WTP OPERATOR III at South San Joaquin Irrigation District (CA) – Oakdale, California

Under general supervision, operates all of the water treatment and related processes associated with the district’s water treatment plant, pump stations, and reservoirs; performs standard water quality chemical tests, makes minor and major repairs to plant equipment and performs other job related duties.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS
This position is the journey level shift operator classification in the Water Plant Operator series. Work is performed independently and may include acting as a lead worker with an assistant. Incumbents will possess the ability to diagnose malfunctions in a variety of water quality processes. The position requires employees to perform a variety of specialized water quality testing and be skilled working SCADA and HMI systems. Additionally, the position’s incumbent will possess the working knowledge of various computer software applications along with the laws, safety and water regulations relating to operation of a surface water treatment facility.

Class specifications are intended to present a descriptive list of the range of duties performed by employees in the class. Specifications are not intended to reflect all duties performed within the job.
The following duties are typical for this classification. Incumbents may not perform all of the listed duties and/or may be required to perform additional or different duties from those set forth below to address business needs and changing business practices.

1. Independently operates, monitors, inspects, and adjusts processes using a SCADA computerized control system.
2. Operates and monitors pumps, valves, and related equipment to regulate the flow of water through a treatment plant or other portions of a water distribution system; starts, adjusts and shuts down plant operations, and adjusts pumping stations and distribution system flows to meet production and storage requirements and water quality standards.
3. Collects water samples and performs standardized laboratory testing, such as chlorine residual, pH, turbidity, temperature, and taste and odor; calculates chemical dosages and adjusts chemical feeders as necessary to maintain water quality.
4. Controls membrane filter operations: removes filters from service and performs inspections and minor repairs to filters as needed.
5. Reads and interprets meters, gauges, charts, and instruments; logs plant operations, test results, unusual operating conditions, maintenance work performed, and related information; enters data into a computer; prepares routine and special oral and written reports as required.
6. Periodically inspects and tests motors, pumps, valves, chemical feeders, membrane filters, and related equipment; reports unusual conditions or the need for maintenance and repair of equipment, buildings and grounds.
7. Inspects raw water delivery system including canals, lake shoreline, upper and lower intakes, air compressor, and raw water pipeline.
8. Takes inventory of chemicals and other treatment supplies; orders chemicals according to standard procedures; receives chemicals and supplies delivered during assigned shift and assists in their safe unloading and storage; handles hazardous materials in accordance with safety rules and procedures.
9. Lubricates and makes limited repairs and adjustments to equipment; maintains the plant and operating equipment in a clean and orderly condition; assists in periodic cleaning of process and water treatment residual basins, flushing of lines, and related maintenance.
10. Answers and relays or responds to incoming telephone calls; provides information and assistance to customers, other agencies, and the general public.
11. May perform routine housekeeping tasks or supplemental painting and grounds maintenance tasks.
12. Operates radio communication equipment, motor vehicles, forklifts, end loaders, and hoists in the performance of duties.
13. Builds and maintains positive working relationships with coworkers, other District employees, and the public using principles of good customer service.
14. Performs related duties as required.

The following generally describes the knowledge and ability required to enter the job and/or be learned within a short period of time in order to successfully perform the assigned duties.

Knowledge of:
Water treatment plant operation and the principles of water treatment.
The operating principles of membrane filters, valves, pumps, and motors.
Principles and methods of conducting basic chemical water analysis.
Working knowledge of computers and programmable logic controllers (PLCs).
Hydraulics and instrumentation commonly used in monitoring of water quality.
California State Water Resources Control Board (SWRCB) water treatment regulations.
Codes, standard terms, practices, and modern methods common to the water treatment operation’s trade.
Use and operation of measuring and testing devices, hand tools, and equipment of the trade.
Commonly used computer software used in instrumentation and control systems.

Ability to:
Independently operate the water treatment plant and its facilities on an assigned shift.
Perform minor and major plant repair work using a variety of tools.
Diagnose malfunctions in a variety of water quality, pumping and reservoir storage processes, including membrane filtration system components.
Read and interpret gauges and recording devices, diagnose operating problems and take effective courses of action.
Correctly interpret color-coded diagrams and computer screens
Train operational staff.
Wear and work in a full face respirator.
Conduct guided tours of the plant and assist in the training and supervision of employees.
Use initiative and independent judgment with established guidelines.
Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.
Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS ANDWORKING ENVIRONMENT
The conditions herein 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 job functions.

Environment: Work is performed primarily in an outdoor setting, with travel from site to site; exposure to noise, potentially hazardous chemicals, and heights. May be required to work weekends, nights, unusual shifts, or be subject to emergency recall.

Physical: Primary functions require sufficient physical ability and mobility to work in an outdoor water treatment plant setting; to stand or sit for prolonged periods of time; to stoop, bend, kneel, crouch, reach, and twist; to climb ladders, stairs, and ramps; to lift, carry, push, and/or pull moderate amounts of weight; and to verbally communicate to exchange information.

Vision: See in the normal visual range with or without correction.

Hearing: Hear in the normal audio range with or without correction.