Plant Operator - Water

Description

General Definition of Work
Under limited supervision, performs work and tasks involving the operation and maintenance of the City’s water or wastewater treatment plant; performs adjustments and repairs to plant equipment; collects and documents samples for laboratory testing; and performs a variety of related duties as assigned.

Qualification Requirements
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential function satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable an individual with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

This is a career progression series opportunity. Employees are eligible for progression through the classification series based on attaining the minimum qualifications for each level and meeting performance measures.
Salary Range:
  -Operator I: $24.25 to $32.73
  -Operator II: $25.83 to $34.86
  -Operator III: $27.50 to $37.12
  -Operator IV: $29.30 to $39.57
 

Essential Functions
• Performs assigned treatment plant rounds; inspects, monitors, troubleshoots, performance tests and documents plant processes by reading plant equipment gauges, dials, graphs, online analyzers, computer screens, meters, SCADA systems and other instrumentation.
• Operates and assists in adjustment of treatment plant pumps, motors, feeders and other equipment to maintain appropriate plant operations.
• Maintains, compiles and updates plant operations logs and reports; completes and submits necessary paperwork and reports; performs and records mathematical calculations related to plant operational activities.
• Conducts the process of mixing and adding treatment chemicals; installs and replaces chlorine cylinder tanks; ensures adequate chemical application according to regulations and guidelines.
• Installs, maintains, repairs, modifies, troubleshoots and services plant operations machinery and equipment including pumps, valves, motors, meters, tanks, reservoirs, feeders, and online analyzers; changes lubrications.
• Collects and documents liquid and solid samples and performs a variety of routine water quality laboratory tests; works closely with the laboratory on testing processes and issues; monitors laboratory results; collects water samples as required.
• Performs general plant facility maintenance such as cleaning, painting and repairing plant facilities; performs various grounds maintenance duties as required.
• Operates a variety of heavy equipment including backhoes, loaders, scrapers, rotovators, forklifts, dump trucks, truck-mounted sludge/compost mixers, and tractor trailer combinations; assists in unloading chemicals as necessary.
• Coordinates construction, maintenance, material selection and repair activities with maintenance, laboratory, contractors, vendors and other staff; as needed, assists City staff with lift station maintenance.
• As assigned, participates in a variety of special projects such as outreach programs, plant studies, plant modification projects and construction of piping, electrical, and structural systems related to assigned work area.
• Conducts tours for the general public, schools, and City staff as necessary.
• Participates in the development of goals and procedures for water or wastewater treatment activities; gathers and analyzes data; develops a variety of reports.
• Works with a variety of vendors, outside contractors and the general public on water or wastewater activities; answers questions and resolves conflicts.
• Purchases assigned equipment and supplies for the assigned work area.
• Ensures plant compliance with applicable local, State and Federal codes, ordinances, regulations and laws.
• Responds to after-hours, standby and weekend shifts and emergency callouts as directed.
• Assists the utility and field maintenance crews with repairs as needed.
• Assists Public Works Department during severe inclement weather for sanding/snowplowing.
• Perform related duties as required.

Qualifications

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
Thorough knowledge of principles and practices of water or wastewater treatment plant operations; operating principles of plant equipment such as valves, pumps and motors; methods and techniques of maintaining, repairing and troubleshooting water or wastewater plant equipment and processes; standard principles of the natural sciences including chemistry and biology; basic mathematical principles; laboratory analysis techniques and health standards for water or wastewater; operational and safety regulations pertaining to water or wastewater treatment plant operations and vehicle and equipment usage; water or wastewater treatment chemicals used within the plant and their safe use and application; sampling methods and techniques; office procedures, methods, and equipment including computers and applicable software applications; occupational hazards and standard safety practices and procedures; and pertinent federal, state and local laws and regulations pertaining to water or wastewater treatment. Ability to operate and monitor water or wastewater treatment plant equipment; read, interpret and calibrate gauges and other recording devices related to water or wastewater treatment plant operations; take liquid and solid samples and perform routine laboratory tests; diagnose operating problems and take effective courses of action. Make independent technical decisions to maintain proper treatment process; maintain pertinent records and compile data into written reports; perform routine to difficult maintenance, repairs and installations to plant equipment such as pumps, valves, and electronic monitoring devices; read, interpret and understand technical manuals, drawings, blueprints, schematics, and diagrams. Perform heavy manual labor; schedule maintenance and repair of water or wastewater treatment plants. Use and operate self-contained breathing apparatus equipment. Logically solve problems; participate in and complete safety training courses including CPR; operate office equipment including computers and supporting software applications; adapt to changing technologies and learn functionality of new equipment and systems; communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing; establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work; ability to work on an as-needed basis after normal working hours; ability to demonstrate leadership, management, and technical skills through effective collaboration, team resources, progressive decision making, and personal responsibility; ability to be committed to the mission, vision, and strategic direction of the City of Bonner Springs; ability to obey and comply with all City ordinances and policies.
 

Education and Experience
• High school diploma or equivalent, supplemented by specialized training in water or wastewater treatment plant operations desired.
• Experience commensurate with the level of certification required by the State of Kansas, which includes some course work in the area of assignment. Associates/Technical degree preferred.
 

Physical Requirements
This work requires the regular exertion of up to 25 pounds of force, frequent exertion of up to 50 pounds of force and occasional exertion of up to 100 pounds of force; work regularly requires standing, walking, sitting, speaking or hearing, using hands to finger, handle or feel and lifting, frequently requires stooping, kneeling, crouching or crawling, reaching with hands and arms and repetitive motions and occasionally requires climbing or balancing and pushing or pulling; work has standard vision requirements; vocal communication is required for expressing or exchanging ideas by means of the spoken word; hearing is required to perceive information at normal spoken word levels; work requires preparing and analyzing written or computer data, visual inspection involving small defects and/or small parts, operating machines, operating motor vehicles or equipment and observing general surroundings and activities; work regularly requires working near moving mechanical parts, exposure to fumes or airborne particles and exposure to toxic or caustic chemicals, frequently requires exposure to wet, humid conditions (non-weather), exposure to outdoor weather conditions, exposure to the risk of electrical shock and exposure to vibration and occasionally requires working in high, precarious places, wearing a self-contained breathing apparatus and exposure to blood borne pathogens and may be required to wear specialized personal protective equipment; work is generally in a loud noise location (e.g. grounds maintenance, heavy traffic).
 

Special Requirements
 

Water:
Possession, or ability to obtain, a Class I, II and III Water Treatment Plant Operator certificate issued by the State of Kansas. Experience with Nano-filtration or Membrane filtration preferred.
 

All Positions:
Possession of, or ability to obtain, an appropriate, valid First Aid/CPR/AED Certificate
Class B CDL driver's license within six months of employment.
Valid Kansas Driver's License.

Salary : $24 - $33