Nature of Work

The Water Plant Operator (Operator) is responsible for operating and monitoring the water treatment facility processes, instruments and controls, and performing the testing and quality assurance work for monitoring water production and treatment. Plant operations shall include, but are not limited to, flow monitoring, laboratory analyses, handling and ordering of treatment chemicals, and daily reporting. Operator will share in the responsibilities with other plant staff for maintenance and cleaning of the facility and equipment.

Operator is also responsible for monitoring the water distribution system and sanitary and storm sewer collection systems from the data control center at the water plant. Operator will work collaboratively with the City’s Utilities Superintendent on system alarms and other monitoring activity as needed.

SCHEDULE

Forty hours per week. The shifts associated with this position are the following:

Friday - Sunday: 6:00 am to 6:00 pm
Monday: 6:00 am to 10:00 am

With the exception of the Monday shift , the Operator will be working alone. Although this is a fixed schedule, Operator will be asked to cover shift vacancies through advance notices by the supervisor or due to emergency needs.

ASSIGNED DIVISION

Public Works Utilities – Water Plant Operations

Reporting to the Utilities Superintendent

Job Duties

ESSENTIAL DUTIES:

Plant Operation
- Operate in plant in accordance with the Safe Drinking Water Act and procedures established by the Public Works Utilities Division.
- Perform chemical feed rate calculations and mixing of chemicals for process control and laboratory analysis
- Perform laboratory analyses and reporting.
- Interpret laboratory results and adjust chemical feed rates accordingly.
- Operate sludge dewatering presses, high service pumps, softening basin equipment, filters, rapid mixers, standby generators and other related equipment.
- Enter data and monitor water plant operations using a SCADA system.
- Assist in inventory control and supply of needed lab equipment, tools and chemical supplies.
Preventative and Emergency Maintenance
- Ensure that routine maintenance is completed on a daily, weekly, monthly and annual basis.
- Perform general maintenance and repair duties to plant buildings and grounds.
- Inspect and maintain all chemical feed equipment.
Assist and correct emergency maintenance as required to minimize plant downtime.
- Notify supervisor and appropriate staff as required, based on problems.
- Troubleshoot and repair chemical feed equipment.
- Maintain meters, pumps, valves and motors.
Records Management
- Assist in updating physical files and computer logging. Ensure operational information is properly documented. This may include lab procedures and standard operating procedures (SOPs).
Building Maintenance.
- Maintenance and repairs to buildings and equipment.
- Housekeeping of buildings and equipment.
Health and Safety
- Ensure that all tools, equipment and procedures are in accordance with OSHA procedures and regulations.
- Attend seminars and classes to maintain license certification.
- Participate in ‘in-house’ training seminars.
Perform other related duties as apparent or assigned.

COMPETENCIES

Knowledge of lime softening operation, maintenance and repair of water treatment plant equipment.
Knowledge of the procedures used in the performance of standard chemical tests.
Knowledge of chemistry and math as they apply to maintenance and operation of a water softening plant.
Ability to respond to audio/visual alarms and equipment malfunctions.
Ability to operate and perform maintenance and minor repairs to water treatment equipment.
Ability to keep standard operating records and routinely complete accurate laboratory tests.
Ability to establish effective working relationships with fellow employees, customers and vendors to promote a positive image of the organization and the ability to work in a team environment.
Ability to respond to emergency call backs within 45 minutes.
Ability to use safety equipment when needed.
Computer experience and record keeping ability.
Demonstrates an ability to perform and assist other City departments with operations and duties as required.
Demonstrates an ability to understand and respect the diversity of customers and co-workers, effectively communicating with individuals whose first language may be one other than English.

Qualifications

CERTIFICATION AND LICENSURE

Class “D” water operator by the Minnesota Department of Health OR ability to obtain within 1 year of hire.
Valid driver’s license with a clean driving record.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

High School Diploma or GED.
Combination of training and experience in a water/wastewater treatment facility or similar industrial facility

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

Class “B” water operator certification.
Two (2) years’ experience in a lime softening water treatment plant.
Graduate from a water/wastewater technical college program.
Experience with Microsoft Office tools.

Supplemental Information

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The physical demands that are described herein are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of the job.

Ability to perform physical labor requiring continual and repetitive use of gross motor skills to stand, walk, sit, bend, stoop, crawl, crouch, push and pull, twist and turn, and conditional and repetitive use of fine motor skills and manual dexterity.
Ability to operate heavy and light equipment to remove snow.
Ability to hear, see, taste, touch, and smell. Specific vision abilities required of this position include close vision, distant vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, ability to distinguish colors and different shades of color.
Ability to frequently lift and carry objects weighing up to 65 pounds and occasionally lift objects over 100 pounds when lifting motors or pumps.
Ability to occasionally lift up to 15 pounds overhead.
Ability to push and pull objects and pallet jacks weighing up to 100 pounds.
Ability to work at or above shoulder height, often times repetitively.
Ability to use personal protective equipment to safely work with and around hazardous chemicals, strong fumes, electric shock and infectious disease.
Ability to work around noise and vibration generated from equipment and machinery.
Ability to work in confined spaces.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

Regularly works in an industrial facility setting
Frequently works near moving mechanical parts
Occasionally works in high precarious places and confined spaces
Occasionally exposed to outside weather conditions including extreme hot and cold and other inclement weather conditions, fumes or airborne particles, chemicals, and work with exposure to loud noises from operating equipment
Will be required to wear personal protective equipment under appropriate circumstances.

AN AFFIRMATIVE ACTION/EQUAL/EQUITABLE OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER/MFD

The City of Richfield is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate against any employee, job applicant, or contractor on the basis of race, color, creed, religion, national origin, ancestry, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability, age, marital status, genetics, status with regard to public assistance, veteran status, familial status, or membership on a local human rights commission.

This statement applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training.

The City of Richfield, MN offers a complete and comprehensive benefits package to full-time employees, including:

100% employer paid Medical and Dental coverage for single enrollment, plus employer contribution to HSA
Significant contribution towards spouse, child(ren), and family coverage
Flexible Spending Account options
100% employer paid Short-Term Disability insurance
100% employer paid Long Term Disability insurance
100% employer paid Basic Life and AD&D insurance
Opportunity to request participation in our modified work schedule program (choose one regular day off every other week), depending on position
Opportunity to request to participate in a flexible work schedule with remote work options, depending on position
Wellness program which includes earning up to 8 hours of paid time off after participation in wellness activities throughout the year
Vacation Leave and Personal Leave, with additional 12 Holidays per year
Up to 80 hours paid parental leave for either parent after the birth or adoption of a child
Enrollment into a pension plan through PERA
Voluntary enrollment into deferred compensation plans with a variety of partner agencies

City of Richfield

New Jobs

Water Plant Operator