and prepare reports; communicate effectively; maintain records according to established procedures; develop and maintain effective working relationships; perform heavy manual labor; travel to and gain access to work sites.

POSITIONS DIRECTLY SUPERVISED:

May be assigned to provide on-the-job training and/or direct the work activities of a water treatment plant operator-in-training and/or water treatment laborer.