Plant Operator I Water at New Braunfels Utilities – New Braunfels, Texas

Position Summary

The Plant Operator I is an entry-level position that focuses on achieving competency through learning and understanding a variety of technical work utilized for the operation of New Braunfels Utilities' water production and treatment systems, including the Surface Water Treatment Plant, Trinity Membrane Treatment Plant, and groundwater production facilities.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

GROUNDWATER PRODUCTION OPERATIONS

- Under supervision of Plant Operator II, III, or Sr. operates and adjusts controls on groundwater treatment equipment and machinery such as valves, pumps, chlorinators, chemical feeders, motors, and other equipment

- Performs field laboratory tests for chlorine residuals, monochloramines, nitrates, ammonia, and turbidity as necessary

- Makes minor repairs to pumps and equipment

- Assists PdM Techs with major repair work when required

- Flushes water mains to improve water quality and record usage

- Cleans and performs general housekeeping duties at groundwater, pump station, and water storage sites

- Monitors water system through SCADA system and reacts to alarms within the system

- Collects total coliform and construction samples from distribution system using appropriate procedures

- Records and logs meter readings, hour readings, chemical usage, maintenance activities, and other pertinent information daily

- Transports chlorine and other water treatment chemicals to wells and storage sites

- Respond to customer concerns and help resolve water quality issues

WATER TREATMENT OPERATIONS

- Under supervision of Plant Operator II, III, or Sr. monitors and adjusts treatment processes at treatment plants to meet regulatory requirements and demands of the public water system

- Under supervision of Plant Operator II, III, or Sr. operates and maintains activities associated with water treatment plant chemicals, including chlorine, alum, polymer, liquid aluminum sulfate, and fluoride.

- Performs daily rounds at treatment plants to monitor and inspect treatment equipment and machinery

- Collects and analyzes water treatment plant samples for pH, alkalinity, hardness, turbidity, alum, and hardness to help optimize processes

- Performs jar testing to approximate coagulant dosage

- Monitors, controls, inspects, and performs minor maintenance of treatment plant equipment

- Calibrates plant analyzers and laboratory equipment at required intervals

- Maintain an awareness of safety conditions and perform assigned tasks with direct supervision

- Record data and operating conditions in appropriate spreadsheets or logbooks

GENERAL RESPONSIBILITIES

- Maintain regular attendance; leave schedule should be managed so as to not interfere with ability to accomplish tasks, including special projects and assignments with deadlines.

- Adhere to NBU safety guidelines and practices at all times and in all situations.

- Maintain a clear and safe work area, office, field site and vehicle as applicable.

- Develop & maintain effective customer service skills for communications with co-workers, customers and the public in general.

- Maintain strict confidentiality of business, employee and customer information in written and oral communications and safeguard sensitive documents.

- Adhere to NBU policies and procedures.

- Exemplifies NBU Core Values of Integrity, Stewardship, Team, Culture and Safety

- Participate in and support initiatives to reach annual NBU Performance Measures.

Formal Education and Work Experience Requirements

Degree/Diploma Obtained: High School Diploma/GED

Work Experience Time Frame: No Experience Required

Field of Study: General Studies

Certification and Licensures Requirements

- Employee must obtain a Class 'D' Water Operator License within one year of employment

- Class 'C' Groundwater and Class 'C' Surface Water Operator License must be obtained prior to expiration of the 'D' Water Operator License

- Valid Class 'C' Driver's License

Other Minimum Qualifications

- Flexibility in available hours, including holidays, weekends, and/or after hours is required.

- Must reside within a forty-five-minute response time of the NBU Service Center as measured by an internet mapping tool