Water Treatment Operator III

SUMMARY

Under general supervision, ensures water quality meets state standards and compliance for potable and irrigation water sold to District customers by operating and maintaining surface and groundwater treatment and distribution facilities in accordance with state health regulations; maintains plant equipment and facilities; participates in construction projects as assigned; operates trucks, tractors, and other equipment; and performs related duties as assigned.

EXAMPLES OF ESSENTIAL DUTIES

• Operates pumps, chlorinators, chemical feeders, and other associated treatment plant equipment; adds chemicals such as ammonia and chlorine to disinfect and deodorize water; changes chlorine cylinders, wearing self-contained breathing apparatus and special protective suit; in accordance with state and federal requirements, obtains and tests water samples for chemical residuals, bacteria, nitrate levels, and carcinogens; on a rotating basis, acts as shift operator, assuming primary responsibility for safe and effective operation of the water treatment plant.
• Operates a supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA) system for the treatment plant and distribution system; conducts regular equipment checks to determine operating condition and make necessary adjustments; calibrates gas detectors to ensure safety of plant and personnel; maintains, repairs, lubricates, and services plant equipment; adjusts pumps, motors, and other plant machinery; monitors safety and conductivity of water pipeline, and services pipeline as needed; reads a variety of meters to monitor water usage and changes meters annually; keeps logs of plant operations.
• Completes a wide range of safety-related training, including confined space, HAZWOPER (hazardous waste operations and emergency response), and incident command system.
• Communicates with District customers to resolve issues related to water quality or pressure; coordinates repairs and maintenance of District facilities to ensure minimal disruption of customers’ operations.
• Participates in District construction projects; maintains treatment plant and other District property by performing duties such as painting, groundskeeping, vehicle maintenance, and other tasks associated with repair and upkeep of District facilities.
• Orders and purchases materials, supplies, and equipment; compiles supporting documentation for requisitions and purchases.
• Participates in orientation of new staff and training of other staff on particular tasks; monitors and reviews work of contractors and vendors to ensure it meets District requirements and specifications.
• May serve as the backup Dam Operator as necessary and performs duties related operating the Santa Felicia Dam, hydroelectric power plant, Lake Piru water distribution pipelines, and aids in implementing the Dam’s Emergency Action Plan.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

Employees in this classification must be able to participate in rotating shift operator duty, which entails being on-call for one calendar week at a time. While acting as shift operator, the employee must be available to respond to plant or system emergencies 24 hours per day, with a 30-minute maximum response time.

Separate from shift operator duty, employees in this classification may be called upon to respond to other District emergencies, including chemical releases or events caused by extreme weather conditions or natural disasters.

Knowledge of:

• Principles and practices of maintaining mechanical, hydraulic, and electrical systems;
• Operating characteristics of pumps, motors, valves, tools, and equipment used in water treatment and distribution;
• Breakpoint chlorination and chloramination;
• Iron and Manganese filter plant operations;
• Federal and state regulations and codes pertaining to safe drinking water;
• Procedures for sampling, handling, and analyzing water samples;
• Safety practices related to hazardous chemicals, tool usage, vehicle and equipment operation, and general maintenance;
• Mathematics, chemistry, and computers sufficient for effective performance of water treatment tasks;
• Standard written English sufficient to read and understand written instructions and procedures, prepare routine reports, document incidents, and keep a variety of records.

Ability to:

• Understand and apply federal, state, and local laws and regulations pertaining to the pumping, treatment, and distribution of water;
• Use the SCADA system to monitor conditions and operate plant;
• Collect data, analyze problems with facilities and equipment, and select an appropriate course of action;
• Work independently and make sound decisions;
• Use hand and power tools;
• Operate vehicles and equipment;
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with colleagues, customers, contractors, and vendors;
• Train others on District practices and procedures and specific tasks;
• Follow safety rules, practices, and procedures in all aspects of work.

Education

Possession of a high school diploma or equivalent is required. Completion of college-level course work in water science is desirable.

Experience

At least three years of experience in the operation, maintenance, repair, and construction of water treatment and distribution facilities and equipment, including at least one year of experience performing duties equivalent to Water Treatment Operator II for the District.

Certificates and Licenses

• Possession of a valid T3 certificate as a Water Treatment Operator and a valid D3 certificate as a Water Distribution Operator issued by the California Department of Health Services is required upon hire.
• Possession of a valid California Class C Driver’s License is required upon hire.  Possession of a California Class A Driver’s License is highly desirable.

Salary : $81,944 - $99,599