Junior Plant Operator (Water Production)

THIS POSITION IS IN THE WATER DIVISION Positions in the Junior Plant Operator classification in the Water Division may be required to work swing or graveyard shifts IDEAL CANDIDATE STATEMENT The Junior Plant Operator is an entry-level position and will be assigned to work at both surface water treatment plants. This position will support the successful operation of two T5 rated, multi-barrier conventional surface water treatment plants, with complex chemical treatment systems providing safe and reliable drinking water to a population of more than 500,000 people. This position may be required to support dewatering, groundwater, surface water, and/or reservoir teams. This position works a 5-5 schedule and is assigned to day shift. However, based on operational needs this position may be rotated to a 5-4 schedule and assigned to day, swing, or graveyard shifts. The ideal candidate should be ambitious, curious and motivated to learn all aspects of water treatment and tasks related to maintaining a water treatment facility. They will prioritize safety, have the ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships, and be able to communicate well with others. To perform skilled and semi-skilled work in the operation of the City's drinking water treatment plants, wells, reservoirs, distribution system, or swimming pools and fountains; combined wastewater control system, primary wastewater treatment plants and pumping stations; and to assist in monitoring and directing the pumping of storm water, wastewater, and potable water. DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS The Junior Plant Operator is the entry-level classification in the Plant Operator series. Incumbents perform the routine inspection, lubrication, servicing, maintenance, and cleaning of equipment and facilities, and assist in operating plant equipment and performing the more routine water quality laboratory tests. This class is distinguished from the next higher class of Plant Operator in that the latter is the journey-level operator classification that works independently in operating plant equipment and conducting water quality laboratory tests. SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED Direct supervision is provided by the Supervising Plant Operator; indirect supervision and lead direction is provided by the Senior Plant Operator. Technical directions may be provided by the Plant Operator. EXAMPLES OF DUTIES Make scheduled and preventive maintenance checks on facility equipment such as pumps, motors, and air compressors. Perform routine servicing and adjustments to equipment and paint equipment. Lubricate equipment, including bearings and valves, and change oil as required. Load and unload chlorine cylinders or containers, alum, lime, and other materials used in the treatment of potable and nonpotable water using an electric hoist, forklift, crane, and other heavy equipment, and make necessary connections for the transfer of chemicals. Clean tanks, sedimentation basins, chemical feeders, reservoirs, filter basins, lime slakers, and sumps. Assist in operating treatment plant or pool equipment by reading meters and gauges, operating valves, pumps, and other controls to adjust water flow, pressure, and chemical dosages. Make calculations and record readings. Assist in collecting water samples and performing routine water quality laboratory tests. Assist in performing various filter tests as part of the filter surveillance program. Perform janitorial work and grounds maintenance. Perform preventive maintenance duties including painting equipment and cleaning trash screens and filters. Operate equipment such as engine driven pumps, generators, compressors, hoists, forklifts, cranes and other heavy equipment. Work in confined spaces, on temporary scaffolding, and on high structures; using a self-contained breathing apparatus and/or Level I Hazmat suits. Other related duties may also be performed; not all duties listed are necessarily performed by each individual holding this classification. Knowledge of: Basic principles of drinking water, wastewater, strom drainage, or swimming pool watertreatment. Principles, operation and maintenance requirements of pumps, motors, compressors, generators, valves and internal combustion engines. Basic principles and methods used generally in the mechanical and electrical fields. Basic principles of mathematics, algebra, and chemistry. Safe and efficient work practices as they are related to mechanical and electrical equipment. Operating principles of power-driven equipment such as forklifts, electric hoists, and trucks. Ability to: Perform a variety of physically demanding tasks on a regular basis. Work any shift (e.g., swing, relief, night), weekends, holidays, and standby that is mandatory for some assignments. Perform mathematical and algebraic calculations, interpret basic word problems related to water, wastewater treatment, or swimming pool water, and keep accurate records. Understand and carry out oral and written instructions. Understand basic water and wastewater treatment processes and analytical tests including interpreting gauges, meters, and recorders. Understand the location, function, operation, preventive maintenance and basic troubleshooting procedures for pumps, motors, chlorinators, alum, polymer and fluoride feeders, lime slakers and other associated equipment and machinery. Understand basic personal computer programs including inter/intranet access, word processing, spreadsheets and databases. Understand basic Supervising Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) system operation for some assignments. Understand basic Computerized Maintenance Management Systems (CMMS) operations for some assignments. Read, write, and speak English at a level necessary for satisfactory job performance. Establish and maintain effective working relationships with others.