Job Summary:

The Water Treatment Plant Operator will oversee and operate the equipment, machines, and gauges necessary to safely and efficiently treat water.

Supervisory Responsibilities:

• None.

Duties/Responsibilities:

• Sends water or wastewater through the treatment processes using pumps, valves, and other processing equipment.
• Ensures that water supplied to residents meets all applicable federal, state, and municipal regulatory requirements, standards, and policies.
• Collects, tests, and analyzes water samples entering and leaving the treatment plant; notifies management of unexpected and/or abnormal findings; modifies treatment levels according to variances detected.
• Observes and interprets data from meters and gauges or individual machines or stages throughout the treatment process; modifies controls as needed.
• Maintains the treatment plants system by monitoring filters and chemical treatments, inspecting equipment, making necessary repairs, and servicing machines; contacts appropriate maintenance staff when major repairs or service are needed.
• Discards waste materials according to approved procedures and government controls.
• Implements and adheres to standard emergency procedures in the event of an overflow or spill of chemicals or unpurified water; notifies proper authorities and responders.
• Maintains current knowledge of applicable laws, regulations, and policies concerning the treatment of wastewater.
• Complies with all applicable safety guidelines and standards.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

Required Skills/Abilities:

• Good verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work under pressure.
• Good understanding of water and sewer water systems.
• Ability to correctly and thoroughly inspect systems.
• Ability to correctly test water and to make minor repairs to equipment, machines, and gauges.
• Basic understanding of all applicable laws, regulatory requirements, and standards.
• Proficient with Microsoft Office or similar software as needed to complete documentation and records of plant operations and data.

Education and Experience:

• High school diploma and Associate or vocational degree in related studies required.
• At least five years of mechanical experience with at least one year of chemical treatment of water, required.
• Appropriate operating license required.

Physical Requirements:

• Prolonged periods operating treatment machinery and equipment.
• Must be able to lift up to 15 pounds at times.
• Must be able to bend, lift, stretch, stoop, push, pull, stand, and carry as needed to inspect, service, and operate machinery, equipment, and gauges.
• Must work rotating shift schedule; may need to work overtime in emergencies.