The City of Portsmouth is hiring for a dedicated and skilled Water Treatment System Operator to join the Madbury Team. This role is essential to the safe and efficient operation of the water treatment facilities. The candidate will be capable of working both independently and collaboratively, ensuring compliance with performance standards and regulatory requirements.

Starting pay rate: $25.66 - $36.24 an hour per the 1386A Working Agreement salary schedule, plus on call pay

Hours: FullTime,40 hours per week

Schedule: Monday-Friday: 7:30am-3:30pm

We encourage you to apply even if you don’t satisfy every single bullet on this list.

The City offers a generous compensation and benefits package that includes retirement paid time off including vacation holidays medical & dental insurance flexible spending account professional development career growth longevity incentives and more!

NATURE OF WORK

The primary objective of this position is to proficiently operate, maintain, and repair water treatment facilities. This position works independently and collaboratively in adherence to approved performance and regulatory guidelines. This multifaceted role encompasses a broad spectrum of responsibilities, including but not limited to the implementation of water treatment process control techniques, the maintenance and sanitation of treatment facilities, wells, pumping stations, and equipment, as well as water storage tank management. Additionally, this position carries the responsibility of performing proactive/preventative equipment maintenance, conducting sampling procedures, maintaining water treatment analyzers, undertaking laboratory work, making mechanical improvements, and completing any other relevant tasks as assigned.

This position is part of a weekly rotating on-call schedule, involving after hours availability. On-call monitoring is compensated at an additional hourly rate, with overtime pay applicable when on-site response becomes necessary. Mandatory weekend shifts are required during on-call periods with compensation provided at an overtime rate. On-call responsibilities include after hours remote monitoring, adjustments, and control of facilities.

The primary location of work duties is the Portsmouth Water Treatment Facility in Madbury NH, or the Pease Water Treatment Facility in Portsmouth NH; however, daily activities typically involve multiple well facilities with chemical addition, water pumping stations, and water storage tanks throughout the water system.

SUPERVISION

Incumbent reports to the Chief Plant Operator and Treatment Operations Foreman who work under the general direction of the Water Operations Manager. Performance is subject to review according to the City’s personnel plan through supervisory observation, reports and achievements.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

The essential functions or duties listed below are intended only as illustration of the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if work is similar, related, or a logical assignment to, or extension of, the position.

1. Inspects and operates all water system facility and equipment placed under his/her responsibility. Meets or exceeds treatment, procedural and other operating regulations and approved standards. Implements standard operating procedures and performs other assigned treatment facility, well, pumping station, and associated property maintenance work as appropriate.

2. Undertakes and completes preventative and routine maintenance for all facilities, machinery, and equipment which includes tasks ranging in complexity from custodial care to review of technical manuals, and the implementation of prescribed operating, maintenance and repair procedures.

3. Takes samples, monitors, analyzes and reports water system information regarding operating conditions and the results achieved. Implements corrective actions as appropriate. Responds to adverse weather conditions and other emergencies when called to provide for the continued operation and protection of facilities.

4. Confers with internal customers, municipal officials and others as directed regarding treatment facility, well and pumping station operations as appropriate.

5. Coordinates functions and activities with other operating units and City departments as directed and in accordance with Public Works Water Treatment System Operator I 1386A Contract.

6. Maintain the mechanical ability to perform preventative and corrective maintenance to the facility equipment, mixing and transfer of chemical solutions, operation of manual and electrically controlled valves, general facility improvements, cleaning, paining, and grounds maintenance. This includes mowing, weed trimming, occasional brush removal, and snow plowing water treatment sites.

7. Performs routine laboratory analysis for control of the treatment processes. Analyzes, records and evaluates instrument readings and laboratory test results; makes process and treatment adjustments as required; determines remedial action in an emergency.

8. Operates the water treatment and pumping stations using the SCADA system at the water facility. Assists in the operation and maintenance of specialized equipment, water quality analyzers and water system activities.

