Water Plant Operator

Posted: 01/17/2024

JOB SUMMARY
This position performs skilled work in the operation, monitoring, and maintenance of water treatment plants and related facilities. Duties include ensuring that all water leaving the water treatment process meets state and federal requirements for safe drinking water.  The employee generally works independently, but may work as a member of a crew.  An employee in this position must also be available for overtime work and a variety of assigned shift schedules, some in excess of five consecutive days, including weekends and holidays, for periods of 16 hours or more. This position reports to the Chief Water Plant Operator.
ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

  • Operates and monitors water treatment plant equipment, adjusts controls on various equipment and machinery such as valves, pumps, chlorinators, filters and chemical feeders, and regulates the pressure and flow rates as necessary.
  • Collects water samples and performs tests for pH, chlorine, turbidity, fluoride, alkalinity, hardness, etc. 
  • Maintains water plant operations and functions within Federal and State drinking water regulations and compliance.
  • Adjusts process in response to test results.
  • Performs public outreach tours and education.
  • Performs mathematical calculations to determine proper water treatment chemical doses on drinking water.
  • Monitors plant security and surveillance systems.
  • Receives and verifies chemical shipments and fills chemical feeders as required.
  • Operates, checks, and calibrates a variety of mechanical equipment, meters, valves, gauges, and instruments to ensure proper operation.
  • Takes readings and records various water treatment plant equipment, gauges, and other related instrumentation.
  • Maintains complete and accurate records and logs of duties completed.
  • Performs chemical treatments to reservoirs to maintain water quality.
  • Performs preventative and minor maintenance on assigned plant. 
  • Performs janitorial duties at assigned plant.
  • Cleans and/or paints equipment, pumps, motors, piping, etc.
  • Performs general clean up as needed.
  • Serves as lead worker or trainer of assigned personnel.
  • Works after normal business hours as needed. 
  • Remains informed of new legislation and regulations pertaining to drinking water and alters work methods to comply with same.
  • Performs other related duties as required/assigned.   
QUALIFICATIONS
Education and Experience:
High School diploma or General Equivalency Diploma (GED) its equivalent and six (6) months of related experience.
Special Qualifications:
Possession of a valid State of Georgia driver’s license and satisfactory Motor Vehicle Record (MVR). Possession of a State of Georgia Class III Water Supply System Operator Certificate.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:                          
  • Knowledge of state and federal standards, rules and regulations regarding operation of water treatment facilities and safe drinking water.
  • Knowledge of parameters for initiating backwash, selection of influent rates and adjustment of valves.
  • Knowledge of water plant machinery operation and basic knowledge of maintenance and repair. 
  • Knowledge of mathematics and chemistry.
  • Knowledge of water treatment chemicals, including physical and biological reactions.
  • Knowledge of proper handling and storage of water treatment chemicals.
  • Skill in using a streaming current detector.
  • Skill in using small power tools and hand tools.
  • Skill in using meters, calculators, scales and computers.
  • Ability to perform mathematical computations.
  • Ability to read gauges and meters accurately
  • Ability to interpret instrument readings and test results and to take appropriate measures.
  • Ability to work with a minimum of supervision and make routine operational decisions.
  • Ability to understand written and oral instructions.
  • Ability to work independently and with other employees.
  • Ability to recognize hazardous conditions and take necessary safety precautions.
  • Ability to work outside under adverse weather conditions.
Turn your JOB into a CAREER in water! Excellent benefits package including medical, dental, vision, and life insurance, generous PTO allotment, 12 paid holidays, defined-benefit pension plan, tuition reimbursement, on-the-job training and more. To apply online, visit the www.ddcwsa.com. To apply in person, please stop by the WSA Administrative Office located at 8763 Hospital Drive, Douglasville, GA 30134.