Chief Water Plant Operator

Pay Depends on Qualifications and Water License

ESSENTIAL JOB DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

1. Ensures that water is adequately treated and meets applicable water quality

standards.

2. Trains and supervises all water treatment plant operations and operating personnel.

3. Coordinates with various departments for the proper, safe, and efficient operation of water treatment equipment but not limited to, clarifiers, water pumps and motors, storage tanks, chemical feeders, chlorination systems and Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) system in accordance with procedures and policies and state agencies, rules and regulations.

4. Oversees treatment plant operations, evaluates treatment process effectiveness and ensures timely maintenance or repair of equipment and machinery.

5. Collects and analyzes data and reports to develop optimal, cost effective, operating parameters and procedures for individual treatment units and overall system performance.

6. Oversees reports submitted to the required state and federal agencies (e.g., MOR).

7. Prioritizes, plans, and implements projects, coordinating within and across work units, tracking progress and communicating with key personnel.

8. Coordinates with various departments, outside vendors, consultants and contractors for maintenance and improvement projects.

9. Meets with management and consultants to provide constructive feedback on capital projects, designs and plans.

10. Assists in developing and implementing treatment strategies and technologies to optimize operations.

11. Assists and implements the Asset Management Plan (AMP).

12. Completes operational and regulatory reports; maintains records of all phases of treatment processes, and files written reports with superiors and with responsible state and federal agencies.

13. Checks and maintains raw water supplies and reservoir; forecasts and adjusts pumping rates from raw water reservoirs to meet water demand.

14. Establishes goals and objectives for the department and establishes work instructions.

15. Assists and implements operations department annual operating budget.

16. Develops and implements standard operation procedures (SOPs) as required.

17. Ensures implementation and compliance with safety policies, spill prevention plans (SPCC), risk management plans (RMP), emergency response plant (ERP), integrated contingency plans, and other required health and environmental programs.

18. May be held criminally liable if knowingly falsifies reports to Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) or Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

19. Completes other duties as assigned by Operations Manager.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES:

Supervises the activities of treatment plant operators and maintenance mechanics.

Maintains appropriate discipline and promotes a positive safe working environment.

EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE:

Seven (7) years of experience in treatment plant operations, two of which are in a supervisory or leadership capacity. One (1) year of college (32 semester hours), or an additional 40 hours of approved credit may substitute for each year of experience. Preferred: Associate Degree in the related field.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

Knowledge important to perform the functions of the job include:

1. Thorough knowledge of the practices, equipment, materials, and operating principles involved in municipal treatment plant operations.

2. Thorough knowledge of the functions and servicing requirements of mechanical equipment and machinery in the treatment plant.

3. Considerable knowledge of the mathematics used to compute flow rates, volumes, chemical dosage, feeder settings, process indexesand chemistry.

4. Thorough knowledge of the state and federal rules and regulations pertaining to water.

5. Some knowledge of standard laboratory principles, techniques, terminology, and equipment.

6. General knowledge of the occupational hazards and safety precautions associated with treatment facilities.

7. Knowledge of the Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) system.

8. Computer skills in working with Microsoft Office programs (Excel, Word).

9. Effective oral and written communications skills in English.

Abilities important to perform the functions of the job include:

1. Ability to inspect machinery and mechanical equipment in operation to detect flaws and defects.

2. Ability to make detailed oral and written reports.

3. Ability to keep accurate records and prepare reports.

4. Ability to research and apply statutes, rules and regulations in the Texas Administrative Code and Code of Federal Regulations.

5. Ability to read meters and charts accurately and to maintain records of shift operations.

6. Ability to operate treatment process equipment through SCADA controls.

7. Ability to continuously work on improving own knowledge and skills.

8. Ability to complete assigned duties and functions in a safe, timely, and effective manner.

9. Ability to exercise considerable independent judgment in correcting certain problem situations.

10. Ability to work evenings and weekends in response to the needs of the water plants.

11. Ability to remain on call or standby for a reasonable period of time and to adhere to an on-call schedule.

CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS:

Requires a valid Texas Driver License or receipt of a valid Texas Driver's License within 90 days of relocation to Texas and a safe driving record, as measured by company policy. Must possess a minimum of a “B” Surface Water Operator License in water operations issued by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ).

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Tasks involve bending, lifting, walking, carrying or using a force equal to lifting 50 lbs. Ability to open and close valves of various sizes manually by turning difficult-to-operate valve wheels. Ability to work under extreme weather conditions including hot and cold ambient temperatures. Must be able to withstand prolonged periods of standing and walking while checking treatment equipment and taking required readings. Must pass the annual fit test requirements for use of a self-contained breathing apparatus and/or a respirator.

Job Type: Full-time

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: From $25.00 per hour

Benefits:

Schedule:

Work Location: In person