EXAMPLES OF OTHER JOB FUNCTIONS

1. Reports usage of stocked and other inventory items.

2. Follows employee, facility, and equipment safety procedures. Participates in training programs and activities. Develop knowledge of proper facility and equipment operations according to applicable regulations and established procedures.

3. May enter and review operations information in computer-based information systems.

4. Maintain certification for applicable NH Water Treatment Operator Grade.

5. Performs such other duties as may be assigned.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

An incumbent in this position consistently demonstrates a(n)...

1. Knowledge of and consistent operating compliance with regulatory requirements and adopted operating procedures in water treatment, pumping and the operation of all system facilities.

2. Knowledge of most phases of treatment facility and pumping station operations, their machinery and equipment, purpose, affect and performance capacities, maintenance requirements, repair and replacement procedures. Provides for their reliable operation.

3. A working knowledge of effective work procedures and job safety practices.

4. On-going skills development and training in water treatment and control.

5. Strong personal example to encourage others to provide a high level of service to external and internal customers.

6. Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with customers, co-workers, other municipal departments, regulatory agencies and City officials.

7. Ability to communicate effectively with the general public, City staff, and government officials at all levels.

8. Good knowledge of the techniques and operational characteristics of machinery and the computer process control, mechanical, and electrical systems associated with the operation of a water treatment and pumping facilities.

9. Mathematical skills are needed to compute flow rates, chemical doses, ratios and levels.

10. Knowledge of computer applications and the ability to use and learn various software programs.

11. Knowledge of water chemistry and other physical sciences.

12. Ability to prepare, maintain and evaluate mechanical and electrical system test readings and the knowledge and initiative to institute appropriate corrective action.

ENVIRONMENT, WORKING CONDITIONS, PHYSICAL AND MENTAL EFFORT

This position takes place in an office, workshop, water treatment facilities, and outdoor settings with moderate to loud noise. Position needs to talk, listen, frequently use their hands and may stand, walk, sit, bend, or reach for a significant portion of the day. Work is performed in offices, laboratories, plants, field locations and vehicles which require substantial physical dexterity and use of all limbs and fingers. This includes the ability to work in, around, under and on top of machinery and equipment.

Frequently lifts items up to 30 pounds and occasionally lifts up to 60 pounds unassisted. Work is performed inside and outdoors in all weather conditions. There will be exposure to outdoor weather, harmful chemicals, pathogens, fumes, varying temperatures, and moving parts with some risk of electric shock.

Normal vision is required. Equipment used includes light trucks, cars, light machinery, power and hand tools, computers, and laboratory equipment. Position contributes to a positive team-based work environment with an understanding of the impact of a favorable work culture.

MINIMUM REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

Applicants for this position must have graduated from high school or earned a graduate equivalent diploma (GED). Other experience or certification in water treatment facility operations, pumps, motors, controls, environmental science, or other skilled trade is preferred but not required. Willing to train incumbent who has limited water treatment background.

Water Operator Certification must be obtained according to the New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services rules for “Minimum Education and Experience Requirements for Operators,” (Env-Dw 502.18) at the level of Grade I Treatment within 12 months of the date of original appointment and the level of Grade II Treatment within 36 months of the date of original appointment. Obtaining additional certification or licensing may be required.

An incumbent must possess a valid driver’s license and have no offenses which would prohibit or restrict insurability by any insurance carrier providing coverage to the City. Obtaining additional certification or licensing may be required.

(The above descriptions are illustrative. They are intended as guides for personnel actions and are not complete itemizations of all facets of any job.)

DISCLAIMER

The essential functions and duties described herein are normal for this position. They are intended as an illustration of the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if work is similarly related or a logical assignment to or extension of the position. Other duties may be required and assigned by the supervisor. The City of Portsmouth is an affirmative action and equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran status, or genetic information. The City is committed to providing access to equal opportunity and reasonable accommodation for individuals with disabilities in employment, its services programs, and activities. To request reasonable accommodation, contact our Human Resources Director by phone 603-610-4478.

APPLICATION SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS

Finalist must complete pre-employment screening, drug testing, & background check.

City of Portsmouth, NH

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Water Treatment Plant Operator