What are the responsibilities and job description for the Water Plant Operator II position at North Texas Municipal Water?
North Texas Municipal Water District (NTMWD) provides vital wholesale water, wastewater and solid waste management services to more than two million people who call North Texas their home. Our culture is deeply ingrained in our core values of Integrity, Trust, Respect, Unity, Service, and Teamwork (ITRUST). Our employees will tell you they feel a sense of purpose and have a daily opportunity to make a positive impact on the cities we serve by helping to provide services that their residents and businesses need to thrive. We offer an array of excellent benefits, including comprehensive health and wellness packages, generous paid time off, professional development opportunities, and a robust pension plan to help secure our employees’ financial future. If you are looking for a rewarding, long-term career where you can make a meaningful impact on the North Texas region, look no further than NTMWD!
Water Plant Operator II
Section 1 – Position Summary
Under the direction of a Lead Water Plant Operator(s), Shift Supervisor and/or the Plant Supervisor (depending on the size and scope of the facility), the Water Plant Operator II performs, plans, and organizes the operation, maintenance, and monitoring of water facilities and associated systems including, but not limited to, raw water intakes, headworks, flocculation/sedimentation basins, solids handling, filtration, related facility structures, SCADA, and pump stations; performs a variety of work assignments to ensure acceptable asset condition, water quality, and health and safety standards are met or exceeded; and performs and/or supervises related work as required to ensure efficient and effective facility operations.
Section 2 – Major Responsibilities
1. Work collaboratively with supervisory personnel and other operators to assure optimal process efficiency, proper monitoring, and regulatory compliance for the water treatment plant including related subsystems and instrumentation.
2. Monitors the treatment process from the control board/computer screen and visual observations; monitors various treatment processes including coagulant feed, rapid mix, flocculation, sedimentation, filtration, and disinfection including; monitors the addition of chemicals added for corrosion control and secondary disinfection.
3. Monitors water quality, ensuring parameters are within compliance, by performing laboratory tests at various stages in the treatment process including tests for chlorine residual, fluoride residual, chlorite residual, pH, turbidity, hardness, alkalinity, ozone, odors, and other tests as necessary to maintain water quality; calibrates laboratory equipment; maintains laboratory records.
4. Determines chemical dosage and makes adjustments to plant processes as necessary including for ferric sulfate, chlorine, ammonia, sodium hydroxide, ozone, chlorine dioxide, and other chemicals.
5. Reads gauges and meters; interprets data to maintain the proper treatment process, proper transmission system operation, security, and alarm status; makes flow adjustments.
6. Operates pumps and valves and chemical systems utilizing a SCADA system; backwash filter either through SCADA or manual control, monitors systems for alarms, make adjustments, and provides appropriate response; notifies water stand-by or other personnel as necessary to respond to problems.
7. Operates mechanical equipment including pumps and motors, chemical feed pumps and systems, air compressors, and manual, electrical, and pneumatically operated valves; operates hand and power tools; operates a light truck.
8. Operates chlorination equipment related to the chlorine and chlorine dioxide feed system; assist in performing maintenance on chemical systems including chemical piping system; participates in calibration of chemical feed equipment.
9. Assist in ordering chemicals; takes delivery of bulk chemicals and monitors unloading process and record into inventory processes.
10. Creates service request related to plant operations and maintenance activities utilizing the CMMS (Maximo) to coordinate with personnel and support personnel.
11. Maintains thorough operational logs and records.
12. Makes visual inspections; monitors facilities and roads to insure adequate security.
13. Performs preventative and predictive maintenance on treatment plant equipment; assists specialized trades personnel in making major and/or specialized repairs to equipment; coordinates work of contractors and of other departments.
14. Cross trains to operate the transmission system including reservoirs and pump stations; ensures adequate availability and pressure to all delivery points;
15. Provides appropriate response to emergencies and spills including those involving hazardous materials; wears respirators including self-contained breathing apparatus as required.
16. Observe safety guidelines as required by State statutes and as prescribed by the NTMWD. This includes identifying and mitigating safety hazards as well as assisting in the implementation of safety programs.
