Water Treatment Operator: Trainee to Operator

Operate, maintain, and monitor a water system including water treatment or water reclamation facilities and related, applicable water distribution and source water facilities.

About the City  

Lafayette has an inescapable small-town feeling that provides a sense of belonging and connection. Whether it’s eclectic Old Town, distinctive neighborhoods, or unique arts and outdoors spaces, the City has a warmth and character all its own, offering a unique vibe and spirit. Lafayette has appeared on numerous national lists of top places to live and safely raise a family.

We are a full-service City, which means services are provided directly to our community such as Police, Fire, Public Works, Economic Development, Parks and Recreation, Library and Community Arts Center. These types of services offer employment opportunities for a wide array of interests. The City’s mission is to recruit, develop and retain a diverse, well-qualified and professional workforce that reflects the unique personality of the community we serve. 

Exceptional City Provided Benefits:

• 100% City-paid Medical, Dental, Vision(up to $28,840 annually for family coverage)
• 401A Retirement Plan(10.2% City, 8% Employee,immediately100% vested upon hire)
•  Life Insurance(One year’s salary up to $150,000. AD&D coverage in equal amount)
• Tuition Assistance(up to$5000per yearfor approved expenses)
• Employee Assistance Program(free counseling, travel assistance, legal aid, etc)
• Short and Long-Term Disability
• Bilingual Pay

Additional Benefits:

• Deferred Compensation and Roth Options
• Voluntary Life Insurance/AD&D
• Identity Theft Program
• Recreation Center Pass
• Wellness Punch Card (100 punches per year to use at golf course, waterpark, etc)

Leave:

• First year employees will accrue 80 hours Vacation
• 96 hours Sick Leave
• 24 hours Floating Holiday Leave
• 11.5 paid City holidays.
• Other leave programs are offered to include FMLA, Parental and Bereavement Leave

The following duties are illustrative only and are not intended to be all inclusive:

Operates Water Treatment Facility or Water Reclamation Facility and Related Facilities

• Operates water treatment facility to ensure compliance with state and federal regulations; the City’s operating plan; and local policies and standards. Including various monitoring plans and sample collection.
• Monitors and adjusts production based on water distribution system conditions to maintain storage levels, demand levels, and water quality.
• Monitors and operates source water facilities including reservoirs and pumping stations. Communicates status and/or issues of the facilities to plant staff and supervisor.
• Monitors effectiveness and efficiency of treatment processes. Makes recommendations for modifications based on plant performance. Modifies treatment parameters under delegation from the Operator in Responsible Charge as required. 
• Maintains required documentation, transmits to State and Federal entities as applicable.
• Communicates changes in operating conditions and plant performance in accordance with established policies and procedures. 
• Monitors/orders inventory of various chemicals and media required for treatment and communicates order status to relevant staff.
• Responds to water related emergencies. 
• May serve as Operator in Responsible Charge.

Maintains Water Treatment Facility or Water Reclamation Facility and Related Facilities

• Maintains and assists with maintenance of a variety of industrial equipment including pumps, motors, valves, and other mechanical and electrical devices.
• Maintains underground and ground level water storage tanks and related equipment. communicate deficiencies or issues as needed to appropriate plant staff and supervisor.
• Maintains water supply reservoirs, ditches, and related facilities including working in and around open water and use of watercraft. 
• May operate heavy equipment including backhoes, wheel loaders, and dump trucks.
• Maintains facilities, including but not limited to, painting, plumbing, carpentry, landscaping, and general housekeeping.
• Makes recommendations on capital maintenance and capital construction projects.

Monitors Water Quality

• Conducts sampling at source water facilities including reservoirs, ditches, and pipelines; treatment facility; treated water storage tanks; distribution system; and at customer taps. 
• Performs and documents laboratory analysis in accordance with state and federal requirements, and City policies, procedures, and standards.  Coordinate analysis by independent laboratories as needed.
• Maintains and calibrates various laboratory equipment.
• Prepares reports and recommendations related to water quality and regulatory compliance and transmits results and reports to regulatory agencies as required or needed.
• Responds to customer complaints and inquiries.

KNOWLEDGE:  Standard principles of biology, chemistry, and mathematics; overall operation of a water system; regulations concerning treatment plant operation; safety precautions relating to work around machinery and laboratory chemicals; laboratory procedures and tests performed in monitoring treatment plants and distribution; maintenance procedures of treatment plant equipment and peripheral elements of system; construction methods used in installing pipes, valves, pumps and meters.  The degree of knowledge expected and required increases as the Position Levels increase from D to A.

SKILL:  Demonstrated skill in the operation of equipment necessary to perform the job.

ABILITY:  Perform heavy manual repair work of the system with the use of equipment; maintain constant attention to assigned instruments and equipment; make mathematical computations; work outdoors in all weather conditions; follow verbal and written instructions; work around chemical, organic, and other various odors; coordinate, train and direct others as position level prescribes; keep accurate, timely, and legible records; consistently exercise independent and sound judgment in operations; establish and maintain effective working relationships with supervisors, other employees and the general public.  Progressive ability to work independently and individually based on level of operator certification.

EDUCATION:  High School Diploma or equivalent. Associates degree in water technology or water quality management preferred.

All levels must have:  

• State of Colorado Driver’s License with a safe driving record.   

• State of Colorado Water Treatment Operator Certification:

• Trainee: Ability to obtain Class D within 6 months of hire.
• Level D: Class D.
• Level C: Class C.
• Level B: Class B.
• Level A: Class A.

Salary : $42,016 - $87,859