Water Treatment Plant Operator I - Foothills Utilities

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: -Essential functions, as defined under the Americans with Disabilities Act, may include any of the following representative duties, knowledge, and skills. This is not a comprehensive listing of all functions and duties performed by incumbents of this class; employees may be assigned duties which are not listed below; reasonable accommodations will be made as required. The job description does not constitute an employment agreement and is subject to change at any time by the employer. Essential duties and responsibilities may include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Under immediate supervision of experienced operations personnel maintains and operates plant equipment and processes related to the water treatment system on an assigned shift. Prioritizes activities between the different departments and systems, including the operation of valves, gates, pumps, and machinery.
• Performs inspection and maintenance of equipment and components in the operation of the water treatment facility; performs work in accordance with all quality standards, safety regulations and procedures; duties will vary according to job assignment and skill level.
• Assists with the operation of assigned treatment facility to maintain day to day operation necessary to meet all required Local, State and Federal regulations pertaining to the production of potable water.
• Samples and analyzes influents/effluents, source water/product water, feed water and permeate to detect quality variations, interpret results, reading sheets, process test, computerized data, and information trends to identify variations in flow and water quality and make appropriate changes.
• Observes variations in operating conditions, and interprets meter and gauge readings, reports operating anomalies to supervisor. Assists senior level technicians and mechanics to resolve operational problems.
• Cleans and maintains plant work areas, tools, and equipment; collects samples as directed.
• Learns to perform the various tasks associated with the maintenance and operation of a water distribution system.
• Learns the proper use of tools and equipment required to perform the job.
• Under direction, participates in the installation, repairs and replacement of water mains, water services, valves, fire hydrants and water meters.
• Interacts with customers and acts as a representative of the Company.
• Complete customer service requests/daily work orders (connects/disconnects/transfers) and other miscellaneous assignments (pressure checks, water quality, meter issues, leaks, etc.)
• Performs disconnections of delinquent accounts.
• Performs meter reads when necessary, and field investigations.
• Participates in routine maintenance activities such as system flushing, valve exercising and fire hydrant maintenance.
• Under direction, follows established policies and procedures in repair of equipment to ensure proper working order.
• Perform manual labor with the use of hand and power tools, gauges, measuring and testing equipment along with specialized tools and heavy equipment according to training and skill level
• Locates underground water/sewer facilities following Arizona 811 specifications and guidelines according to proper training and skill level
• Operates company vehicles and equipment according to established safety procedures and policies.
• Performs other duties as assigned.
• Available for emergency response, 24 hours/day, seven days/week.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Education, Training and Experience Guidelines

High School Diploma or GED equivalent; AND one year of experience in the water field; and the ability to demonstrate basic knowledge of the principals involved in the operation of water treatment plants.

Knowledge of:

• Tools and equipment used in the operation of water treatment plants.
• State and Federal laws and regulations governing water treatment plant operations.

Water

• Laboratory practices required to properly evaluate treatment processes, such as pH, CL2 residual, turbidity, color, hardness, TDS, Chemical/physical processes used in water such as coagulation, flocculation, filtration, and disinfection.
• Basic operational practices and principles of conventional water treatment processes.
• Experience in mechanical and electrical trouble shooting.
• Experience in PVC piping
• OSHA guidelines related to large treatment facilities.
• Microsoft Windows Office products.

Skill in:

• Using and maintaining tools and equipment to perform maintenance and repair work.
• Determine processing requirements; sample the influent and effluent at various stages of processing and identify problems and ensure proper and efficient operation of the treatment plant.
• Making routine operating adjustments and repairs to equipment.
• Following safe work practices, and verbal and written instructions.
• Inspecting and monitoring machinery and equipment to verify compliance with prescribed operating conditions and safety standards,
• Establishing and maintaining cooperative working relationships with co-workers.
• Operating a personal computer utilizing standard and specialized software.
• Communicating effectively verbally and in writing.
• Trustworthy; strong personal integrity
• Demonstrates strong level of accountability and ownership
• Collaborative/Team oriented
• Exhibits professionalism with internal and external customers
• Organized with strong attention to detail and time management skills
• High degree of initiative; self-starter

PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORKING ENVIRONMENT

• Work is performed on location at the Foothills Utilities with moderate physical requirements, and strength sufficient to lift and move items weighing up to fifty pounds; may be exposed to safety hazards including extreme weather conditions i.e., excessive heat and cold, dangerous gases, dangerous chemicals, biological hazards, confined spaces and dangerous tools and equipment.

LICENSE AND CERTIFICATION REQUIREMENTS

A valid Arizona State Driver's license is required. Must possess a Grade I Operator Certification from the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality within the discipline of Water within one year of hire.

BENEFITS

Foothills Utilities, a NW Natural Water company is offering full-time regular employees the following benefits. A regular full-time employee is one who works greater than 30 hours per week. All benefits start on the first of the month following your original date of employment,

• Medical and Rx: Company will pay 75% of the premium for employee plus eligible dependents. Provider is Regence for medical and Rx.
• Dental: Company will pay 75% of the premium for employee plus eligible dependents. Provider is Regence for dental benefits.
• Vision: Company will pay 75% of the for vision for employee plus eligible dependents. The provider for vision benefits is Reliance.
• 401K Benefit: Company match of 100% of employee’s first 3% of elective contributions and 50% of next 2% of elective contributions (up to a maximum of 4% of eligible compensation).
• Employee Stock Purchase Program (ESPP): Employees are eligible to participate in the Employee Stock Purchase Program.
• Life Insurance/Accidental Death and Disability (AD&D):Company provides Basic Life/AD&D insurance equal one times annual salary up to $100,000. Provider will be Reliance. Employees may purchase voluntary supplement life insurance for themselves and buy life insurance for their spouse and children. Provider is Reliance.
• Employee Assistance Program: Provided to all employees at no cost.
• Short- and Long-Term Disability Insurance: Short term disability benefits cover 60% of employee income up to $1,385 weekly for 24 weeks following a 14-day elimination period. This is a company paid benefit. Long term disability benefits cover 60% of employee income up to $7,000 monthly. This is a company paid benefit.
• Accident Insurance: This is a voluntary insurance paid by the employee. Provider is Reliance for accident insurance.
• Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA): Health and Dependent Care FSA’s are available through Paychex. Allows employees to set aside pre-tax dollars each year for eligible health care and dependent daycare expenses.
• Holidays: 9 Paid Holidays - 4 floating holidays
• Paid Time Off (PTO): New Hires accrue 15 days PTO starting on day 1.