Water Treatment Plant Technician

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This position is posted at multiple levels. Please see the job description below for more information.

GENERAL SUMMARY

Under general supervision, performs a variety of duties essential to the operation of the Water Treatment Facility, Water Distribution System, and Environmental Services laboratory in accordance with Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and Washington State Department of Health (WA DOH) regulations. Ensures and verifies that the water quality of the plant and distribution system meets or exceeds EPA and Washington State Department of Health guidelines per WAC 246-290 including physical, chemical, and microbial standards. Independently performs diversified and complex tasks which include performing administrative tasks, sample preparation and laboratory analyses, writing reports and procedures, interfacing with internal and external clients, and managing data through the Environmental Laboratory.

PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTABILITIES

- Operates surface water treatment system (chemical feed systems, storage tanks, membrane filtration racks, clear wells, control systems, instrumentation, etc.) to provide compliance with applicable state and federal regulations and standards. Records plant operating data according to prescribed schedules as required in operations software. Collects and analyzes water samples, recording results, and performs water quality assessments, prepares regulatory reports, and other similar duties related to water treatment. Observes variations in feedwater conditions, water treatment plant operation, and effluent water quality, and adjusts plant processes in response to these variations. Regularly inspects and observes water treatment plant system hardware to ensure proper operating conditions. Maintains and calibrates hand-held, benchtop, and on-line monitoring equipment. Performs minor preventive maintenance on treatment equipment or instrumentation, as required.

- Performs instrumental analysis on a wide variety of sample matrices in support of Environmental Services and external client projects. Prepares standards and reagents, performs calibration of instruments, investigates analytical problems, and performs maintenance and troubleshooting of instruments. Analytical methods performed include: gas, ion and liquid chromatography; atomic, mass, infrared and UV spectroscopy; sample digestion, and wet chemistry. Work is reviewed upon completion for adequacy in meeting objectives.

- Performs administrative and technical tasks as needed to fulfill overall job requirements depending upon the specific assignment. These include:

- Providing support and assistance with implementation and coordination of programs such as National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES), Safety Data Sheet database

- management, Sanitary Waste Treatment Facility (SWTF) operation and monitoring under WA Department of Ecology and NPDES guidelines, and Radiological Effluents Monitoring Program (REMP) under NRC guidelines.

- Performing analytical laboratory QA/QC activities, records maintenance, reviewing data packages, and preparing technical reports.

- Monitoring and reporting on analytical performance.

- Performs sample preparation in support of Environmental Services programs, process waste disposal, records sample collection information; properly packaging, preserving, shipping, and transporting samples under existing sampling plans, SOPs, and instructions.

- Interfaces with Columbia Generating Stations and external clients for problem resolution. This includes sample receipt, log-in, sample preservation, generation of log-in reports, generation of client analytical reports, and report distribution.

- Writes, reviews, and revises laboratory SOPs, chemistry instructions, and plant procedures when requested.

REQUIRED EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE

Water Treatment Plant Operator/ Technician/ Scientist V

Requires possession of, or ability to quickly obtain, a current WA DOH Water Treatment Plant Operator Certification (WTPO-1 or greater).

Requires one of the following:

- Bachelor’s degree in a science related field and minimum of one year of experience related to potable water production and/or working in an analytical laboratory utilizing instrumental, analytical, and wet chemistry techniques; OR

- AA/AS degree in a science related field and three years of experience related to potable water production and/or working in an analytical laboratory utilizing instrumental, analytical, and wet chemistry techniques; OR

- High School Diploma or GED and at least five years of experience related to potable water production and/or working in an analytical laboratory utilizing instrumental, analytical, and wet chemistry techniques.

Water Treatment Plant Operator/ Technician/ Scientist IV

Requires possession of, or ability to quickly obtain, a current WA DOH Water Treatment Plant Operator Certification (WTPO-1 or greater).

Requires one of the following:

- Bachelor’s degree in a science related field

- OR AA/AS degree in a science related field and two years of experience related to potable water production and/or working in an analytical laboratory utilizing instrumental, analytical, and wet chemistry techniques.

- OR High School Diploma or GED and at least four years of experience related to potable water production and/or working in an analytical laboratory utilizing instrumental, analytical, and wet chemistry techniques.

Pay Range:

Level V: $33.70 – $50.55/ hour

Level IV: $29.33 – $44.00/ hour

Typically, selected candidates are hired between the minimum and midpoint of the range, based on applicable experience and qualifications, market rate, internal equity, and budgetary allowances.

Offers will be negotiated based on each candidate's qualifications.

Incentive Compensation

This role is eligible to participate in our annual incentive plan. Incentives are earned based on employee performance against defined metrics and company goals.

Benefits

Energy Northwest (EN) offers a highly competitive and substantial benefits package which allows qualifying employees (and their families) to enroll in medical, dental, vision, and basic life insurance. Other voluntary benefits may include flexible spending accounts, tuition reimbursement, supplemental life insurances, credit monitoring, and identity theft insurance. EN offers three retirement programs to qualifying employees including a matching 401(k) deferred compensation plan, the Washington State Pension Plan (PERS), and a 457(b) savings plan. Qualifying employees will also accrue 160 hours of personal time per year and nine paid holidays throughout the calendar year.

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer and do not discriminate due to race, color, age, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, ethnicity, religion, national origin, veteran status or on the basis of disability.

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