Water Plant Operator A, B, C, D or Trainee

The City of Louisville is now accepting applications for a safety-focused Water Treatment Plant Operator or Operator Trainee! The City will be hiring for one position based on the level of water treatment license, or will train to assist you to obtain a license.   Under general supervision, this position performs skilled work in the operation and maintenance of the City’s water treatment plants on an assigned shift. Work is performed with considerable independence within established guidelines and procedures, with the incumbent expected to make routine changes in the operation of the plant. Assignments are received in either written or oral form, usually in daily or weekly schedules or special assignments. Work is evaluated by inspection, review of reports, conferences, for condition of facilities, adherence to standards, and efficiency of operations.  

Hiring Range by level (dependent on Water Treatment certification level and other qualifications): 

Salary Range: 

Operator A License:      $65,665 - $88,649  

Operator B License:      $56,305 - $76,003 

Operator C License:      $53,268 - $69,243

Operator D License:      $49,316 -  $64,105 

Operator Trainee:          $45,656 - $59,363

The City of Louisville offers the following benefits for full-time positions:

• Medical, Dental, and Vision Benefits
• Flexible Spending Accounts / Health Savings Account / Lifestyle Spending Account
• Short- and Long-Term Disability
• Employee Assistance Program
• Basic Life/Accidental Death & Dismemberment
• Tuition Assistance
• Learning & Development Opportunities
• Recreation Center Pass
• Retirement Plan 401(a) with employer match
• Paid time off including vacation, sick and 12 holidays 

All initial communication regarding your application will come via email usually from info@governmentjobs.com or the recruiter. Please check your email messages frequently and your junk mail during the application process.

• Operate, monitor, and inspect water treatment plant(s) and related facilities; make operating process changes based on routine tests, and gauge and meter readings.
• Operate, inspect, and calibrate pumps, pumping stations, various chemical feed stations, and distribution storage tanks; read and regulate valves and gauges; observe flow dials.
• Ensure the plant is operated in line with performance goals, key performance indicators, and regulatory requirements.
• Collect, record, evaluate, and maintain plant data and records; read gauges and records information shown.
• Maintain plant inventory of parts and supplies; order replacements as needed.
• Inspect motors, bearings, and gear boxes for overheating, proper lubrication, and proper operation; use meter and gauge readings to determine equipment performance.
• Perform preventative, predictive, and corrective maintenance; determine root cause on preventative maintenance; consult drawings, operations manuals, or vendors to assist with troubleshooting problems.
• Utilize asset management software to track and complete work orders and inspections.
• Complete work orders with limited oversight from Plant Supervisor.
• Keep Plant Supervisor informed of pertinent information regarding overall process; seek assistance for major repairs.
• Utilize automated controlled system (SCADA) to assist with monitoring plant and identifying problems.
• Utilize database programs to analyze and recognize trends and various forms of data that aid in overall plant process improvement, data-driven process changes, and optimization efforts.
• Draw samples of water for test and analysis; check and adjust chemical feeders in accordance with prescribed standards; wash filters periodically.
• Assist in optimizing plant operations, energy, and chemical usage.
• Use proper PPE when necessary and maintain vigilant focus for safety hazards; alert supervisor of safety concerns in a timely manner; actively participate in the development of a safety-oriented team environment.
• Ensure proper handing, storage, and use of chemicals such as acids, bases, oxidants, coagulant aids, polymers, chemical disinfectants, and fluoride.
• Conduct visual inspections of working apparatus and grounds; perform housekeeping duties such as sweeping and mopping floors, snow removal, washing windows, painting, and light building maintenance.
• Conduct plant tours as needed.
• Senior-level operators may serve as Plant Supervisor during Supervisor absence.
• Evaluate and inspect raw water sources, infrastructure, and reservoirs.
• Regular and predictable attendance required.
• Other duties as required.

This position is considered a critical/essential worker and is therefore responsible for responding to emergencies and/or disasters that may require additional overtime or adjustments to your normal schedule to fit the needs of the organization.

• High school diploma or equivalent educational credential required.
• Applicable experience, technical training, or college courses in the areas of water quality, biology, chemistry, and/or mathematics preferred.
• Strong mechanical and/or electrical background preferred.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Knowledge of the operation and maintenance of water processing equipment.
• Knowledge of equipment such as pumps and controls, motors, gears, diesel generators, chlorinators, and other related equipment.
• Knowledge of federal, state, and local laws regulating water treatment.
• Knowledge of basic chemistry, biology, and laboratory procedures as applied to water processing.
• Skill in operating a variety of assigned equipment and tools.
• Skill in operating motor vehicles and snowplows.
• Skill in reading and interpreting the data on meters, gauges, and flow charts.
• Skill in the use of a personal computer and Microsoft Office suite including Word, Excel, and Outlook.
• Proficiency in data entry.
• Skilled in electrical, plumbing, pipe fitting, welding, pump repair, and other mechanical repairs.
• Ability to detect anomalies in operations and implement solutions.
• Ability to perform preventive maintenance and minor repairs to equipment and buildings and to perform grounds maintenance.
• Ability to establish and maintain positive effective working relations with coworkers, supervisors, and other City staff.
• Ability to accurately read meters, gauges, and flow charts, and to record them on the proper forms, and to record test results.
• Ability to be on call, work nights, weekends, holidays, and shift work.
• Ability to stand, walk, and/or climb for approximately 90% of each shift; the remaining 10% of each shift is typically sitting and working at a computer.
• Ability to effectively achieve thoroughness and accuracy when performing tasks.
• Ability to accurately and consistently follow safety protocols.
• Ability to perform accurate mathematical calculations as part of process control and adjustments.

License, Registration or Certification:

• Colorado Certified Water Professional (CCWP) Water Treatment Class certificate required; Class certificate along with other requirements defined by CCWP for each class level are required for an employee to advance in each classification (certificate not required for Trainee level).
• Current driver’s license in good standing with no major violations in the past three (3) years with the ability to obtain a Colorado Driver License within ninety (90) days of hire and must maintain good standing through employment.

Other Necessary Requirements:

Must be at least 18 years old. Candidates will be required to complete and pass a pre-placement physical, substance screen, background investigation, and positive reference checks prior to employment.

Physical Requirements: 

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to use hands or fingers to handle or feel tools or controls; read, speak and hear; and taste or smell. The employee frequently is required to stand; walk; sit; reach with hands and arms; climb or balance; and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. The employee must frequently lift and/or move up to 50 lbs., and on occasion as much as 100 lbs. with assistance. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus. The employee must have the ability to climb up and down steep ladders and stairs. The employee must have the ability to walk up to one-half mile per day for site inspections. 

Work Environment:

The employee is frequently exposed to wet and/or humid conditions, moving mechanical parts, fumes or airborne particles, toxic or caustic chemicals, and risk of electrical shock. The employee is exposed to outside variable weather conditions and vibration. The noise level in the work environment is normally moderate but on occasion can be loud. Hearing protection may be required in some areas. The employee is required to climb stairs and ladders to reach the top of, and drop into, water storage tanks of up to 30 ft.

Equal Opportunity Employer:

The City of Louisville offers Equal Opportunity for employment and advancement to all qualified applicants and employees.  It is the City’s policy not to discriminate on the basis of race, religion, creed, sex, age, national origin, ancestry or disability unless related to a bona fide occupation qualification.  This policy applies to all aspects of employment and the provision of the municipal services.  The Human Resources Manager has been designated as the compliance coordinator for persons with disability seeking employment and will provide reasonable accommodations for testing and employment to qualified applicants.  

Salary : $45,656 - $88,650