Operator III, Water Plant

SUMMARY

The Water Plant Operator performs a variety of semi-skilled, skilled, technical and maintenance work in the operation, repair and maintenance of municipal water treatment facilities and systems. Controls treatment plant machines and equipment to purify and clarify water for human consumption.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBLITIES

1. Monitors the performance of all equipment, gauges and charts in the treatment plant and pump stations; records statistical data concerning plant operations; maintains, operates, repairs, and replaces equipment as necessary; charts lab test results for trend analysis and maintains accurate records of analyses and test results; evaluates data and writes reports as required.

2. Operate, maintain, and repair malfunctions at the water treatment plant; repairs gauges, pumps, filters, and other controls and equipment.

3. Collects samples and identifies concentrations of chemical, physical, and biological characteristics of water required in accordance with local, state, and federal requirements; gathers and tests water samples for plant efficiency reports as required.

4. Performs a quality control test on lab equipment and lab analyses; evaluates procedures and results for accuracy and determines appropriate methods.

5. Assures that plant operates within required standards.

6. Performs unskilled manual labor, as necessary, in a variety of maintenance and construction projects.

7. Trains and maintains lesser skilled operators in acceptable lab methods and procedures to assure accuracy of test results.

8. Calibrates, modifies, and repairs instrumentation and control equipment including recorders, flow meters, and other water quality monitoring equipment.

9. Operates and maintains pumps and valves to control and adjust flow and treatment process.

10. Performs other related duties as required or assigned.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

None

QUALIFICATIONS

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

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE

High school diploma or GED and one-year certificate from college or technical school; and three (3) years related experience and/or training; or equivalent combination of education and experience.

LANGUAGE SKILLS

Ability to read and interpret documents such as safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, and procedure manuals. Ability to write routine reports and correspondence. Ability to speak effectively before groups of customers or employees of an organization.

MATHEMATICAL SKILLS

Ability to calculate figures and amounts such as discounts, interest, commissions, proportions, percentages, area, circumference, and volume. Ability to apply concepts of basic algebra and geometry.

REASONING ABILITY

Ability to apply common sense understanding to carry out detailed but uninvolved written or oral. Ability to solve practical problems and deal with a variety of concrete variables in situations where only limited standardization exists. Ability to interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral, diagram, or schedule form.

CERTIFICATIONS, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS (if required)

Must hold a Grade III Water Treatment License or ability to obtain within one year of employment. Must possess a valid driver’s license.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk or hear. The employee is frequently required to sit and taste or smell. The employee is occasionally required to stand, walk, use hands to finger, handle or feel, reach with hands and arms, climb or balance, stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 100 lbs. Specific vision abilities required by this position include close, distant and color vision, depth perception, peripheral vision and the ability to adjust focus.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

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

While performing the duties of this position the incumbent is exposed to outdoor weather conditions, extreme heat and cold and wet or humid conditions (non-weather related). The incumbent works in high precarious places, near moving mechanical parts and is at risk of electrical shock and/or vibration. The incumbent is exposed to fumes and/or airborne particles and toxic or caustic chemicals.

The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.

This job specification should not be construed to imply that these requirements are the exclusive standards of the position. Incumbents will follow any other instructions and perform any other related duties as may be required by their supervisor.

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  Safety sensitive position includes, but is not limited to, any job, assignment, rank or title where any of the following apply:

Subject to drug and alcohol testing or restrictions promulgated by the U.S. Dept. of Transportation; involves carrying, repairing, transporting or keeping of firearms or ammunition; includes performing any medical or life-saving procedures, or responsibility for procuring, storing, transporting, dispensing or administering any drugs or medical supplies or equipment; involves working with confidential information, documents or material pertaining to criminal investigations; procuring, storing, transporting or otherwise working with hazardous or flammable materials, controlled substances, food or electricity; involves operating, repairing, maintaining or driving heavy equipment, machinery, aircraft, motorized watercraft or motor vehicles, or working in close proximity thereto; a momentary lapse of attention may result in grave and immediate danger to the public, self or fellow employees; requires engaging in any other activity in which the employee is responsible for his or her own or other people's safety.

• Weather Essential position includes employees are declared to be all sworn police officers, all sworn firefighters, dispatchers, emergency road crew employees in the Street Department, and electrical personnel in the Electric Department.
• Civility and Professionalism- The City of Siloam Springs is a team-based service organization. Maintenance of good internal morale is essential to the City’s success. An employee is required to maintain professional and ethical behavior and act with integrity in all matters. The City of Siloam is committed to providing a work environment that is free from bullying, harassment, intimidation, abusive language, gossip, employees spreading discontent or exhibiting any behavior that is disruptive to the workplace and contrary to the City’s mission.
• Regular Attendance- Punctual and regular attendance is an essential responsibility of each employee at the City of Siloam Springs. Employees are expected to report to work as scheduled, on time and prepared to start working. Employees also are expected to remain at work for their entire work schedule. Late arrival, early departure, or other absences from scheduled hours, that are not pre-approved or are excessive are disruptive and are to be avoided.