Operator Trainee or Water Operator IV

Position Overview

Under general supervision monitors control panel and interprets meter and gauge readings, adjusts gates and valves to regulate the flow of water and maintains log of gauge readings; performs scheduled maintenance of pumps, generators and related equipment, repairs or replaces parts using hand and power tools; tests repaired equipment to ensure proper performance ; collects water samples and performs tests prescribed by ADEM, records results and submits necessary reports; studies manuals and related technical literature, attends classes and participates in on-the-job training to prepare for certification exams and performs additional tasks in support of the department as needed or upon request

Qualifications Required

Must have high school diploma or G.E.D. equivalent; must have valid driver’s license from state of residence; must have strong mathematical skills; must be able to work various hours and schedules; must have knowledge of safety including accident prevention; must be able to work under close supervision throughout training period; must be A.D.E.M. certified (grade IV) within three years of date of hire.

Physical Qualifications Required

Must possess manual dexterity to use a variety of hand tools; must have mechanical inclination to operate various machines and/or equipment; must be agile enough to work in all areas of treatment plant, including climbing stairs and ladders; must see well enough to read fine print and numbers without error or transposition; must be strong enough to lift up to 100 lbs.

Qualifications Preferred

Experience using laboratory procedures and equipment as well as an awareness for the environment preferred.

Documents Required

• High School Diploma / GED
• Driver’s License
  

Job Summary

Under general supervision monitors control panel and interprets meter and gauge readings, adjusts gates and valves to regulate the flow of water and maintains log of gauge readings; performs scheduled maintenance of pumps, generators and related equipment, repairs or replaces parts using hand and power tools; tests repaired equipment to ensure proper performance; collects water samples and performs tests prescribed by ADEM, records results and submits necessary reports; studies manuals and related technical literature, attends classes and participates in on-the-job training to prepare for certification exams and performs additional tasks in support of the department as needed or upon request.

Duties & Responsibilities

A. Plant Operations (30%) – Monitors control panel, conducts on-site observations and interprets meter and gauge readings and test to determine operating conditions. Adjusts gates and valves manually or by remote control to regulate the flow of water through plant. Starts and stops pumps to control flow of water from river through temporary storage, chemical feed, rapid mix, flocculator, settling basin, filters, post chemical, rapid mix, clear well, and delivery to water mains or storage tanks. Maintains log of operations and records meter and gauge readings. Periodically washes and back washes filters.

B. Equipment Maintenance (10%) – Performs scheduled maintenance of pumps, generates and related water plant equipment. Cleans precipitates, such as grit, sludge and debris from processing tanks and basins. Observes/listens to operation of equipment and machinery to locate problems. Disassembles pumps and similar equipment as necessary to diagnose malfunction and gain access to and remove defective parts. May repair or replace parts, using hand and power tools. May remove entire equipment or major assembly for repair by vendor. Starts and tests repaired equipment to ensure proper performance. May initiate requisitions for parts or equipment. Maintains appropriate maintenance records.

C. Laboratory Testing (30%) – Takes water samples; may be piped in to laboratory; may collect by hand. Performs tests using testing equipment including alkalinity, pH, Carbon Dioxide, Iron, Manganese, Fluoride, saturation, turbidity, color, phosphate, total hardness, calcium hardness, temperature and according to procedures set forth by ADEM. Records tests results and submit reports as required.

D. Skills Building (20%) – Studies manuals and related technical literature. Participate in on the-job training under guidance of certified operators. Attends classes in operation and maintenance of plant machines and equipment and testing. Prepares and takes certification exams.

E. Services to Department (10%) – Cuts grass, trims shrubbery picks up debris and related grounds maintenance tasks. Sweeps floors, hoses down walkways, washes and puts away laboratory equipment and performs related housekeeping tasks. Performs preventive maintenance services on assigned vehicles and equipment. Performs light building maintenance services including painting and minor electrical and mechanical repairs. Performs additional tasks assigned or upon request.

Job Specifications

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities – Knowledge of water treatment including processes, operation and maintenance of machinery and equipment and laboratory testing procedures. Knowledge of organization and operating procedures of Utilities Department. Knowledge of municipal water treatment and distribution system. Knowledge of City of Phenix City procedures and work rules. Reading skills to comprehend maps, blueprints, procedures, regulations, technical manuals and related highly complex documents. Writing skills prepare forms and records, memoranda, reports, schedules and similar documents. Math skills to solve problems involving percentages, proportions, rates chemical formulas and algebraic equations. Verbal communication skills to speak to individuals and small groups, talk on telephone and two-way radio. Laboratory skills to perform tests and work with chemical equations. Computer skills including keyboarding, text processing and use of specialized programs including SCAD used to process water and generate reports. Ability to apply technical knowledge to make correct operational decisions. Ability to work as a member of a team.

Credentials and Experience – High school diploma with foundation in math and chemistry. OR Equivalent combination of training and experience.

Special Requirements – Be willing to comply with City of Phenix City policies and work rules. Be willing to work during non-duty hours, holidays and weekends when necessary to achieve goals. Be willing to travel overnight to attend and participate in meetings and activities.

Applications for this position will be accepted until a pool of 20 applications is received or the position is filled, whichever comes first. Current city employees wishing to apply should send Internal Job Application provided by the Human Resources Department to the HR Director by the deadline stated. (A courtesy copy will be sent to the employee’s department head.)

Applications can be found online (download an application) or picked up at the City of Phenix City Human Resources Department:
1103 Broad Street
Phenix City, AL 36867
Ph: 334 448-2706

Applications are available for pick up and drop off on Mondays from 2 to 5 p.m., Eastern Time, and Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m., Eastern Time. You may also email your completed application with the required supporting documents.