17. Responds to inquiries from member and customer city operational staff, vendors, and suppliers.
18. Learn and adhere to applicable NTMWD policies and procedures. May assist in training new operators.
19. Performs all other duties as required.
20. Perform other duties as assigned.
Section 3 – Knowledge, Skills & Abilities
1. Must maintain knowledge of water treatment processes, compliance requirements, operations and maintenance requirements, and reporting/record keeping requirements; including the ability to troubleshoot water treatment equipment and processes and be knowledgeable with performing water quality tests and interpreting results.
2. Must obtain water treatment chemical safety and response procedures, include hazardous materials training fir chemical safety procedures.
3. Must communicate effectively, both written and verbally, with supervisors, peers, to convey information.
4. Maintain basic computer skills, and electrical and mechanical knowledge.
Section 4 – Education and Experience
1. Possess two (2) years of experience in water treatment or a suitable combination of directly relevant education and experience, as determined by NTMWD.
2. Maintain a Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (or predecessor agency) Class C Water Treatment Operator's License.
3. Possess a high school diploma or GED (an associate degree or trade certification is preferred).
4. Maintain a valid Texas Driver’s License.
Section 5 – Environmental Factors, Activity Levels and Equipment
The duties and responsibilities are generally performed in a water treatment environment. The position involves sitting, frequent standing, frequent walking, light to heavy lifting (up to 50 lbs.), light carrying, frequent bending and reaching, keyboarding, and telephone operation. It often requires an irregular work schedule and overtime hours. Specific physical conditions require frequent work with chemicals, tools, machinery, moving mechanical parts, etc.
The duties and responsibilities are performed both indoors and outdoors. Moderate to heavy exposure to sun, dirt, dust, pollen, odors, wetness, humidity, biological hazards, rain, temperature and noise extremes, hazardous materials and chemicals, machinery, moving mechanical parts, vibrations, electric currents, traffic hazards, and water hazards are common. Performs and reviews work at locations that involve hazardous environments requiring the physical ability to wear and work using personal protective equipment (PPE) that meet or exceed guidelines such as established by OSHA which may result in some physical discomfort due to temperature, dust, odors, chemicals and noise. The position may require work in confined spaces, on ladders and rooftops, and in adverse weather conditions with appropriate training.
The physical demands and work environment characteristics described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.
Water Plant Operator II
Section 1 – Position Summary
Under the direction of a Lead Water Plant Operator(s), Shift Supervisor and/or the Plant Supervisor (depending on the size and scope of the facility), the Water Plant Operator II performs, plans, and organizes the operation, maintenance, and monitoring of water facilities and associated systems including, but not limited to, raw water intakes, headworks, flocculation/sedimentation basins, solids handling, filtration, related facility structures, SCADA, and pump stations; performs a variety of work assignments to ensure acceptable asset condition, water quality, and health and safety standards are met or exceeded; and performs and/or supervises related work as required to ensure efficient and effective facility operations.
Section 2 – Major Responsibilities
1. Work collaboratively with supervisory personnel and other operators to assure optimal process efficiency, proper monitoring, and regulatory compliance for the water treatment plant including related subsystems and instrumentation.
2. Monitors the treatment process from the control board/computer screen and visual observations; monitors various treatment processes including coagulant feed, rapid mix, flocculation, sedimentation, filtration, and disinfection including; monitors the addition of chemicals added for corrosion control and secondary disinfection.
3. Monitors water quality, ensuring parameters are within compliance, by performing laboratory tests at various stages in the treatment process including tests for chlorine residual, fluoride residual, chlorite residual, pH, turbidity, hardness, alkalinity, ozone, odors, and other tests as necessary to maintain water quality; calibrates laboratory equipment; maintains laboratory records.
4. Determines chemical dosage and makes adjustments to plant processes as necessary including for ferric sulfate, chlorine, ammonia, sodium hydroxide, ozone, chlorine dioxide, and other chemicals.
5. Reads gauges and meters; interprets data to maintain the proper treatment process, proper transmission system operation, security, and alarm status; makes flow adjustments.
6. Operates pumps and valves and chemical systems utilizing a SCADA system; backwash filter either through SCADA or manual control, monitors systems for alarms, make adjustments, and provides appropriate response; notifies water stand-by or other personnel as necessary to respond to problems.
