Operator

UNDER SUPERVISION, PERFORMS INSTALLATION, REPAIRS, AND MAINTAINS ALL WATER PLANT AND WASTEWATER PLANT
FACILITIES EQUIPMENT, INCLUDING PUMP STATIONS, ELEVATED STORAGE TANKS, AND WASTEWATER LIFT STATIONS, AND
RELATED WORK AS DIRECTED.

ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Perform assigned treatment plant rounds; inspect, monitor, troubleshoot, performance test, and
  document plant processes by reading plant equipment gauges, dials, graphs, online analyzers,
  computer screens, meters, SCADA systems, and other instrumentation.
• Operate and adjust treatment plant pumps, motors, feeders, and other equipment to maintain appropriate plant operations.
• Maintain, compile and update plant operations logs and reports; perform and record mathematical calculations related to plant operational activities.
• Mix and add treatment chemicals; install and replace chlorine cylinder tanks; ensure adequate chemical application according to regulations and guidelines.
• Install, maintain, repair, modify, troubleshoot, and service plant operations machinery and equipment including pumps, valves, motors, meters, tanks, reservoirs, feeders, and online analyzers; change lubrications.
• Collect and document liquid and solid samples and perform a variety of routine water quality laboratory tests; work closely with the laboratory on testing processes; monitor laboratory results; collect water samples as required by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality.
• Perform general plant facility maintenance such as cleaning, painting, and repairing plant facilities; perform various grounds maintenance duties as required.
• Operate a variety of heavy equipment including backhoes, loaders, scrapers, rotavators, forklifts, dump trucks, truck-mounted sludge/compost mixers, and tractor-trailer combinations; assist in unloading chemicals as necessary.
• Coordinate construction, maintenance, material selection, and repair activities with maintenance, laboratory, contractors, vendors, and other staff.
• As assigned, participate in a variety of special projects such as the construction of piping, electrical, and structural systems related to the assigned work area.
• Conduct tours for the general public, schools, and City staff as necessary.
• Participate in the development of goals and procedures for water or wastewater treatment activities; gather and analyze data; develop a variety of reports.
• Work with a variety of vendors, outside contractors, and the general public on water or wastewater activities; answer questions and resolve conflicts.
• Perform other related job duties as directed.

EXPERIENCE AND EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS

• Experience commensurate with each Class level of certification as required by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality, which includes some course work in the area of assignment.
  • Class D License; No experience.
  • Class C License; 2 years experience.
  • Class B License; 4 years experience (2.5 years with Bachelor’s Degree).
  • Class A License, 7 years experience.
• Any combination of education and experience that would likely provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying.
• Valid Texas Driver’s License, Class “C”, with an acceptable driving record.
• High School Diploma or G.E.D. supplemented by specialized training in water or wastewater treatment plant operations.
• License Requirement:
  • Plant Operator I: Requirement to attain a Class D license and obtain a Class C license within 1 year of employment.
  • Plant Operator II: Requirement to attain and maintain a Class C license.
  • Plant Operator III: Requirement to attain and maintain a Class B license.
  • Plant Operator IV: Requirement to attain and maintain a Class A license.
    

SPECIAL KNOWLEDGE/SKILLS REQUIREMENTS

• Knowledge of principles and practices of water or wastewater treatment plant operations.
• Knowledge of operating principles of plant equipment such as valves, pumps and motors.
• Knowledge of methods and techniques of maintaining, repairing and troubleshooting water or wastewater plant equipment and processes.
• Knowledge of standard principles of the natural sciences including chemistry and biology.
• Knowledge of basic mathematical principles.
• Knowledge of laboratory analysis techniques and health standards for water or wastewater.
• Knowledge of operational and safety regulations pertaining to water or wastewater treatment plant operations and vehicle and equipment usage.
• Knowledge of water or wastewater treatment chemicals used within the plant and their safe use and application.
• Knowledge of sampling methods and techniques.
• Knowledge of office procedures, methods, and equipment including computers and applicable software applications.
• Knowledge of occupational hazards and standard safety practices and procedures.
• Knowledge of pertinent federal, state and local laws and regulations pertaining to water or wastewater treatment.
• Ability to read, interpret and calibrate gauges and other recording devices related to water or wastewater treatment plant operations.
• Ability to take liquid and solid samples and perform routine laboratory tests.
• Ability to diagnose operating problems and take effective courses of action.
• Ability to make independent technical decisions to maintain proper treatment process.
• Ability to maintain pertinent records and compile data into written reports.
• Ability to perform routine to difficult maintenance, repairs and installations to plant equipment such as pumps, valves, and electronic monitoring devices.
• Ability to read, interpret and understand technical manuals, drawings, blueprints, schematics, and diagrams. Ability to perform heavy manual labor.
• Ability to schedule maintenance and repair of water or wastewater treatment plants.
• Ability to use and operate self-contained breathing apparatus equipment.
• Ability to logically solve problems.
• Ability to participate in and complete safety training courses including CPR and Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA) training.
• Ability to operate office equipment including computers and supporting software applications.
• Ability to adapt to changing technologies and learn the functionality of new equipment and systems.
• Ability to communicate clearly and concisely in English and Spanish, both orally and in writing. Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.
• In addition to the above, incumbents in Plant Operator III positions require the ability to:
  • Knowledge of principles of lead supervision and training.
  • Knowledge of principles and practices of timekeeping including proper time codes.
  • Ability to operate and monitor water or wastewater treatment plant equipment.
  • Ability to audit timesheets and enter information into a computer system.
  • Ability to assign tasks and special projects to lower-level plant operations staff.
  • Ability to lead and train lower-level plant operations staff.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES
For experienced operators, lower-level plan operations staff as assigned.

ADDITIONAL NOTES

• Posture: Frequent standing, kneeling/squatting, bending/stooping, pushing/pulling, and twisting.
• Motion: Repetitive hand motions; frequent walking, climbing ladders and scaffolding; grasping/squeezing, wrist flexion/extension, and overhead reaching; driving.
• Lifting: Heavy lifting and carrying (100 pounds) occasionally.
• Environment: Work outside and inside, on slippery or uneven walking surfaces; confined spaces; frequent exposure to extreme hot and cold temperatures, dust, toxic chemicals and materials, noise, and vibration; work around moving objects or vehicles; insects, rodents, may work alone, regular exposure to high, fast-moving mechanical parts.
• Mental Demands: Maintain emotional control under stress, occasional prolonged or irregular hours.
• Other: All essential positions are subject to recall during emergencies.