Water Treatment Plant Operator / Trainee

City of Brenham; Brenham (TX); On-site; USD 24,000 - 26,000; Full time

Job summary

City of Brenham is seeking an Operator Trainee to assist with testing and operating equipment for treating raw surface water used for consumption. The role involves hands-on SCADA operation and daily chemical testing to ensure safe water quality.

Starting pay is $17.43 per hour for Trainee and $19.21 per hour for Operator I (with required certifications). Shifts vary, including evenings, weekends, and holidays, and a valid Texas driver’s license is required.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• Must have valid Texas Driver's License.
• Ability to obtain Class D Water license within 120 days and Class C certification within 3 years.

Responsibilities

• Assist with treating raw lake water for general consumption and performing chemical tests.
• Monitor water storage levels and flow rates.
• Operate and maintain plant equipment and SCADA system.
• Monitor and adjust clarifier performance and chemical levels.
• Perform mowing and grounds maintenance at the plant.

Skills

Communication

Relationship building

Reading comprehension

Mechanical aptitude

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Tools

SCADA

Job description

Summary

Assists with performing various tests and operating and maintaining various plant equipment associated with the treatment of raw surface water for general consumption.

Summary

Assists with performing various tests and operating and maintaining various plant equipment associated with the treatment of raw surface water for general consumption.

Starting Pay for Operator Trainee: $17.43 per hour

Starting Pay for Operator I: $19.21 per hour (already has Class C Surface Water Certificate)

Essential Duties and Responsibilities for Trainee

include the following. Other duties may be assigned.

• Assists with treating raw lake water for general consumption, including operating SCADA computer system and performing various chemical tests throughout each day to determine water pH levels, chlorine levels, ammonia levels, and levels of various chemicals in the water;
• Assists with checking and maintaining water levels in the water storage facilities, including checking flow rates;
• Assists with monitoring flow rate through plant to determine water usage;
• Assists with operating and maintaining various plant equipment;
• Assists with monitoring clarifiers for accuracy and speed, as well as blanket and chemical levels; and
• Performs mowing and grounds maintenance at plant.

This position has varied shifts; including evenings, weekends and holidays.

Supervisory Responsibilities

This is a non-supervisory position.

Qualifications

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Education And/or Experience

High school graduation or its equivalent; or any equivalent combination of education and experience that provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities.

Knowledge Of

Standard office practices and procedures.

Skill/Ability To

Establish and maintain effective working relationships with co-workers and the general public; communicate effectively; and read and understand manuals, policies, and other documents; operate, maintain, and repair mechanical equipment.

Certificates, Licenses, Registrations

• Valid Texas Driver's License.
• Obtain Class D Water license within 120 days of hire; obtain Class C Surface Water Treatment certification within 3 years of hire.

Physical Demands

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is required to engage in moderate to strenuous physical activity, work with tools and equipment, perform repetitive motions, perform work involving the entire body, stand, and walk and balance on all types of surfaces. The employee is required to bend from the waist, crouch or squat, kneel, sit, crawl, climb, twist, and reach with arms and hands. The employee is required perform job duties from various heights, lift and/or move objects weighing up to 50 pounds, such as materials and equipment, and must carry, push, and pull materials. The employee must be able to see clearly, with or without vision correction, in close situations, at a distance, and peripherally, and be able to adjust focus.

Work Environment

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
The work environment requires that the employee exercise caution at all times and adhere to safety standards to avoid the risk of personal injury. The employee is exposed to outdoor elements, loud noises, vibrations, and respiratory hazards such as dust, gases, chemicals, and bacteria. The employee may be required to work in confined spaces around gas, water, and sewer lines. The work environment is noisy and distracting.

Requirements

All offers of employment shall be made contingent upon the successful completion of pre-employment background and other screenings, as determined by the City of Brenham. Depending on the requirements of the position, the following background and pre-employment screening(s) may be conducted:

• Criminal Background
• Driver's License History
• Drug Screening
• Physical
• Respirator Medical Evaluation
• Skills Testing for Required Skills/Job Duties
• Employment Verification
• Reference Checks
• Public Safety Background Investigation
• Verification of Education