SURFACE WATER TREATMENT PLANT OPERATOR I

SURFACE WATER TREATMENT PLANT OPERATOR I

APPLY ON-LINE AT ONLY! See Employment at the bottom of our Home Page.

Hourly Rate $24.16 to $37.79

Hourly / Full Time / Biweekly Non-Exempt

KIND OF EXAMINATION : Applicants will be screened based on education and experience as submitted in the application and supplemental questionnaire forms online at . For this reason, applicants are urged to answer all questions on the application form and questionnaire completely, providing detailed information concerning the kinds of jobs they have held, the dates they held them, where, and exactly what their duties were. An application is not considered complete if the Supplemental Questionnaire is not submitted with your application. Application and Supplemental Questionnaire information will be accepted ONLINE at ALL pre-employment offers are contingent upon passing a mandatory drug test and a satisfactory result of a background investigation.

PURPOSE OF EXAMINATION : To establish an employment register to fill future vacancies with the Water Works and Sanitary Sewer Board of the City of Montgomery.

CLOSING DATE : Application and supplemental questionnaire information will be accepted online at beginning 10 / 7 / 2025 to 11 / 4 / 2025

NATURE OF WORK

This is semi-skilled to skilled work in the operation of a Grade IV Surface Water Treatment plant and associated distribution system.

Work includes a variety of duties essential to the operation of a surface water treatment plant, distribution system, and unmanned ground water plants. Employees work under the general direction of a Senior Operator and the specific supervision of a Certified Plant Operator II, checking with Plant Operator on unusual problems and keeping necessary operating records and readings. Work is checked through a review of records, inspection, and observation.

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ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES include, but are not limited to, the following :

Operates a Grade IV surface water treatment plant including unmanned, remotely operated, systems and instrumentation, and associated distribution system.

Makes periodic rounds of plant checking charts, gauges, meters, electric motors, pumps, filters and other equipment.

Monitors and controls the treatment process from control panels and through SCADA.

Picks up water samples by hand throughout the plants.

Performs mathematical computations.

Monitors and controls various treatment processes including coagulant feed, mixing, flocculation, sedimentation, filtration and disinfection.

Monitors and controls the addition of acids and other dangerous chemicals to the treated water to provide the customer with high quality water.

Monitors and controls water quality by performing laboratory tests at different stages of the treatment process. Including tests for Cl 2 residual, Fluoride, chlorite residual, pH, turbidity, hardness, alkalinity, iron, manganese, phosphate, and other tests as necessary to maintain water quality.

Calibrates laboratory equipment and maintains laboratory records.

Determines chemical dosage and makes adjustments to plant processes as necessary.

Reads gauges and meters; interprets data to maintain the proper treatment process, proper distribution operation, security, and alarm status; makes flow adjustments.

Operates pumps and valves utilizing a SCADA system; operates and monitors systems for alarms, make adjustments, and provides appropriate response and notifies stand-by or other personnel as necessary to respond to problems.

Operates mechanical equipment including pumps and motors, chemical feed pumps and systems, air compressors, and manual, electrical, and pneumatically operated valves.

Operates disinfection equipment related to the sodium hypochlorite and chlorine dioxide feed system.

Takes delivery of bulk chemicals from tanker trucks and verify correct shipment.

Maintains operational logs and records.

Monitors facilities through the use of computers / camera to ensure adequate security.

Performs filter backwashes.

Collect bacteriological samples and perform testing and quality control tests for the laboratory.

Assists maintenance on treatment plant equipment; assists in repairs to equipment.

Lubricates mechanical equipment and packs pumps

Operates the water distribution system including elevated tanks and booster stations.

Monitors other water treatment facilities according to system demands and levels of elevated tanks within the distribution system. Can make accurate decisions on system demands in accordance with operating the surface water plant.

Responds to inquiries from public; answers questions from customers pertaining to water quality, low pressure, and leak report.

