Water Treatment Plant Operator III

Initial candidate eligibility is based on the job application and any accompanying documentation. It is the responsibility of the applicant to provide sufficient information and details within the body of the application (education and work experience sections) to permit the City of Yakima to properly evaluate the candidate's qualification, abilities and experience as it relates to the requirements of the position. For calculation of experience, one year of experience equals 12 months with a minimum of 173.33 hours per month. Additional required documents must be attached. Resumes are not accepted in lieu of application fields.

Overview and Minimum Class Requirements

High school graduation or GED and any combination of education and experience equivalent to four years' experience related to the operation of a water treatment facility and two years of relevant education beyond high school or GED, with not less than one year of working experience in a drinking water surface water treatment plant. Must meet minimum education and experience requirements in the State of Washington Waterworks Operator Certification Program Guidelines for a Water Treatment Plant Operator III Certification.

Note: A Water Treatment Plant Operator II may be promoted to a Water Treatment Plant Operator III without further competition upon completion of the probation period, a practical examination determining proficiency of operations of the Water Treatment Plant, wells and pump stations; and possess a valid Washington State Water Treatment Plant Operator III Certification.

• Replaces Water Treatment Plant Chief Operator

Must possess at time of appointment and maintain a valid State of Washington Driver's License and must possess or be able to obtain and maintain, within six months of appointment, a valid Washington State Water Treatment Plant Operator III Certification, a basic First Aid Certificate and CPR certificate.

Job Summary

Essential Functions

Observes and monitors water flows directly and as indicated by instruments at the intake structure, booster pumping stations, reservoirs, wells and treatment plant. Operates and maintains the telemetry system including antennas, troubleshooting, programming and adjustments. Maintains and calibrates pressure transmitters, flow meters, valve position and limit switches, level transmitters, on-line water quality instruments such as fluoride, pH, temperature, chlorine, electrical charge, etc.

Bio-Terrorism, Security and Federal Emergency Management: In accordance with the Bio-Terrorism law, must be sensitive concerning the security of the water supply systems. Must also comply with the National Incident Management System.

Monitors and adjusts flows at the Water Treatment Plant to meet the demand of the water users and reservoirs and adjusts the pump sequence at the pump stations and wells to maintain the reservoirs at an acceptable level to provide adequate water for fires or other emergencies and for scheduled maintenance such as flushing mains. Manually and/or remotely adjusts valves and pump controls to regulate flow rates.

Maintains daily log on filters, chlorine residual, pressure, flows, reservoir levels, etc.; changes charts and enters information into the computerized data collection system. Maintains record of work through a computerized work order tracking system.

Adds correct amounts of several types of chemicals for disinfection, coagulation, filtration, taste and odor control and fluoridation. Adjusts chemical feed rates manually or remotely to maintain proper treatment as prescribed in the Surface Water Treatment Rule and the Washington State Department of Health "Treatment Optimization Program." Handles, mixes and stores a variety of chemicals used for water treatment including polymers, sodium hypochlorite, aluminum sulfate, ploy aluminum chlorides, calcium hypochlorite, caustic soda and fluoride. Receives chemicals from suppliers.

Monitors water quality and many points in the treatment and distribution system for turbidity, chlorine residual, pH, temperature, taste and odor, fluoride, hardness and alkalinity. Maintains and operates water testing equipment such as turbidimeters, pH meters, color meters and several types of residual analyzers, hydrometers, and others.

Monitors dual-media sand filters during production and backwash cycles. Monitors chemical reactions, coagulation and polymer additions to observe and assure proper operation and production of water. Makes changes in backwash set points on computer graphical user interface as required by conditions.

Maintains, calibrates and repairs a variety of equipment such as chemical feeders, pumps and motors, air compressors, pneumatic valves and air cylinders.

Maintains structure and grounds as required to maintain the cleanliness and proper appearance of booster pumping stations, wells and water treatment facilities by performing janitorial duties such as: painting, watering, weed and pest control and making repairs to needed structures. Maintains and repairs the Water Treatment Plant, wells and pump station buildings and all systems including plumbing, heating and cooling system, carpentry and other custodial duties.

Requires regular and reliable attendance.

Performs other related duties as assigned.

Major Worker Characteristics

Knowledge of: current health and safety water standards including federal, state and local water quality rules and regulations, Washington State Department of Health "Treatment Optimization Program", and Endangered Species Act; computer and programmable logic controllers for plant operation control systems; machinery, equipment, materials and operating procedures of a water treatment plant including pumping stations; testing instruments and chemicals used in testing and treating water; chemistry, bacteriology, mathematics; safe handling techniques for hazardous materials.

Ability to: work independently, make fast and accurate decisions leading to corrective action for the maintenance and operation of the plant; accurately read meters and gauges and detect faulty characteristics; keep logs and records of operations and input into the computer; set up and perform laboratory analysis of water samples and to determine adjustments; conduct preventative and corrective maintenance on plant equipment; operate all plant equipment including backhoe; perform skilled mechanical repairs; perform moderately strenuous physical work; establish and maintain effective working relations; understand and follow oral and written instructions.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS Capacity for sustained attention to functioning machinery and equipment, and computerized monitor system. Good sensory perception to monitor plant machinery and operations visually, audibly, by smell, and by touch (for temperature and vibration) on an ongoing basis. Ability to make rapid and sound decisions in the event of extraordinary situations such as equipment malfunctions, rapid deterioration of raw water quality, or power outages, to ensure the quality of finished water and protect public health. Frequently required to exercise this judgment while unsupervised. Physical strength and ability sufficient to perform heavy manual labor for extended periods under wet, cold, and generally unpleasant conditional. Frequent climbing and balancing while on ladders. Frequent bending/twisting at knees/waist/neck while performing mechanical repairs and maintenance items. Occasional kneeling/crouching/crawling while making repairs in confined spaces and awkward positions. Continuous use of both hands and arms in maintenance activities. Continuous use of all senses, including feeling, talking, hearing, smell and vision while performing mechanical repairs and while communicating with coworkers and general public. Must not be color blind and must possess good field of vision. Required to wear safety protective gear when necessary. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential job functions.

The City of Yakima is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.

Temporary employees are not covered by collective bargaining benefits listed below.

The City of Yakima is a premier employer in the Yakima Valley with extensive opportunities for training and growth. The City offers a competitive benefit package including:

• Comprehensive medical, dental and vision coverage
• FREE healthcare clinic!
• WA State PERS pension plan
• 2% contribution to a 457 deferred compensation plan
• Leave accruals:
  • Vacation – Starting at 7.67 hours/month
  • Sick – 8 hours/month
  • Personal holiday – 2 days
  • Observed holiday – 11 holidays
• Up to 5% bilingual/biliterate English/Spanish special pay
• Life Insurance
• Much more!