7. Operates mechanical equipment including pumps and motors, chemical feed pumps and systems, air compressors, and manual, electrical, and pneumatically operated valves; operates hand and power tools; operates a light truck.
8. Operates chlorination equipment related to the chlorine and chlorine dioxide feed system; assist in performing maintenance on chemical systems including chemical piping system; participates in calibration of chemical feed equipment.
9. Assist in ordering chemicals; takes delivery of bulk chemicals and monitors unloading process and record into inventory processes.
10. Creates service request related to plant operations and maintenance activities utilizing the CMMS (Maximo) to coordinate with personnel and support personnel.
11. Maintains thorough operational logs and records.
12. Makes visual inspections; monitors facilities and roads to insure adequate security.
13. Performs preventative and predictive maintenance on treatment plant equipment; assists specialized trades personnel in making major and/or specialized repairs to equipment; coordinates work of contractors and of other departments.
14. Cross trains to operate the transmission system including reservoirs and pump stations; ensures adequate availability and pressure to all delivery points;
15. Provides appropriate response to emergencies and spills including those involving hazardous materials; wears respirators including self-contained breathing apparatus as required.
16. Observe safety guidelines as required by State statutes and as prescribed by the NTMWD. This includes identifying and mitigating safety hazards as well as assisting in the implementation of safety programs.
17. Responds to inquiries from member and customer city operational staff, vendors, and suppliers.
18. Learn and adhere to applicable NTMWD policies and procedures. May assist in training new operators.
19. Performs all other duties as required.
20. Perform other duties as assigned.
Section 3 – Knowledge, Skills & Abilities
1. Must maintain knowledge of water treatment processes, compliance requirements, operations and maintenance requirements, and reporting/record keeping requirements; including the ability to troubleshoot water treatment equipment and processes and be knowledgeable with performing water quality tests and interpreting results.
2. Must obtain water treatment chemical safety and response procedures, include hazardous materials training fir chemical safety procedures.
3. Must communicate effectively, both written and verbally, with supervisors, peers, to convey information.
4. Maintain basic computer skills, and electrical and mechanical knowledge.
Section 4 – Education and Experience
1. Possess two (2) years of experience in water treatment or a suitable combination of directly relevant education and experience, as determined by NTMWD.
2. Maintain a Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (or predecessor agency) Class C Water Treatment Operator's License.
3. Possess a high school diploma or GED (an associate degree or trade certification is preferred).
4. Maintain a valid Texas Driver’s License.
Section 5 – Environmental Factors, Activity Levels and Equipment
The duties and responsibilities are generally performed in a water treatment environment. The position involves sitting, frequent standing, frequent walking, light to heavy lifting (up to 50 lbs.), light carrying, frequent bending and reaching, keyboarding, and telephone operation. It often requires an irregular work schedule and overtime hours. Specific physical conditions require frequent work with chemicals, tools, machinery, moving mechanical parts, etc.
The duties and responsibilities are performed both indoors and outdoors. Moderate to heavy exposure to sun, dirt, dust, pollen, odors, wetness, humidity, biological hazards, rain, temperature and noise extremes, hazardous materials and chemicals, machinery, moving mechanical parts, vibrations, electric currents, traffic hazards, and water hazards are common. Performs and reviews work at locations that involve hazardous environments requiring the physical ability to wear and work using personal protective equipment (PPE) that meet or exceed guidelines such as established by OSHA which may result in some physical discomfort due to temperature, dust, odors, chemicals and noise. The position may require work in confined spaces, on ladders and rooftops, and in adverse weather conditions with appropriate training.
The physical demands and work environment characteristics described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.
- Ability to pass annual medical evaluation and receive certification to utilize respiratory protection equipment, where required by work assignment post-employment offer. Must meet shaving requirements for respiratory fit test at all times.
- Must be able to pass hazardous materials medical examination and test during pre-employment (applicable only to those on Hazardous Response Team)
- Perform functions requiring manual dexterity and precision movements, continuous or repetitive arm and hand movements, grasping movements, and occasional forceful exertion.
- Perceive/discriminate colors or shades of colors, sounds, odor, depth and visual cues or signals.
- Possess visual and muscular dexterity to operate a motor vehicle (including while towing portable equipment), equipment, hand tools, and a computer.
