Location: Abilene,TX, USA
GENERAL DESCRIPTION
Treatment Plant Operator Trainee
Under the general supervision of the Water Treatment Division Manager to perform activities pertaining to the operation of a Surface Water Treatment plant. This position is an entry level trainee position that focuses on learning and understanding how to perform a variety of chemical dosing calculations, chemical analysis, distribution system management, electronic and manual record keeping as well as treatment plant process control activities to produce potable water compliant with State of Texas and Federal Regulations.
Treatment Plant Operator I and II
Under general supervision to perform a variety of chemical analysis, distribution system management, and treatment plant process control activities to produce potable water compliant with State of Texas and Federal Regulations.
Treatment Plant Operator III
Under general supervision to perform a variety of technical work involved in the operation and maintenance of a Water Treatment plant.
SUPERVISION EXERCISED
This position exercises no supervisory responsibilities; however the Treatment Plant Operator I, II and III will participate in training the Treatment Plant Operator Trainee.
IMPORTANT AND ESSENTIAL DUTIES
Treatment Plant Operator Trainee
Operate a City vehicle daily to travel to various water treatment plants, pump stations, storage tanks, lakes, and vendors
Learn to calculate dosages for various chemicals, and the purpose for which the chemicals are used.
Learn to control and monitor treatment plant chemical feed pumps and various types of equipment to clarify, filter, and disinfect water for human consumption and industrial use.
Learn to perform and record the results of various laboratory tests to assess water quality and to determine optimal chemical treatment, such as pH, alkalinity, turbidity, chlorine residual, hardness, temperature, conductivity and other related tests.
Learn to assess and interpret data from laboratory tests to improve and maintain water quality.
Learn the steps of, and how to backwash filters using both manual and automatic sequences.
Become efficient at plant and laboratory operations, including maintenance of equipment, pumps, filters, and machinery, testing, quality control, and recordkeeping procedures.
Learn how to standardize laboratory equipment and adjust chemical feeders for optimal water treatment.
Learn to maintain plant records, including operations logs, daily diaries, and chemical inventories; compile both paper and electronic copies of reports as required by department policy.
Learn to monitor SCADA Systems, pumps, chemical feeders, laboratory equipment, meters and gauges to determine status of various functions of the plant; performs equipment and laboratory preventive maintenance duties.
Read, calculate, and record water usage on an hourly and daily basis.
Learn to maintain flows and levels in the distribution system, which consists of five (5) different pressure planes and their respective storage tanks.
Assist in performing minor repairs, operations adjustments, and preventive maintenance on plant equipment as needed.
Record telephone information regarding water leaks and reports to the appropriate repair crews, learns procedure for contacting DIGTESS as well as other utility and service provider locators.
Learn to check motors and pumps for excessive vibrations, noise and temperatures; report problems to appropriate personnel.
Perform grounds maintenance and housekeeping duties as needed.
Be available for on-call after hours work to respond to emergencies as needed.
Treatment Plant Operator I and II
All duties of the Trainee, but with a higher unsupervised standard of confidence.
Operate a City vehicle daily to travel to various water treatment plants, pump stations, storage tanks, lakes, and vendors
Controls and monitors treatment plant chemicals, machines, and equipment to purify and clarify water for human consumption and industrial use.
Performs and records the results of various laboratory tests to assess water quality and to determine optimal chemical treatment, such as pH, alkalinity, turbidity, chlorine residual, hardness, temperature, conductivity and other related tests.
Removes solids from treatment units and backwashes filters as needed.
Maintains the efficiency of plant and laboratory operations, including maintenance of equipment, pumps, filters, and machinery, testing, quality control, and record-keeping procedures.
Calibrates laboratory equipment and adjusts chemical feeders for optimal water treatment.
Maintains plant records, including operations logs, daily diaries, and chemical inventories; compiles reports as required by departmental policies.
Monitors SCADA Systems, pumps, chemical feeders, laboratory equipment, meters and gauges to determine status of various functions of the plant; performs equipment and laboratory preventive maintenance duties.
Reads, calculates, and records water usage hourly/daily basis.
Maintains flows and levels in distribution systems and storage tanks.
Performs minor repairs, operations adjustments, and preventive maintenance on plant equipment as needed.
Reads and records chemical usage; fills chemical feeders; mixes chemicals; changes reagents; changes out chlorine cylinders.
Checks motors and pumps for excessive noise and temperature variations; reports problems to appropriate personnel.
Performs grounds maintenance and housekeeping duties as needed.
May be required to work on call after hours to respond to emergencies.
Treatment Plant Operator III
All above requirements with an increased understanding of Rules and Regulations.
Operate a City vehicle daily to travel to various water treatment plants, pump stations, storage tanks, lakes, and vendors
Oversees plant is operating efficiently; maintain records; prepare reports regarding the operation of the plant and quality of the plant product; suggest methods of improving plant efficiency.
Troubleshoots and recommends corrective action towards a resolution of maintenance or operation problems.
Assists with conducting chemical and bacteriological analysis of treatment plant products using quality control data analysis data of plant products.
Based on the analysis of information from meter readings, gauges and other control/measuring devices, makes required adjustments.
Maintains effective communication and working relationships with employees, governmental officials, and the general public.
Performs process control laboratory analysis.
Maintains and enters process control as well as other data into the appropriate computer systems.
OTHER JOB RELATED DUTIES
Perform other job related duties and responsibilities as assigned.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES
Knowledge of:
State and Federal requirements, rules and regulations for Water Treatment.
Safe chemical handling practices.
Basic algebra and general math skills.
Methods, materials, practices, equipment, and facilities involved in Water Treatment.
