Treatment Plant Operator I or II - City of Homer Alaska

TREATMENT PLANT OPERATOR I

GENERAL FUNCTIONS

Operates and maintains Water and Wastewater Treatment Plants including pumps, filters, controls, meters and chemical levels to assure safe and adequate supply of water and proper treatment of wastewater before discharge to Kachemak Bay.

JOB FUNCTIONS AND MAJOR ACTIVITIES

1. Operates Water and Wastewater Treatment Plants.
2. Performs chemical and physical analysis of water and wastewater for monitoring and reporting to State and Federal agencies.
   
3. Ensures proper operation and maintenance of pumps, blowers, filters, and all other equipment or controls utilized in the Water and Wastewater Treatment Plants.
4. Provides alternating coverage of Water and Wastewater Plant operation on weekends and holidays.
5. Makes recommendations on purchases of equipment and evaluations of chemical effectiveness.
6. Handles customer complaints relative to water quality.
7. Performs duties of other Public Works personnel as time allows and in emergency situations.
8. May be required to operate heavy equipment in the performance of routine job functions.
9. Performs some maintenance and janitorial duties in treatment facilities.
10. Must obtain HAZWOPER certification within 1 year.
11. Performs other duties as directed by supervisor.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, ABILITIES, AND EXPERIENCE

At least one year and some working knowledge of mechanical and electrical equipment and ability to troubleshoot and diagnose a wide variety of problems dealing with treatment processes. High school diploma or GED and appropriate college courses required. Valid Driver's license required.

DECISION MAKING RESPONSIBILITIES

Judgment and initiative are required to recognize and correct problems when operating treatment plants alone. Failure to make proper corrective actions or perform analytical functions properly could result in situations harmful to the health of the community. Carries out procedures at unit level. Has moderate budget/expenditure authority at the unit level. Activities are a major source of potential liability to the City.

SUPERVISORY AUTHORITY

Periodically may be called on to supervise other Public Works employees relative to repair or periodic maintenance of Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant facilities.

EXTERNAL VISIBILITY/CONTACT

Has a high frequency of contact with the public in matters concerning water quality. Does routine sampling in distribution system and responds to consumer complaints. Has moderate frequency of contact with parts and service providers. Has infrequent contact with key City personnel, government officials and presentations or attendance at public meetings.

WORKING CONDITIONS

High frequency of exposure to hazardous working situations dealing with hazardous chemicals, exposure to bacterial contamination and while operating W/WW treatment equipment. Requires physical effort in lifting up to 50 pounds and working in confined spaces. High frequency of exposure to adverse weather conditions. Position required to provide alternating coverage of water/wastewater treatment plant operations on weekends and holidays. On call duty and overtime may be required.

TREATMENT PLANT OPERATOR II

GENERAL FUNCTIONS

Operates and maintains Water and Wastewater Treatment Plants including pumps, filters, controls, meters and chemical levels to assure safe and adequate supply of water and proper treatment of wastewater before discharge to Kachemak Bay.

JOB FUNCTIONS AND MAJOR ACTIVITIES

1. Operates Water and Wastewater Treatment Plants.
2. Performs chemical and physical analysis of water and wastewater for monitoring and reporting to State and Federal agencies.
3. Insures proper operation and maintenance of pumps, blowers, filters, and all other equipment or controls utilized in the Water and Wastewater Treatment Plants.
4. Provides alternating coverage of Water and Wastewater Plant operation on weekends and holidays.
5. Makes recommendations on purchases of equipment and evaluations of chemical effectiveness.
6. Handles customer complaints relative to water quality.
7. Performs duties of other Public Works personnel as time allows and in emergency situations.
8. May be required to operate heavy equipment in the performance of routine job functions.
9. Performs some maintenance and janitorial duties in treatment facilities.
10. Must obtain HAZWOPER certification within 1 year.
11. Performs other duties as directed by supervisor.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, ABILITIES, AND EXPERIENCE

Three years working experience in water and wastewater field desirable. Must be able to obtain certification as a State of Alaska as a Level I Water and Wastewater Treatment Operator within 18 months of hire.

Strong Records keeping skills, basic computer skills and ability to work with others in a team environment, First aid/ CPR Certification Required. High school diploma or GED and appropriate college courses required. Valid Driver's License required.

DECISION MAKING RESPONSIBILITIES

Judgment and initiative are required to recognize and correct problems when operating treatment plants alone. Has major liability to the health of the community and environment if proper corrective actions or analytical functions are not performed properly. Develops procedures at unit level. Has moderate budget/expenditure authority at the unit level. Activities are a major source of potential liability to the City.

SUPERVISORY AUTHORITY

If assigned may supervise Public Works employees involved in repair or periodic maintenance of Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant Facilities.

EXTERNAL VISIBILITY/CONTACT

Has a high frequency of contact with the public in matters concerning water quality. Performs routine sampling in distribution system and customer's residence. Responds to customer complaints. Has moderate frequency contact with parts and service providers. Has infrequent contact with key City personnel and government officials. Infrequent presentations or attendance at public meetings required.

WORKING CONDITIONS

High frequency of exposure to hazardous chemicals and to bacteriological contamination while operating water/wastewater treatment equipment. Requires physical effort in lifting up to 50 pounds and working in confined spaces. High frequency of exposure to adverse weather conditions. Position required to provide alternating coverage of water/wastewater treatment plant operations on weekends and holidays. On call duty and overtime required.