Treatment Plant Operator I (21KS.24) - American States Water Company

Through its wholly owned subsidiaries, American States Utility Services, Inc. contracts with the federal government to provide water and wastewater services that include operating, maintaining, renewing, replacing, and constructing new systems on military installations throughout the United States. The installations where we presently operate are home to nearly 350,000 military and civilian personnel and families.

We proudly deliver these vital services to military installations in Maryland, North Carolina, South Carolina, Texas (including southeastern New Mexico), Virginia, Florida, Kansas, and Massachusetts.

Serving those who serve.

United States Veterans, Reservists, National Guard Members, and Military Spouses encouraged to apply.

Accountability
The Treatment Plant Operator I performs a variety of skilled technical duties and semi-skilled labor in the operation and maintenance of the treatment plant. This is the entry-level position, performing routine tasks and duties, including updating operations logs and adding and mixing of treatment chemicals under the supervision of higher level operators.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities
• Performs assigned treatment plant rounds; inspects, monitors, troubleshoots, performance tests and documents plant processes by reading plant equipment gauges, dials, graphs, online analyzers, computer screens, meters, SCADA systems, and other instrumentation
• Operates and adjusts treatment plant pumps, motors, feeders and other equipment to maintain appropriate plant operations
• Maintains, compiles and updates plant operations logs and reports; performs and records mathematical calculations related to plant operational activities
• Mixes and adds treatment chemicals; installs and replaces chlorine cylinder tanks; ensures adequate chemical application according to regulations and guidelines
• Installs, maintains, repairs, modifies, troubleshoots, and services plant operations machinery and equipment including pumps, valves, motors, meters, tanks, reservoirs, feeders, and online analyzers; changes lubrications
• Collects and documents liquid and solid samples and perform a variety of routine water quality laboratory tests; works closely with the laboratory on testing processes; monitors laboratory results; collects water samples as required by regulatory agencies
• Performs general plant facility maintenance such as cleaning, painting and repairing plant facilities; performs various grounds maintenance duties as required
• Operates a variety of heavy equipment including backhoes, loaders, scrapers, forklifts, dump trucks, truck-mounted sludge/compost mixers, and tractor trailer combinations;
assists in unloading chemicals as necessary • Complies with all OSHA and ASUS safety standards and practices as they pertain to equipment, facility operations and chemical handling
• May require after hour work due to 24-hour operation
• Available for emergency response, 24 hours/day, seven days/week.
• Performs other duties as assigned

The above job description is not intended to be, nor should it be construed as, exhaustive of all responsibilities, skills or competencies associated with this job.

May include working in all weather conditions, during all hours of the day. Physical demands include but are not limited to standing, climbing, walking, lifting, bending, pulling and/or pushing, grasping, reaching, stooping and crouching, sitting, typing, walking, reading, writing, color determination, speaking and listening for extended periods of time.

Minimum Qualifications
• High school diploma or equivalent
• Must possess and maintain a valid Driver’s License issued by the state where employed
• Must take and pass Federal OSHA, US Army Corps of Engineers, and/or State Mandated Safety training, with annual refresher courses, as required by the associated regulations for this position. Such training will be provided by the Company and compliance is mandatory
• Must possess Water and/or Wastewater Treatment Licenses required for operation of the systems or have the ability to obtain such certification for systems working on within
24 months.
• Maintain physical condition appropriate to the performance of assigned duties and responsibilities which may include standing for extended periods of time, lifting heavy loads, kneeling, crawling, and climbing
• Ability to understand basic math and chemistry and apply knowledge to water treatment process
• Must possess knowledge and comprehension of safety practices for general construction and handling of all materials used in water and wastewater system operations, to include liquid and gaseous chemicals, as well as hazardous solids, confined space entry, competent excavation, electrical safety, etc., while being under close supervision. Application of such practices is mandatory
• Ascertains general knowledge of water system operations, control settings, and plant operations
• Communication skills including demonstrated fluency with reading, writing, and speaking the English language
• Use and operate self-contained breathing apparatus and/or respiratory equipment
• One (1) year as a Distribution Operator/Collections Operator or two (2) years of experience in the water utility industry preferred
• Knowledge of basic plumbing skills
• Recognize unusual, inefficient or dangerous operating conditions

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS MAY INCLUDE:
• Working in confined space
• Working in areas exposed to noise and chemicals. Work requires the use of appropriate PPE (e.g. hearing and chemical protection devices)
• Working in extreme weather conditions
• Lifting and carrying loads up to 50 lbs.
• Performing work up to limits of elevated water storage tanks
• Standing, sitting, walking, lifting, carrying, pushing/pulling, reaching, handling, grasping, fine dexterity, kneeling, stooping, crouching, crawling, bending, twisting, climbing, balancing, vision including color determination, hearing, foot & hand controls

BENEFITS

Our Company supports our employees with rich benefit programs and resources to help them thrive today and prepare for tomorrow.  Benefit options include medical, dental, and vision plans with the Company currently paying 85% of the monthly premium for employees and their eligible dependents.  We also offer paid vacation and sick time and twelve Company paid holidays per year.  To help our employees plan for the future, we offer both a 401(k) retirement plan as well as a Defined Contribution Profit Sharing retirement plan.  Additional benefits include life, AD&D, and LTD insurance as well as health savings account and flexible spending plans.

COMPENSATION INFORMATION

The compensation range provided is in compliance with state specific laws.  Multiple factors are used to determine the actual starting rate of pay for all of our positions, including specific skills, years of experience, education, certification(s), and other job related factors.

U.S. Citizenship is required pursuant to our contract with the federal government.

The responsibilities of this position will involve access to information that may be considered confidential, private and sensitive. Therefore, the individual filling this position will be required to both allow and pass a background check.

NOTE: Reasonable accommodations will be made to enable individuals with special needs to perform the essential functions.