Applicable State and Federal regulations.
Workplace occupational hazards and standard safety precautions.
Safe driving principles and practices.
Skill to:
Operate and maintain various laboratory equipment and systems.
Use and maintain a variety of tools and equipment used in water and wastewater treatment and repair activities.
Visually, physically, and audibly identify anomalies associated with pumps and motors.
Make logical decisions based on available and/or acquired data through SCADA and computer systems.
Operate basic computer equipment.
Safely operate a motor vehicle in all types of weather.
Ability to:
Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.
Read, write and understand the English language and follow written and oral instructions.
Physically perform duties related to building and grounds maintenance, including mowing, weed-eating, sweeping, mopping, painting, and digging.
Establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with those contacted in the course of work, both internally and externally.
Follow and embrace the City of Abilene Core Values - Respect, Integrity, Service Above Self, and Excellence in All We Do.
Perform as a team member in a manner that accomplishes the Division's mission and treats team members with dignity, courtesy, and respect.
Treatment Plant Operator III - In addition to the Abilities listed above:
Perform laboratory process control testing.
Operate a City vehicle daily to travel to various water treatment plants, pump stations, storage tanks, lakes, and vendors
Perform required computer operations in conjunction with position specific requirements.
Lead and manage a team in a manner that accomplishes the Division's mission and treats team members with dignity, courtesy, and respect.
Experience and Training Guidelines:
Any combination equivalent to experience and training to provide the required knowledge, skills, and abilities may be qualifying. Knowledge, skills, and abilities may be obtained through:
Experience:
Treatment Plant Operator Trainee
This is an entry-level position. No previous experience is required.
Acquire the D Water License within three (3) months of employment is required.
Be prepared to take the C Surface Water Exam at the completion of one (1) year of employment is required.
During the first 12 months of employment, a Trainee will receive 104 hours of TCEQ required training and plant operating experience in preparation for the C Surface Water exam.
Treatment Plant Operator I
A minimum of one (1) year of experience at a Surface Water Treatment plant is required.
Treatment Plant Operator II
A minimum of three (3) years of experience at a Surface Water Treatment plant is required.
Treatment Plant Operator III
A minimum of five (5) years of experience at a Surface Water Treatment plant is required.
Education/Training:
Treatment Plant Operator Trainee
A high school diploma or GED is required.
Treatment Plant Operator I
Minimum of one (1) year of training at a Surface Water Treatment plant.
Successfully passing TCEQ C Surface Water training courses is required.
Treatment Plant Operator II
Minimum of 3 years of experience at a Surface Water Treatment Plant and successfully passing TCEQ B Surface Water training courses is required.
Treatment Plant Operator III
A TCEQ qualifying Bachelor of Science Degree and successfully passing TCEQ A Water training courses is required.
OR
A minimum of six (6) years of experience at a Surface Water Treatment plant and TCEQ A Water License training courses is required.
License or Certificate:
A valid Texas driver's license, the ability to obtain one within ninety (90) days of employment, or a military waiver is required.
Treatment Plant Operator Trainee
Obtaining a C Surface Water Operator's License, issued by TCEQ, within 18 months of date of hire is required.
Maintaining a C Surface Water License is required for continued employment.
Treatment Plant Operator I
A C Surface Water License issued by the TCEQ is required.
Treatment Plant Operator II
The B Surface Water License issued by the TCEQ is required.
Treatment Plant Operator III
The A Water License issued by the TCEQ is required.
Special Requirements:
A C Surface Water License is required by TCEQ in order to operate our Surface Water Treatment Plant and for continued employment with the City of Abilene Water Treatment Division beyond the 18 month acquisition period.
All state licensed personnel must pass a State of Texas Criminal background check. The State of Texas has the authority to grant or deny the required license.
Ability to report to work in various types of weather as required.
Work a variable shift schedule with the potential for short notice schedule changes.
Exposure to cold, heat, noise, outdoors, vibration, confined work spaces, chemicals, explosive materials, mechanical hazards, and electrical hazards.
Facilities operate 24-hours per day and 365 days per year.
Treatment Plant Operators I, II and III
There are two classifications of operators, Shift Operators and Relief
Operators.
Shift Operators work a set schedule every week with set days off, includes working Holidays.
Relief Operators are hired to cover all shifts as required due to shift operators' approved time off, illness, training requirements, etc. They may be required to work overtime, get short notice of schedule changes and may have to report back to work with a short turn around (8 hours off before next shift) on rare occasions. If the Relief Operator is not scheduled to cover a shift, their hours are Monday through Friday from 7:30 a.m. until 4:00 p.m.
Shift Operator and Relief Operator positions are filled based on seniority and the existing operators' preference. Therefore, during the interview process, the hiring managers will explain the open position for which the applicant is being considered.
Essential duties require the following physical skills and work environment:
With or without accommodation, the X indicates the overall strength demand of the position during a typical workday:
___ Sedentary - lifting of no more than 10 pounds
___ Light - lifting no more than 20 pounds; carrying up to 10 pounds
___ Medium - lifting no more than 50 pounds; carrying up to 25 pounds
_X_ Heavy - lifting no more than 100 pounds; carrying up to 50 pounds
___ Very Heavy - team lifting over 100 pounds; carrying more than 50 pounds
Physical Demand Codes: The following describes whether or not the position is expected to exert the physical demands listed during a typical workday as well as the overall frequency of the task:
Codes for how often:
Y = Yes
N = No
E = Extensive (100 - 70% of the time)
M = Moderate (60 - 30% of the time)
I = Infrequent (20 - 10% of the time)
A = Almost Never (