WATER PLANT OPERATOR TRAINEE

JOB OPENING NOTICE

DEPARTMENT:          WATER TREATMENT PLANT

JOB TITLE:    WATER PLANT OPERATOR TRAINEE

JOB DESCRIPTION:  Under frequent supervision, learns the fundamentals of operating a water treatment plant by performing all water quality analyses, adjusting chemical dosages and controlling rates in pumping.   Monitors and adjusts gas usage as necessary to ensure compliance with transporter and supplier contracts and to maintain adequate pressure to sustain the gas distribution system. Receives, responds to and/or dispatches customer calls regarding problems related to water, electric and gas utilities.  Performs related technical work as required.  Obtains “D” certification within one year of employment.  Reports to the Water Production Administrator

MINIMUM TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE:  Requires a high school diploma or GED equivalent, or an equivalent combination of education, training and experience that provides the required knowledge, skills and abilities.  Must obtain a Class “E” and a Class “D” Water Treatment Plant Operator Certification within one year of employment.  Must possess a Class “A” Water Treatment Plant Operator Certification in 4 years.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTION INCLUDE, BUT NOT LIMITED TO:

• Collects and analyzes water samples as required by DHEC and EPA as scheduled or directed. Analyses include pH, turbidity, alkalinity, hardness, taste, odor, temperature, bacterial content, metal content, ammonia/fluoride/chlorine content, zeta and jar testing to determine appropriate chemical dosages.
• Prepares laboratory analysis chemicals for use in testing; standardizes laboratory equipment.
• Monitors and adjusts gas usage as necessary to ensure compliance with transporter and supplier contracts and to maintain adequate pressure to sustain the gas distribution system. Reports daily usage to and orders gas from transporter as scheduled or requested.
• Performs frequent plant and equipment inspections to ensure safe and proper operations. Performs monthly generator tests.
• Plans and adjusts raw and finished water flow rates, and changes chemical dosages as required by the rate changes.
• Adjusts and maintains pre-treatment and post-treatment chemical dosages as required.
• Adds carbon as a pretreatment chemical as raw water conditions require.
• Backwashes filters, drains settling basins as scheduled or as conditions require.
• Pumps sludge holding basin wastewater to appropriate location for recycling or disposal; pumps sludge form holding basins to thickeners. Monitors sludge blanket levels and thickener levels.  Pours sludge from thickeners to drying beds in the absence of the Maintenance Helper.
• Observes flocculation and settling conditions.
• Alternates chemical feed pumps routinely.
• Receives and unloads chemicals from suppliers; Performs general maintenance & housekeeping duties as needed.
• Receives and responds to customer calls related to emergency and non-emergency problems with water, electric and gas utilities; dispatches on-call personnel as needed.
• Maintains a range of records and reports, including testing analyses and worksheets, chain of custody, calibration forms, inventory records, gas control flow worksheet, daily operation reports, test logs, equipment maintenance records, reports required by regulatory agencies, etc.
• Communicates water plant activities and concerns to the Water Production Administrator.
• Obtains ‘D”-level certification through the successful completion of required coursework.
• Operates a range of plant and laboratory equipment and tools, including but not limited to chlorinators, ammoniators, pumps, filters, valves, feeders, clarifiers, mixers, flocculators, generators, flow transmitters, storage tanks, overhead crane, leak detectors, self-contained breathing apparatus, respirator, two-way radio, computer, incubator, water bath, vacuum pump, filter funnel, turbidimeters, meters, analyzers, microscopes, various hand and power tools, etc. Utilizes a variety of reagents and laboratory instruments and supplies.

JOB GRADE: Grade 9 ($37,003 – $51,805)

CONTACT:     Angie Simpson, HR Director

DEADLINE FOR APPLICATIONS:  OPEN UNTIL FILLED