Water Plant Operator

Job Title: Water Plant Operator

Division/Department: Public Works

FLSA Status: Regular, Full-Time, Non-Exempt

Classification/Pay Grade: Field Ops II / 27

Salary Group: $24.71 per hour

Created/Revised: April 29, 2024

***TO APPLY: Visit the City website and download an application, email to HR@elgintexas.gov

https://www.elgintexas.gov/Jobs.aspx

SUMMARY:

Under general supervision, operates and maintains a City of Elgin water plant, wells, and storage facilities to ensure the effective processing of potable water in sufficient quantities for domestic, residential, and commercial use and compliance with all Texas Commission Environmental Quality (TCEQ) rules and regulations related to a public water system.

Supervision:

This position reports to the Plant Superintendent and has no direct supervision of other positions.

Education/Experience:

High school diploma and/or equivalent AND (2) years of relevant experience in water utilities OR work experience performing maintenance and mechanical repairs to facilities, equipment, and/or machinery.

Preferred: Water experience and/or related certification; experience with SCADA systems and computer proficiency in the use of Microsoft Office, including Word, Excel, and Outlook.

License and Certifications:

Applicant must possess a valid Class C Texas driver’s license; must possess a Class D Water Certifications as issued by TCEQ and possess the ability to obtain a Class C Water Certification within 12 months of hire.

Essential Job Functions:

• Regulates the flow of potable water through the production facilities and maintain water level in reservoirs and elevated towers to meet the system demands.
• Assists in the collection of all necessary water samples and performs standardized tests to monitor and control water quality.
• Adjusts dosages of treatment chemicals used for disinfection and corrosion control. This includes handling of hazardous chemicals for water treatment as required.
• Monitors SCADA (Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition) system to determine and adjust plant flows, equipment status, water tower levels, etc.
• Completes plant logs and regulatory reports to determine and record plant conditions and ensure compliance with TCEQ rules, regulations, and permit requirements.
• Operates and maintains various pumps, valves, motors, water wells, and other plant equipment and machinery.
• Maintains and monitors storage tanks.
• Keeps plant equipment in operable condition; ensures equipment has proper preventative maintenance and inspections.
• Performs routine building and grounds maintenance.
• Completes on-the-job training, education, and certification-related assignments.
• Performs related duties as required.
• Responds regularly and promptly to work.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Knowledge of pertinent Federal, State, and local laws, codes, and regulations, or ability to learn.
• Knowledge of computer use and ability to learn job-related software applications as needed.
• Knowledge of City and departmental administrative directives, policies, and procedures, and ability to comply.
• Skilled in performing work independently based upon broad instructions and general supervision.
• Skilled in maintaining accurate and complete logs, records, and files.
• Skilled in handling multiple tasks, prioritizing, and organizing work assignments to meet established deadlines.
• Skilled in the use of tools.
• Ability to perform manual work requiring sustained climbing, standing, lifting, and walking.
• Ability to follow verbal and written instructions.
• Ability to learn job-related procedures, tools and equipment, primarily through verbal instruction, observation, and on-the-job training.
• Ability to safely and efficiently operate, maneuver, and/or control the actions of equipment, machinery, tools, and materials used in performing essential functions.
• Ability to read, interpret, and apply technical information from manuals, drawings, specifications, layouts, blueprints, and schematics and effectively use this information to make repairs.
• Ability to make inspections to determine facility operating conditions and repair needs on equipment and machinery.
• Ability to anticipate, identify, and effectively resolve various issues and problems.
• Ability to take the initiative to learn individual job tasks and continue to broaden knowledge levels by willingly accepting new responsibilities and attending training to advance skills.
• Ability to remain constantly alert and aware of any workplace hazards and follow the safety practices and principles in reporting and preventing accidents.
• Ability to demonstrate satisfactory work performance and regular, reliable, and punctual attendance.
• Ability to provide management with sound, positive advice, and information concerning the area of responsibility.
• Ability to establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with those contacted in the course of work and communicate effectively with the public and other required entities.

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

The work environment characteristics described herein are representative of those an employee may encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

In a typical work setting, the Water Plant Operator:

Interpersonal Relationships

Consistently works with other team members in close proximity and interacts daily with office staff.

Hours/Travel

Position will work 40 hours per week, typically Monday – Friday, 7AM – 4PM, with rotating weekends and on call assignments, position may be required to work evenings or weekends to meet deadlines or for special projects/assignments

Physical Demands and Work Conditions

Physical Demands including but not limited to: sitting, talking, hearing, seeing, standing, walking, driving, stooping, kneeling, reaching, pushing, pulling, twisting, bending, crawling, climbing, and using hands and fingers to operate equipment and to lift or move objects up weighing up to 80 pounds, or more with the use of proper equipment.

Work is performed in a plant environment with exposure to indoor and outdoor conditions, inclement weather, temperature extremes, moving mechanical parts and machinery, heights, overhead hazards, noise, vibration, cramped/confined spaces, rough/uneven/slippery surfaces, water hazards, mechanical/electrical hazards, toxic or caustic chemicals, fumes, dust, dirt, pollen, and other airborne particles.

Work shall be performed with tools, appliances and equipment approved by those agencies and bodies that have control, authority, or approval of the design working ranges or limitations of those items; the employee has the responsibility to conform to those ranges and limitations.

Equipment may include but is not limited to: phone, computer, lab equipment, hand and power tools, pumps, motors, gauges, valves, ladders, mowing equipment, and City vehicles.

Disaster Service Workers Clause

Always in the event of a declared emergency or any undeclared emergency or natural disaster that threatens the life, health and/or safety of the public, designated employees may be assigned to assist rescue and relief workers. Such assignments may be in locations, during hours and performing work significantly different from the employees’ normal work assignments and may continue through the recovery phase of the emergency.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $24.71 per hour

Expected hours: 40 per week

Benefits:

• Dental insurance
• Flexible spending account
• Health insurance
• Health savings account
• Life insurance
• Retirement plan
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• Monday to Friday
• Weekends as needed

Education:

• High school or equivalent (Required)

Work Location: Multiple locations

Salary : $25