Operator, Senior

ADVANCEMENT OPPORTUNITIES
Operations Division Chief
Operations & Maintenance Chief
Operations & Maintenance Supervisor II
Operations & Maintenance Supervisor I
Operator, Chief

POSITION SUMMARY

This position is responsible for performing advanced level work requiring specialized knowledge and experience in the operation of a water/wastewater treatment plant. An individual in this classification must be familiar with all areas of water/wastewater treatment including the supervision of an entire shift when necessary. Exercises independent judgment while making operational decisions.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Monitors and controls plant operations by observation, instrumentation and laboratory test results and makes process adjustments. Interprets laboratory data and recommends process adjustments. Responsible for process operations in assigned areas within the Operations Department. Ability to monitor and make corrective decisions throughout the plant processes.

2. May be assigned some supervisory duties of more junior level operators to include training and communicating routine instruction. Responsible for shift during absence of supervisor. May assist in the performance evaluation of more junior level operators under the direction of management staff.

3. Observes all safety guidelines as initiated by the Authority. Takes action to protect certain structures and equipment under emergency flood conditions. Responsible for housekeeping in assigned units. Responsible for safely handling and unloading chemicals used at the plant.

4. Monitors condition of mechanical equipment and notifies appropriate personnel of needed repairs or any operational problems. Take corrective action when necessary.

5. Observes and adjusts the Projects’ flows and treatment process conditions by monitoring the status of production via hands on or remotely via SCADA.

6. Responsible for effective communication, including maintaining thorough and complete process logs and records. Responsible for knowing the computer system operations. Assists Chief Operator with documentation.

7. Ensures Authority security procedures are adhered to. May be responsible for responding to various emergency situations as directed by supervisor. Participates in emergency response, including chemical leaks. Monitors all plant emergency alarms.

8. May be responsible for plant security during evening shifts.

9. May be responsible for responding to various emergency situations, including after-hours, as directed by supervisor.

10. Employees assigned to this position are classified as essential personnel.  Essential personnel are required to report to work when scheduled during departmental and/or emergency situations including, but not limited to, extended periods of inclement weather when travel may be difficult.  This position is essential because in the absence of sufficient personnel, the plant cannot operate safely.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

Regularly leads the work of other employees.

FINANCIAL RESPONSIBILITY

May order sampling, laboratory supplies, equipment, and cleaning supplies as needed for department use and approved by supervisor. May assist in the preparation of budget and equipment procurement requests.

QUALIFICATIONS EDUCATION

(required level of education)

High school diploma or GED; sixty college credit hours preferred or equivalent technical education.

EXPERIENCE

(minimum years and types of related experience required)

Four years of experience in water/wastewater treatment facility Must include two years of team leader or supervisory experience 

CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS

(any specialized certifications licenses or registrations required by TRA or other authority in order to do  the job, including those the incumbent must be able to obtain)

Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (or predecessor agency) Class B Water or Wastewater Operator's  License required.

KNOWLEDGE

(Information or facts than employee must know in order to be able to perform the work)

Requires advanced knowledge of principles and practices of water and/or wastewater treatment. Knowledge of Microsoft Office applications such as Word, Excel, etc. Requires a working knowledge of Project SCADA system, CMMS, GIS and process supporting software. Must be able to interpret multiple process and permit required lab tests. Must be able to pass Operator Efficiency Review (OER).

SKILLS AND ABILITIES

(developed capability to use or apply knowledge effectively or dexterity/coordination in the performance of physical tasks)

Must possess leadership ability and supervisory skills. The ability to make independent decisions as required by circumstances. Must be able to accurately interpret complex test results. Identify, troubleshoot and correct equipment malfunctions. The ability to communicate essential information and document daily activities to ensure proper plant operation. Must perform advanced utility calculations and utilize test results for process adjustments.  

GUIDANCE RECEIVED

Is guided primarily by established priorities and policies along with professional standards and best practices to guide decisions and direction or advice to others. Typically makes recommendations to supervision on processing improvements after considering/analyzing various alternatives. Problems  that cannot be addressed through an existing guideline, policy or procedure are referred to supervisor or more senior position. Incumbent must exercise good judgment about whether to escalate issues.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

This position requires passing a physical and physical ability assessment specific to this position.

WORKING CONDITIONS

Working conditions include exposure to adverse weather, odor, noise, chemical hazards, gases and dust, standing for prolonged periods of time, walking up and down several flights of stairs, climbing and descending ladders, working at heights, and working in tight or confined spaces.

TOOLS AND EQUIPMENT

Hand tools, broom, sample collectors, flow meters, high pressure hoses, field meters, test kits, lab equipment, Authority vehicles, general and/or specialized material handling equipment. Subject to the use of respirators, SCBA's, PPE and other safety equipment as required.