Water Treatment Plant Operator

Position Purpose

Responsible for the operation, routine servicing and care of a wide variety of specialized equipment and apparatus in a plant/treatment facility including pumps, motors, chemical preparation and feeding; physical, chemical and biological treatment and/or water treatment processes; control equipment and monitoring equipment. Maintains records of operations, completes and submits routine and special reports as assigned.

Inspects all mechanical equipment for proper operation, performs normal lubrication, adjustments, seal packing, minor maintenance and minor repairs as necessary. Performs related field and laboratory tests, which are necessary to monitor and control the facilities, and makes necessary adjustments to equipment, processes and chemical feeders, as test results may indicate and as instructed by the Supervisor.

Operates and assists in repairs to water systems and plants. Operates plant(s) as designed to produce safe potable water for consumption ensuring compliance with all applicable New Jersey Administrative Codes, laws, rules, standards and permit requirements. Performs daily operational procedures, laboratory and field analyses, and routine calibrations and maintenance in order to maintain optimal treatment process.

Maintains neat and accurate records of operations, completes and submits routine and special reports as assigned. Trains other employees in the operation and maintenance of the facilities including maintenance, repairs, laboratory work and safety as required.

Primary Duties/Responsibilities

• Strong knowledge of mechanical, hydraulic, chemical principles.
• Knowledge of applicable health and safety regulations, practices, procedures and water quality monitoring practices.
• Conducts safety inspections and follows all safety rules and procedures.
• Ability to interpret mechanical drawings, layouts, wiring diagrams, logic drawings, P&ID's, technical O&M manuals and specifications.
• Capable of completing written operating procedures, work requests and other documentation completion.
• Responsible for start-up, shutdown, operation and periodic checks of water treatment processes, components and equipment.
• Adjustments of plant equipment such as pumping systems, chemical feeders, auxiliary equipment and control system storage tanks levels and pump stations indicators.
• Develops, assists, and revises operations and maintenance related procedures.
• Performs routine preventative/corrective maintenance.
• Capable of making repairs to chemical feed systems including PVC manifolds, peristaltic hoses, pump rotors, piping and fittings.
• Monitors all charts, gauges and other operating equipment via manual and electronic means such as a SCADA system.
• Load and unloads chemicals used at the treatment plants.
• Assists in ordering, delivery and inventory of chemicals, lab reagents, materials and supplies.
• Maintains accuracy of shift operating logs, records, time sheets, work orders and other administrative documents.
• Responds to abnormalities and takes appropriate corrective action consistent with established operating procedures and good engineering practices.
• Assists in the development, utilization and effectiveness of the preventative maintenance CMMS system.
• Completes accurate reporting of all work execution activities.
• Ability to prioritize and handle multiple tasks efficiently.
• Ability to diagnose abnormalities in complex controls, interlocked control schemes and other operating systems.
• Experience performing maintenance and operational tasks of substantial variety and complexity without close technical supervision.
• Ability to prepare/communicate orally and in writing and interact effectively and diplomatically with management and/or bargaining unit employees as well as regulators, consultants, municipal officials, health officers, customers, contractors, and the general public.
• Computer and software usage as required by the position.
• Ability to work with peers as a team player.
• Ability to work alone and maintain productivity without direct supervision.
• Availability for first response calls and problem solving.
• Strong laboratory and sampling experience.
• Performs routine housekeeping chores, light building repairs and maintenance as directed by Supervision.
• Ability to troubleshoot failures of water treatment equipment.
• Performs operations in accordance with established SOPs and job safety standards.
• Performs other duties necessary to fulfill facility operation.

Qualifications & Requirements

Education/Experience/Background

• High School Diploma/GED is required.

Knowledge/Skills/Abilities

• Must be able to comprehend both oral and written instructions and to communicate in English, both orally and in writing.
• Must have technical knowledge of, and hands-on experience working in the operation of advanced water treatment plant facilities on the assigned shift.
• Must be flexible and enjoy a diversity of responsibilities.
• Thorough knowledge of the operating characteristics and maintenance requirements of water treatment plants.
• Knowledge of electrical and electronic systems.
• Knowledge of hydraulic, chemical and mechanical principles pertinent to water treatment plant operations.
• Thorough knowledge of occupational hazards of the work and the necessary safety precautions.
• Ability to operate a computer, mobile devices, applications and other electronic devices relative to the operation of the plants.
• Troubleshooting malfunctions and recording data.
• Ability to detect flaws in the operation of mechanical equipment and to determine proper remedial measures.
• Ability to conduct water quality testing, validations and all other necessary water quality instrumentation use/maintenance.
• Ability to understand and follow complex oral and written instructions.
• Ability to work in adverse conditions.
• Skill in the proper operation and care of a variety of specialized water equipment, materials and tools.
• Ability to troubleshoot and repair and wide variety of plant equipment is essential.
• Ability to report to work on time and perform the duties of the position for an entire shift for the entire workweek and to perform overtime. May be required to work evenings, nights, weekends, holidays and/or standby shifts.
• Ability to read and comprehend drawings, plans and maps.
• Ability to perform tasks with minimum of supervision.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with supervisors, coworkers and the public.

Required Certification/Licenses/Training

• New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection T-2 License, or ability to obtain within one year.
• Ability to learn and be certified in CPR and first aid.

Physical Requirements

• Climb in and out of vehicles.
• Manipulate both large and small hand tools.
• Ability to constantly bend, squat, kneel, twist, push and pull.
• Ability to lift and carry objects, tools and equipment weighing 50 pounds.

Pay Rate

$34.99 - 38.85 per hour.

Benefits

Our employees are covered by comprehensive benefits packages including paid time off policies; health, dental, vision, and life insurance; retirement plans, savings accounts; tuition reimbursement; paid volunteering and more.