WATER TREATMENT PLANT OPERATOR - CLASS 1

JOB SUMMARY:

Monitors treatment plant machines and equipment to clean and disinfect water for human consumption

and for industrial use.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS: (All responsibilities may not be performed by all incumbents.)

? Controls treatment plant machines and equipment to purify and clarify water for human consumption

and for industrial use.

? Operates and controls electric motors, pumps, and valves to regulate flow of raw water into treating

plant.

? Meters specified amounts of chemicals, such as chlorine, ammonia, and lime into water or adjusts

automatic devices that admit specified amounts of chemicals into tanks to disinfect, deodorize, and

clarify water.

? Monitors panel board and adjusts controls to regulate flow rates, loss of head pressure and water

elevation, and distribution of water.

? Cleans tanks and filter beds, using backwashing (reverse flow of water).

? Repairs and lubricates machines and equipment, using hand tools and power tools.

? Collects water samples, conducts bacteriological tests, performs quality analysis of private wells, and

records data.

? Records data, such as residual content of chemicals, water turbidity, and water pressure.

? Monitors SCADA and adjusts controls to regulate flow rates, loss of head pressure and water

elevation, and distribution of water.

? Tests water samples to determine acidity, color, and impurities, using colorimeter, turbidimeter, and

pH meter.

? Performs jar tests to ensure proper chemical addition for coagulation.

? Performs other related duties as assigned.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

? Knowledge of mathematical principles related to proper test calibrations.

? Basic knowledge of the materials, equipment, procedures and methods used in water treatment.

? Basic knowledge of the occupational hazards and safety precautions necessary to the operation of

heavy trucks, equipment, and chemicals.

? Ability to understand, interpret and carry out oral and written instructions.

? Ability to understand and interpret simple diagrams and drawings of assigned projects.

? Ability to maintain records of daily work assignments and projects.

? Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with employees, other city staff and

the general public.

SUPERVISORY CONTROLS: The employee uses initiative in carrying out recurring assignments

independently without specific instruction, but refers deviations, problems, and unfamiliar situations not

covered by instructions to the supervisor for decision or help. The supervisor provides additional, specific

instructions for new, difficult, or unusual assignments, including suggested work methods or advice on

source material available.

SCOPE AND EFFECT: The work consists of related duties in treating water in conformance with

established criteria. The work directly effects the operation of the system and equipment. The purpose of

this position is to effectively treat water with the proper chemicals to provide safe drinking water to the

public. Successful performance helps ensure high quality, safe drinking water. Complexity occurs in the

difficulty of making consistent determinations as to the compliance or noncompliance of widely differing

circumstances due to imperfect knowledge, and complex criteria, and changing regulations. Difficulty also

stems from the tight work spaces.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORK ENVIRONMENT: The work is typically performed with the employee

walking, but also sitting, standing, bending, crouching or stooping. The employee is regularly exposed to

outdoor weather conditions, especially in hot and cold temperatures, humidity, rain, and sun. The employee

must frequently lift light objects, occasionally lift heavy objects, climb ladders, and be able to distinguish

between shades of color. The worker may be exposed to dust, dirt, grease and inclement weather. The use

of protective devices such as gloves may be required.

SUPERVISORY AND MANAGEMENT RESPONSIBILITY: None.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED:

? High School Diploma or equivalent.

? One to three years of related experience.

? Possession of or ability to readily obtain an appropriate state-certified license for water or wastewater

treatment or distribution as appropriate.

? Possession of or the ability to readily obtain a valid State Driver's License issued by the State of

Georgia.