Water Plant Operator

Job Description

The Water Plant Operator controls and maintains treatment plant equipment to clarify and disinfect water for human consumption.

Performs laboratory tests for operational strategy and adjusts chemical feed rate settings to ensure compliance with EPA Primary / Secondary Drinking Water Standards.

The incumbent is responsible for proper operation and maintenance of sewage treatment plant equipment to meet NPDES regulations (specifically Eareckson Air Station Monthly Discharge Monitoring parameters).

Essential Duties & Job Functions

• Operates and controls electric motors, pumps, and valves to regulate flow of water source into treatment plant and monitors all operational gauges to ensure proper plant operation.
• Tests water samples to determine pH, iron, manganese, free chlorine, and turbidity, using pH meter, colorimeter, and turbidimeter.
• Records data, such as water flow meters, chlorine feed rate settings, turbidity, and other lab tests.
• Injects specified amounts of chemicals, such as chlorine and potassium permanganate into water and makes necessary feed rate adjustments as water quality changes.
• Starts agitators to mix potassium permanganate and replenishes solution barrels when necessary.
• Pumps clarified and disinfected water into water storage tanks and distribution mains.
• Monitors panel board and adjust controls to regulate flow rates and water storage tank levels.
• Backwashes filters when head loss is 6 10 psi differential or at a minimum every 96-hours.
• Repairs and lubricates machines and equipment using hand and power tools.
• Operates portable water-purification plant to supply drinking water during emergency contingencies.
• Observes variations in operating conditions and interprets meter and gauge readings at the wastewater treatment lagoon, and tests results to determine load requirements.
• Maintains wastewater treatment log of operations and records flow meter readings.
• Collects sewage sample, using dipper or bottle, and conducts laboratory tests, using testing equipment such as pH meter and dissolved oxygen meter.
• Sets up and collects influent and effluent samples from the automatic composite samplers for BOD and TSS analysis at off-site labs.
• Wears proper PPE for particular tasks being conducted at the time.
• Performs related work as assigned.

Accountable For

• Knowledge of federal, state, and Air Force Regulations regarding water and wastewater treatment operations.
• Knowledge of common safety practices and protective equipment used on a construction site.
• Skill in the use of hand and power tools commonly used in the construction trade.
• Ability to understand and follow directions.
• Ability to work cooperatively and safely with others on common projects.
• Ability to perform assigned duties with minimal supervision.
• Ability to inventory and requisition supplies for water / wastewater operations.

Work Conditions

Work is typically sedentary in nature and performed in an office setting. Incumbent may occasionally be required to work outdoors with extreme weather temperatures and weather conditions.

The incumbent should be able to sit for extended periods of time, stand, walk, talk, hear, and write. The incumbent should be able to use limbs and body members with a good range of motion.

Occasional lifting, handling, or moving of objects without assistance weighing up to 35 pounds may be required.

Requirements

Job Requirements (Education, Experience, Professional Associations) :

Mandatory

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• State of Alaska Level II Water Treatment Operations Certificate or ability to reciprocate from another state,
• Valid driver’s license with an acceptable driving record.
• Ability to pass National Agency Check with Inquiries
• Ability to successfully pass a pre-employment physical and drug test.

Preferred

• Associate’s degree or equivalent trade school certification.
• State of Alaska Level I Waste Water Treatment Certification or equivalent experience.
30+ days ago