Water Treatment Operator

Position Purpose: 

Maintains water production and quality for public consumption. Monitors daily system demand along with influencing factors such as weather and seasonality. Controls system pressure, monitors booster stations and storage facilities, and observes treatment conditions. Operates and maintains water treatment plants and well systems to support a Class IV water system. Operates on-site and using Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition systems and other technology in the most efficient manner. Performs basic troubleshooting, installation, maintenance, and repair of mechanical, electrical, pumping and other equipment and facilities associated with water production, treatment and control. System operates 24-7 and during peak season, Water Treatment Operators working in the plants will be required to cover shift work as needed or assigned.

Primary Duties/Responsibilities: 

• Conducting routine water testing and recording test results.
• Monitoring all charts, gauges, digital screens, and other operating equipment.
• Calculating the chemical feed rate required, calibrating feed equipment, and adjusting feed rate per lab tests or supervisor instructions.
• Performing and recording routine and special installation, maintenance and/or repair of all equipment and grounds and maintaining good housekeeping procedures.
• Analyzing system parameters and determining when additional help is required (e.g. a main break).
• Monitoring appropriate chemical inventory levels.
• Operating water treatment plants, wells and ancillary equipment using SCADA control interfaces.
• Takes direction from company water quality personnel regarding water sampling, schedules, handling and the like.
• Perform basic troubleshooting, installation, maintenance, and repair of mechanical, electrical, pumping and other equipment and facilities associated with water production, treatment and control.
• Uses digital tools, (computer, laptop, tablet, smart phone, etc.) devices and software to communicate, and perform and record work.
• Other duties as assigned.
• Taking various shift assignments and on-call duty on a regular, rotational basis.
• Perform all job responsibilities and duties in compliance with all safety, health, environmental, and security laws, rules, policies, programs and training.

Work Environment:

• These employees work indoors on concrete constantly and outdoors frequently, (outdoor conditions can be wet, muddy and slippery with extremes of heat and cold temperatures).
• Working at heights is required occasionally, (upon equipment, ladders, and lifts).
• Driving is performed frequently, involving route reading and routine oil changes and maintenance.

Education/Experience/Background: 

• High School Diploma/GED is required.
• Previous experience in water production and/or water treatment operation roles preferred.

Knowledge/Skills/Abilities: 

• Ability to read, interpret, comprehend, and communicate contents of instructions, technical manuals, engineering plans and the like.
• Ability to use heavy equipment and various hand, gas, electric and hydraulic tools.
• Basic knowledge of water system operations, basic construction, and plumbing applications and practices, including disinfection, disinfection bi-products, and corrosion control.
• Ability to perform basic troubleshooting, installation, maintenance, and repair of mechanical, electrical, pumping and other equipment and facilities associated with water production, treatment and control.
• Ability to accurately distinguish between colors or discern color coding.
• Good communications skills, both oral and written.
• Good organization, interpersonal, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to function in the digital world, using computer, laptop, tablet, smartphone devices and software to communicate and perform and record work.
• Proficiency with business office computing systems.
• Fine motor dexterity is required occasionally for removing O rings, taking bacteriological and chlorine residual samples, checking suction head, checking compressor, tool manipulation, recording data, using keyboard, keypad security and using phone for work orders.

Required Certification/Licenses/Training: 

• Must possess and maintain a valid state driver’s license.
• Must hold and maintain an Idaho Drinking Water Treatment Operator - Class II license. 

Physical Requirements:

• Ability to transport up to 80 lbs., work outside in all kinds of weather, enter confined spaces, and climb stairs/ladders.
• Physical ability/dexterity to perform maintenance/repairs.
• The Operator requires frequent standing and frequent walking.
• Lifting/carrying is performed independently and as a team, occasionally, with up to 51 lbs. for dry membranes, removing hatch from roof, lid off pressure reducing valve, and bags of salt (50 lbs.) 
• Pushing and pulling up to 94 lbs. is required occasionally for removing/installing membranes, turning valves, and pulling oil hose.
• Frequent crouching, kneeling, stooping/bending and twisting is performed with occasional lying down or crawling to work at/below grade level. 
• Reaching is performed at trunk level and above shoulder level frequently.

Pay Rate: $40.75 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.

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer! All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status.

Disclaimer: The salary, other compensation, and benefits information is accurate as of the date of this posting. The Company reserves the right to modify this information at any time, subject to applicable law.