Job Details

WATER TREATMENT PLANT OPERATOR

MIMIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

1. Graduation from a high school or equivalent G.E.D.
2. Must possess and continuously maintain a valid Michigan driver’s license as well as qualify to drive a Division vehicle in compliance with the Division Driver Policy.
3. Four (4) credits of college level chemistry or biology, and four (4) credits of college level algebra or equivalent as approved by the Division.
4. The U-1 pay scale will be frozen at the three (3) year level until the “F-4” level of certification is attained.
5. Incumbents will be awarded pay level consistent with the negotiated pay schedule included in this contract for certification levels obtained: F4, F3, F2 or F-1.
6. Must be able to work various shifts, irregular hours, including holidays and weekends
7. Must be able to lift a minimum of seventy-five (75) pounds.
8. Must have color vision
9. Must be able to work in confined spaces and outdoors under varying climatic conditions.
10. Must be able to walk over rough terrain and climb ladders and stairs.  

GENERAL STATEMENT OF DUTIES: Entry level employees receive on-the-job training and experience in performing routine maintenance operation, cleaning, installation and monitoring of water treatment plant equipment and facilities.  Additional voluntary training will be provided after normal work hours at a location chosen by the Employer. Receives on the job training and experience. Monitors and maintains water treatment plant and raw water pumping operations by, performing operational checks of pumping equipment, chemical feed systems and maintains sufficient chemical feed volumes, patrols plant grounds.  Services and maintains equipment, operates chemical feed equipment and tanks, washes filters. Collects and analyzes water samples and data and adjusts water treatment processes to respond to changing water quality conditions.  Assists in providing training to new employees as directed by Supervision or Management. 

STATEMENT OF TASKS:

• Operates various water treatment plant equipment and performs preventative maintenance and minor corrective maintenance on the equipment and makes appropriate changes to the operation to ensure sound treatment and compliance with regulatory parameters.
• Grease and oil pumps and equipment, and maintains proper equipment oil levels.
• Checks pumps, chemical storage equipment and transfer pumps, chlorine feed equipment and other treatment plant equipment and processes.
• Fills dry chemical hoppers, transfers chemicals, changes chemical totes, inventories chemical volumes in storage.
• Patrols the plant grounds, checking chlorine building, impoundment and under-drain pumps, backwash ponds, electrical substation, detention and drainage areas.
• Monitors filter operation and backwashes rapid sand filters. Monitors clarifier sludge levels, operates sludge pumps as necessary.
• As assigned collects water samples, performs chemical analysis and bacteriological tests, recording results and maintaining accurate records and reports.
• As assigned, collects readings on chemical feeders and storage tanks, calculates chemical doses and adjust feed rates as necessary according to set guidelines or changing water conditions.
• As assigned, monitors the operation of the treatment plant, raw pumping facilities, distribution system, and security cameras using the WTP computers. Regulates the flow to maintain proper levels in tanks, the impoundment, and covered water reservoir.
• Assists maintenance mechanic, instrument technician, lab technician, and treatment plant supervision and any other classification in operating and troubleshooting plant operational problems when necessary or when requested to do so.
• Checks pumps, treatment equipment drives, filters, blowers, compressors, chemical feed and mixing units, including storage, handling, installation, and feed rates for all treatment chemicals, and all other treatment plant equipment and processes.
• Routinely cleans and maintains equipment, and equipment areas, tanks and manholes
• In coordination with other plant personnel, performs calibration checks on chemical feed equipment and records data.
• Coordinates activities with other plant personnel to ensure that all work is completed and the WTP operates efficiently.
• Assists maintenance personnel and Instrument Technicians as needed or assigned.
• Performs minor maintenance, checks oil levels, greases equipment, painting and other maintenance as assigned.
• Performs housekeeping duties: sweeping, mopping, cleaning, and garbage disposal, as assigned.
• Routinely cleans and maintains equipment, equipment areas, treatment and filtration areas, 2^nd level areas and laboratory.
• Troubleshoots operational and equipment problems.
• Collects data and prepares and maintains records and reports
• Irrigates and mows fields.
• Operates electric and pneumatic power and hand tools.
• Performs snow removal, by shoveling, snow blowing, plowing, and spreading salt.
• Responds to emergency calls
• Must be able to perform normal tasks and duties or other assigned tasks with minimal supervision.
• Performs any other work related to the classification.

ASSIGNMENT TO U-5 WATER TREATMENT PLANT OPERATOR LEVEL: If conditions arise in which a Water Treatment Plant Operator must work independently without a supervisory employee assigned to their shift, the affected employee will be paid at wage level U-5 for the duration of the time so assigned. Only employees with valid Michigan EGLE Water Filtration Certification Class “F-4” will be eligible for the U-5 wage level assignment.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

• Comprehensive knowledge and understanding of water treatment plant equipment operation and treatment processes.
• Knowledge of basic math, chemistry and bacteriology.
• Knowledge of computer systems and relevant software.
• Ability to operate and interpret VOM and AMP meters.
• Ability to prepare reports and records.
• Ability to understand and carry out oral and written instructions.
• Ability to communicate efficiently both orally and is writing.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with co-workers.
• Ability to operate electric and pneumatic power and hand tools.
• Knowledge of standard safety practices, and mandatory safety regulations.
• Must be able to pass a written exam that measures appropriate level of knowledge, skills and abilities.

PAY SCALE: