Water Treatment Plant Operator

Job Overview
Thompson Lake is located in the Bucks Lake Wilderness in Plumas County, California, and serves as the drinking water source for The Association of Thompson Lake (ATL), which is comprised of three cabin owner associations serving a total of 66 cabins:

· Bucks Lake Water Association

· Southshore Water Association

· Thompson Lake Water Users Association

ATL employs one part-time water treatment plant operator (WTPO), who serves on-call year-round. The ATL is currently seeking applicants for his replacement prior to his 12/31/25 retirement.

Duties

• Possess knowledge of the principles, practices, materials, chemicals, and operating procedures related to the operation and maintenance of a water treatment plant
• Monitor plant operations equipment and processes to ensure compliance with environmental and public health standards to determine processing requirements; adjust equipment as needed to optimize efficiency and/or change pumping rates.
• Make regular rounds of the plant performing a variety of duties pertaining to water treatment; inspects plant equipment; make inspections and/or correct system problems as necessary.
• Read gauges and meters, interpret data to maintain the proper treatment process, proper distribution operation, security, and alarm status; make flow adjustments
• Perform preventive maintenance to the water treatment plant equipment, such as electric motors, engines, gas and electric powered pumps, air compressors, emergency systems, power generation systems, pressure and flow regulators, analyzers, filters, chemical feed systems, digesters, bar screens, and blowers; reports and creates work orders for repairs to equipment, machinery, and electrical and electronic systems.
• Make routine repairs as necessary to the plant and/or water mains.
• For major repairs procure materials and/or equipment necessary to effectuate the repair with approval and at the cost of the ATL.
• Perform calculations to determine proper dosage of chemicals; performs proper usage and handling of chemicals according to industry standards; collects samples and performs water quality analysis, such as chlorine, turbidity, and pH to the water throughout the treatment process to confirm the proper chemical dosages and compliance with regulations. change chemical containers as required; monitor chemical supplies.
• Calibrate and/or repair water analyzing instrumentation to ensure proper operation.
• Monitor the transmission and distribution system; advises mechanics of potential problems and alarms; coordinates maintenance activities with mechanics.
• Inspect water treatment filters; analyzes and measures filter media to determine compliance with design specifications.
• Maintain accurate records, including calculating flow rates and the daily use of chemicals, gauge and meter readings, and completing required monthly reports.
• Maintain a clean and organized control room and plant; Answer inquiries and respond to complaints; conduct plant tours.
• Provide appropriate response to emergencies and spills including those involving hazardous materials, wears appropriate PPE as required
• Communicate effectively to the three member organizations through regular and special board meetings.
• Communicate effectively with State Waterboard Engineers, and other government officials regarding State and Federal regulations.
• Completes a variety of weekly, monthly, and annual operational reports; develops and updates standard operational procedures, prepares and submits reports required by the State.
• Monitor and maintain the transmission and distribution system consisting approximately three miles of mains, service connections and related valving up to 4” diameter.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent
• Driver’s License
• California State Water Resources Control Board Water Treatment Operator (T2) Certification
• California State Water Resources Control Board Water Distribution Operator (D1) Certification
• Ability to access the plant year-round, including when there is snow on the ground

Successful Candidates will have Knowledge of:

• Ability to independently troubleshoot and resolve operational and water quality issues.
• Principles, practices, equipment, material, and tools used in the operation, cleaning, and preventive maintenance of water treatment facilities and equipment.
• The operation and preventive maintenance of piping systems, including pipes, valves, and related accessories.
• Standard chemical and physical tests of water and related materials.
• SCADA operating systems and other computer applications related to the work.
• The operation and minor maintenance of a variety of hand and power tools, vehicles, and power equipment.
• Basic mechanical, electrical, and hydraulic principles.
• Applicable Federal, State, and local laws, rules, regulations, ordinances, and organizational policies and procedures relevant to assigned area of responsibility.
• Recordkeeping principles and procedures.
• Techniques for providing a high level of customer service by effectively dealing with the public, vendors, contractors, and cabin owners.
• Modern equipment and communication tools used for business functions and program, project, and task coordination.
• Computers and software programs (e.g., Microsoft software packages) to conduct, compile, and/or generate documentation.

Physical Requirements

• Must be able to lift heavy objects and perform moderate manual labor, be able to easily lift 50 – 75 pounds.
• Will be required to stand, stoop, bend, twist, reach and/or kneel

Work Environment:

• The ATL WTPO performs the full range of duties required to ensure that the water treatment facilities and systems operate effectively and are maintained in a safe and effective working condition as the sole operator.
• Candidate should be able to work collaboratively with the three organizations that make up the ATL.
• The WTPO may be exposed to various seasonal elements such as rain, wind, snow, cold and heat in excess of 90 degrees
• The noise level in this environment is usually moderate to loud.

Job Type: Part-time

Pay: $3,600.00 - $4,000.00 per month

Expected hours: 5 – 20 per week

Benefits:

• Flexible schedule
• Paid time off

Schedule:

• On call

License/Certification:

• Water Treatment Operator (T2) Certification (Required)
• Water Distribution Operator (D1) Certification (Required)

Ability to Commute:

• Bucks Lake, CA 95971 (Required)

Ability to Relocate:

• Bucks Lake, CA 95971: Relocate before starting work (Required)

Work Location: In person

Salary : $3,600 - $4,000