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Job Description
Water Lead Operator
This position is responsible for the operation and maintenance of water treatment facilities during an assigned shift. Under general supervision, performs responsible technical and supervisory work involving the daily operation of the water plant operations.
Responsibilities:
Assist in the review of operational data with supervisory staff;
Direct a crew of operators as assigned;
Operate water pumping mechanisms to regulate flow and pressure of water during assigned shifts to include:
Operate pumps, valves, turbines and electric motors to transfer, distribute and regulate pressure flow of raw and processed water
Monitor panel boards and adjusts controls to regulate flow and distribution of water
Clean systems by backwashing at designated intervals
Record reservoir water elevation, power consumption and equipment utilization data at designated intervals
Conduct water treatment activities to include:
Add appropriate amounts of chemicals to raw water to disinfect, deodorize, and clarify water at regular intervals
Regulate flow of pre-treated water through sedimentation and filter devices
Add appropriate amounts of chemicals into water for post-treatment and operates agitators
Record chemical composition of raw and treated water at designated intervals
Conduct laboratory analysis of raw and treated water to determine and correct imbalances
Draw samples of raw and treated water at regular intervals for testing
Conduct pH, chlorine residual, fluoride residual, turbidity, total coliform, hardness and alkalinity laboratory tests
Add appropriate chemicals to treated water to correct chemical imbalances
Maintain, cleans and stocks materials on trucks and equipment. Housekeeping duties to include: Cutting grass, cleaning tanks, sweeping & mopping floors, cleaning equipment and various other duties to maintain the aesthetic appearance of the facility
Calibrate all meters that they will be required to utilize through the course of the shift
Collect samples and performs various tests such as pH and CL2 residual; analyzes results and makes process control changes based on these lab results
Document readings, test results, equipment adjustments and enter data into a computer database and on paper for record maintenance and to produce periodic and special reports
Monitor and observe treatment process for offensive matter; inspect equipment and monitor operating conditions, meters, and gauges to determine load requirements and detect problems
Transfer various chemicals from one container to the other. Make chemical feed adjustments as necessary. Transport handle and mix chemicals manually as required.
Prepare routine laboratory reports on shift operations for use by supervisor
Attend safety classes, reinforce and comply with company safety policies
Qualifications
Requires high school diploma or GED, and the equivalent of one year of college or specialized vocational training in chemistry, or a closely related field. One year of experience in water system construction, operation, distribution, maintenance, or equipment operations. Prefer Class II or Class B Water Treatment Plant Operator License in state employed. Must have a valid state driver’s license and meet minimum driving standards.
Knowledge of:
Techniques, principles and practices of professional water plant and well site operations
Techniques, principles and practice of laboratory analysis
Water treatment flow schemes
Safety practices, procedures and equipment used
Mechanical unit processes; vertical turbine pumps, chemical metering pumps, and centrifugal pumps
Use and documentation of QA/QC
Treatment processes: disinfection and sedimentation Skill in:
The operation of variety of hand or power tools, water plant equipment and laboratory testing equipment Ability to:
Understand and follow oral and written instructions
Collect and interpret daily readings
Prepare routine records and logs
Perform mathematical computations
Work emergency duty during non-scheduled work hours
Distinguish between different shades of color
Working conditions:
While performing the duties of this job, the employee may be exposed to extreme heat and/or cold, wet or humid conditions, bright and/or dim light, dust or pollen, intense noise levels, vibration, fumes or noxious odors. All required safety standards shall be adhered to mitigate risk from moving mechanical parts, electrical shock, heights, blood-borne pathogens, traffic, animals and wildlife, toxic or caustic chemicals, and other identified hazards.
Physical requirements:
This position requires frequent standing, kneeling, bending and climbing. The employee must be able to use hands to operate and manipulate tools and equipment. This position requires very heavy physical exertion including the ability to lift over 50 pounds and exert over 100 pounds of force on a regular basis.
The employee must be willing to work non-standard and overtime hours as required.
The position requires normal visual acuity and field of vision, hearing, and depth perception.
Other Duties
This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that may be required. Employee shall perform all other duties as required.
