Water Plant Operator (Union-AFSCME)

About the position

This is skilled and technical work operating the water treatment plant and pumping equipment. Work involves processing water to produce EPA quality standard water by operating and monitoring pumps and filters, regulating chemical dosages, testing samples, monitoring pressures and levels in the distribution system, taking readings, recording data, inspecting equipment, and trouble shooting and assessing water processing operations. Employees work rotating shifts, changing weekly. Employees may be assigned tasks of a similar or higher level classification to gain experience and training in preparation for advancement. Safety equipment such as hardhat, safety glasses, reflective vest, gloves, steel-toed shoes, SCBA, respirator and other protective equipment as required is worn.

Responsibilities

• Monitors plant performance through SCADA system, control panels and analog computer; controls flow rates, and levels and chemical dosage; monitors filtration equipment.
• Monitors distribution system through SCADA system, control panels and analog computer; controls flow rates and levels in the distribution system; monitors pump station equipment.
• Operates air compressors, internal combustion engines, electric motors, centrifugal pumps, and high voltage control panels to maintain proper water levels of storage tanks and covered storage reservoirs; puts on-line steam boilers and generators.
• Maintains required records of flow rates, levels and chlorine residuals; chemical set points and consumption rates, variables and lab test results; determines chemical dosages, consumption and inventory.
• Conducts lab tests on water samples; performs turbidity, residual chlorine, alkalinity, hardness, bacteriological and odor tests; adjusts chemical dosages accordingly.
• Utilizes computer control to conduct periodic washing of filters; examines performance and troubleshoots when necessary.
• Performs inspections on all installations for safety and security; reports malfunctions to supervisor; may assist in the maintenance and/or repair of equipment.
• Responsible for answering the after-hours Water/Sewer phone line and initiates appropriate actions to resolve concern.
• Responds to emergencies such as fires and chlorine leakage by following the Emergency Contingency Plan; coordinates the call-out of emergency crews and utility location requests.
• Performs general office duties such as answering phones, accepting deliveries, assisting customers and vendors.
• May assist with receiving and off-loading chemical deliveries, transferring them to day tanks.
• May operate as a relief operator and assist in the maintenance and repair of the treatment plant.
• Assists with filling and draining of settling basins for cleaning and maintenance.
• Other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• Must possess a high school diploma or GED
• Must possess one year of general water utility work experience or any equivalent combination of training and experience which provides the following knowledge, abilities and skills:
• Must be able to obtain an Illinois Public Water Supply Operator's Class "C" certification within twenty-four (24) months of hire
• Must be able to obtain a Class "A" certification within forty-eight (48) months of hire and maintain it as a condition of employment.
• Must pass an annual respiratory surveillance examination.
• Must remain appropriately shaven in order to safely use a Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA)
• Must obtain National Incident Management System (NIMS) ICS 100, 200, 700, & 800 Certification within 18 months of hire.
• Knowledge of the rules, regulations, principles, practices and methods related to water plant operation.
• Knowledge of water quality standards for water plant operation.
• Knowledge of safety standards and precautions connected with water plant operations.
• Knowledge of the functions and servicing requirements of water division equipment and switchgear.
• Knowledge of emergency procedures during partial or complete power failures.
• Knowledge of laboratory policies, procedures and practices necessary for testing water in compliance with IEPA and IDPH regulations.
• Knowledge of computer hardware and software applications as it relates to water treatment.
• Ability to read, and perform basic addition, subtraction, multiplication and division.
• Ability to write and complete required documentation, readings, and reports in a clear, concise manner.
• Ability to operate computerized process controller, computers, water pumps, chlorine titrator, generators, remote booster pumps, internal combustion engines, turbidimeter, ph meter, alkalinity/hardness analyzer; bacterial count microscope, pumps, circuit breakers, electric valves, flow valves, air respirators, vacuum pumps, air compressors, boilers, two-way radios and other necessary equipment associated with water plant operation.
• Ability to determine chemical feed rates due to changes in the characteristics of raw water.
• Ability to determine proper pumpage of raw water as indicated by demand.
• Ability to respond to electrical power failures and equipment failures; determine emergency equipment usage and appropriate steps to be taken.
• Ability to determine the proper water levels to maintain in underground and overhead reservoirs.
• Ability to operate manual and automatic valves.
• Ability to operate emergency generators.
• Ability to troubleshoot, assess problems, and determine course of actions.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with supervisor, co-workers, other employees and the public.
• Ability to read and understand blueprints, electrical schematics and piping diagrams.