WATER TREATMENT OPERATOR 5TH CLASS

JOB DESCRIPTION

WATER TREATMENT OPERATOR
(PRODUCTION)
WATERWORKS

Human Resources

NEWPORT NEWS, VA
Department

GENERAL STATEMENT OF RESPONSIBILITIES

Under general supervision, this position is responsible for monitoring, sampling, analyzing, and
monitoring source water quality in the Chickahominy River, city-owned reservoirs and their
tributaries, and groundwater wells. This position is also responsible for operating and maintaining the
water pumping stations, raw water, transmission pipeline, and groundwater treatment and
distribution systems. Reports to the Water Treatment Station Supervisor.

There are two (2) levels of Water Treatment Operator in Production, distinguished by the level of work
performed and the qualifications of the employee.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

Using a boat or walking on shoreline, collects water samples from city-owned raw water reservoirs,
monitoring wells and river supply at prescribed points and in accordance with an established schedule.
Performs field testing for a number of chemical and physical parameters such as temperature,
dissolved oxygen, conductivity, and pH level; logs data as samples are taken into field computer.
Delivers water samples to the appropriate laboratory.

Prepares sampling containers to include acid washing and labeling containers; calibrates testing
equipment as needed. Maintains testing and sample collection apparatus. Assists with completion of
the required reports.

Patrols reservoirs and rivers in a small watercraft looking for potential water quality problems such as
erosion and pollution indicators; reports these problems to supervisor or appropriate party.

Utilizes a computerized system to monitor and operate the equipment at four raw water pump
stations and two groundwater production wells and associated system of transmission and
distribution pipelines; performs inspections and diagnoses problems with pump station facilities,
dams, and associated mechanical and electrical equipment; operates sluice gates and flood gates to
maintain reservoir levels within prescribed limits.

Conducts operational data analysis as well as water quality sampling and testing. Assists with
maintaining records and preparing reports pertaining to reservoir elevations, rainfall, raw water
pumping, groundwater withdrawal, and booster pump station activities.

Performs other duties as assigned.

PC# 31803
Page 1 of 3 Revised: 04/01/204

PERFORMANCE STANDARD

Employees at all levels are expected to effectively work together to meet the needs of the community
and the organization through work behaviors demonstrating the City’s Values. Employees are also
expected to lead by example and demonstrate the highest level of ethics.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE

• Physical Sciences - General knowledge of chemistry, biology, or limnology in order to make basic

• Boating - Thorough knowledge of occupational hazards, safety precautions, and safety regulations

• Pump Station Facilities – Knowledge of the principles, practices, and procedures utilized in the

• Safety - Thorough knowledge of occupational hazards, safety precautions, and safety regulations

REQUIRED SKILLS

• Interpersonal Relationships/Customer Service – Develops and maintains cooperative and

• Time Management - Plans and organizes daily work routine. Estimates expected time of

• Critical Thinking – Using logic and reasoning to understand, analyze, and evaluate situations and

REQUIRED ABILITIES

• Technology – Ability to utilize personal computer applications to include database administration,

• Navigation- Ability to read maps and charts to accurately locate testing areas.

• Mathematics – Ability to perform mathematical calculations involving lab unit conversions.

• Communication – Ability to communicate complex ideas and proposals effectively so others will

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

Water Treatment Operator Trainee – Requires a high school diploma GED. College level courses in
chemistry, biology, or limnology preferred.

PC# 31803
Page 2 of 3 Revised: 04/01/2024

Water Treatment Operator 5th Class - Requires a high school diploma and 2-4 years of experience in
raw water monitoring, sampling, and testing, or an equivalent combination of education and
experience.

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS

An acceptable general background check to include a local and state criminal history check and a valid
driver’s license with acceptable driving record.

Requires satisfactory results from a pre-employment medical and audio evaluation.

Must obtain and maintain a Commonwealth of Virginia Class V Waterworks Operator’s License within
18 months of employment in this position.

Must obtain a U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary Boating Safety Certificate (minimum of six hours) within 90
days of employment in this position.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• Tasks require the ability to exert moderate, though not constant physical effort.

• Some combination of climbing and balancing to include climbing ladders, stooping, kneeling,

• Some lifting, carrying, pushing and/or pulling of objects and materials (20-50 pounds). May

SENSORY REQUIREMENT

• Some tasks require the ability to perceive and discriminate colors or shades of color, sounds, odor,

• Some tasks require the ability to communicate orally.

ENVIRONMENTAL EXPOSURES

Performance of essential functions may require exposure to adverse environmental conditions, such
as dust, pollen, odors, temperature and weather, noise extremes, hazardous materials, heights,
confined spaces, machinery, vibrations, high voltage electric currents, traffic hazards, toxic agents,
water hazards, disease, or pathogenic substances.

PC# 31803
Page 3 of 3 Revised: 04/01/2024