This job requires rotating shift work (12 hour shifts, 7 days on, 7 days off, rotate each shift days to nights) to include holidays and weekends. Overtime may be required.

Washes and cleans vehicles.

Trains other employees as assigned.

Performs specialty sampling as assigned.

Works with engineers and contractors on plant operations, design review, and shutdowns.

Maintains chemical and supplies inventory.

Cleans, paints, and repairs the general physical properties of the plant.

Washes tanks and basins and performs related works as required.

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NON-ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES to include the following :

Performs other duties as may be required.

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REQUIREMENTS OF WORK

Knowledge of plant operations, procedures, and activities of a water treatment system, principles, practices, materials, chemicals, and operating procedures related to the operation of a water treatment plant.

Knowledge of operating principles of plant equipment including valves, pumps, and motors.

Knowledge of methods and techniques of reading and interpreting gauges, recording devices, and related SCADA and computer monitoring systems.

Knowledge of standard methods and techniques of conducting laboratory tests and procedures related to water treatment analysis.

Knowledge of basic principles of chemistry and microbiology.

Knowledge of hydraulic and distribution principles.

Knowledge of Federal, State, and Local agency regulations pertaining to water treatment.

Knowledge of operational and safety regulations pertaining to water treatment plant operations.

Knowledge of occupational hazards and standard safety precautions.

Knowledge of principles and procedures used in the proper handling of chemicals.

Knowledge of principles and practices of customer service call center.

Knowledge of office procedures, methods, and equipment including computers and applicable software applications.

Ability to paint, clean, repair, calibrate, adjust and perform minor repairs to electrical, mechanical, hydraulic, and pneumatic control devices.

Ability to take accurate readings, keep routine records, and perform mathematical computations used in water treatment.

Ability to understand and follow oral and written instructions.

Ability to operate, monitor, and maintain a variety of water treatment plant equipment, facilities, and systems.

Ability to perform inspections, diagnose complex operational problems, and perform minor maintenance of treatment plant facilities and equipment.

Ability to read and interpret gauges, meters, and other instrument readings and take effective course of action.

Ability to respond to changing demands on water flow, water quality, and equipment requirements.

Ability to monitor and adjust plant processes.

Ability to collect a variety of water samples and conduct appropriate tests in accordance with state and Federal regulations and requirements.

Ability to compile and record complex data and material.

Ability to maintain accurate and detailed logs and records of work and laboratory tests performed.

Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with other employees and supervisors.

Ability to complete work within an assigned period.

Ability to operate equipment and tools of the trade in a safe and effective manner.

Ability to work independently in the absence of supervision.

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REQUIRED TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE

High School diploma or equivalent.

Must have and maintain a Grade IV Water Plant Operator's certification from the State of Alabama.

Proficiency in word processing and spreadsheet computer applications such as Microsoft Office products or equivalent experience with data entry.

Valid current driver's license and be insurable by the Board's insurance carrier.

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DESIRED TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE

Training courses in Operations and Safety.

Experience with SCADA, computers and associated water treatment software programs.

Training in mechanical and electrical systems and repairs.

College level courses in chemistry, biology, or environmental science.

Three years of experience as a Surface Water Treatment Plant Operator.

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PHYSICAL ABILITIES

Ability to see, hear and speak in normal ranges and tones.

Ability to lift 50 lbs.

Ability to climb ladders, elevated tanks and check equipment, including hazardous chemical tanks during inclement weather.

Ability to climb stairs, climb on platforms to check equipment, pull / operate high-pressure hoses up to 2.5 inches in diameter, use long handle brushes, carry pail buckets, and descend into tanks.

Ability to traverse and climb upon equipment for inspections and to inspect equipment from all angles.

Ability to lift, bend, stand, and climb stairs and ladders to three stories in both indoor and outdoor settings.

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WORK ENVIRONMENT

A majority of this work will be performed at the water treatment plant and buildings close to the plant in ambient weather conditions. Additional work may be performed at other treatment facilities.

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