Description
Salary Range for specific positions below. Specific hiring rate depends on certification & years of experience:
Water Plant Operator I: $28.27 - $37.31/hr
Water Plant Operator II: $30.25 - $39.93/hr
Water Plant Operator III: $32.37 - $42.72/hr
Water Treatment Specialist: $37.06 - $48.92/hr
Positions in this class are flexibly staffed and are normally filled by advancement from level I or, when filled from the outside, require prior directly related experience.
Water Plant Operator I:
Under immediate supervision, this is the entry-level class in the Water Plant Operator series. Incumbents entering the class are required to have little directly related work experience. Generally, work is observed and reviewed both during performance and upon completion, and changes in procedures or exceptions to rules are explained in detail as they arise.
Water Plant Operator II:
Under general supervision, this is the intermediate-level class in the Water Plant Operator series, which requires the appropriate Plant Operator's certification. Employees work with only occasional instruction or assistance.
Water Plant Operator III:
Under general supervision, this is the journey-level class in the Water Plant Operator series, which requires the appropriate Plant Operator's certification. Employees receive minimal instruction and assistance. Incumbents assigned to this class are expected to perform the full range of work assigned to this class and to work with considerable independence and initiative. The Water Plant Operator III is flexibly linked to Water Treatment Specialist.
Water Treatment Specialist:
(Essential functions, as defined under the Americans with Disabilities Act, may include the following tasks, knowledge, skills and other characteristics. The list of tasks is ILLUSTRATIVE ONLY, and is not a comprehensive listing of all functions and tasks performed by positions in this class.)
Conducts daily inspections and monitors operations of drinking water plant facilities and equipment. Combines various data elements to make necessary changes to achieve optimal water treatment goals and provide safe and adequate treated water supply.
Observes variations in operating conditions by interpreting meter, gauge, and graph readings as well as water quality test results. Performs collection of water samples and related laboratory tests. Documents readings and results.
Maintains and operates water filters and control valves. Backwashes filters to remove particles trapped during filtration to prevent filter breakthrough or filter clogging.
Calculates and maintains correct water flow (MGD) rate. Adjusts pumps and valves for plant flow conditions.
Calculates, weighs and sets the chemical feeders for proper dosages. Ensures accuracy of the chemical dosage rates for water treatment requirements. Adjusts and maintains chemical feeders. Inventories, receives and records chemical supplies. Changes chemical cylinders and storage drums.
Monitors and records all water storage tanks levels.
Operates Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) computer system; monitors screens and responds to alarms.
Removes sludge buildup; drains and cleans premix basins, clarifiers and recycle ponds for maintenance and repair.
Assists in the maintenance and replacement of facility equipment, including cleaning, lubricating and oiling pumps, motors and feeders. Performs custodial duties for plant facilities.
Responds to and investigates customer questions and complaints regarding perceptions of water quality such as dirty water, taste and odor, no water, low water pressure and frozen pipes. Resolves problems or refers to proper person or department. Tracks incoming calls in daily log.
Performs work that requires the use of specified respiratory equipment that guards against exposure to airborne hazards. Complies with all Municipal, State, and Federal physical requirements as per Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA) guidelines.
Works a varying schedule and/or shift.
May perform emergency dispatch duties for after-hours, weekends and holidays related to utilities emergencies such as water main breaks and sewer line backups.
May be required to work overtime.
Performs other duties as assigned.
Requirements
Water Plant Operator I:
High school diploma or GED, with additional course work in chemistry, biology or related field. Equivalent combinations of education and experience may be considered.
Water Plant Operator II:
High school diploma or GED; two years’ experience performing water purification plant operations. In accordance with the Colorado Water & Wastewater Facility Operators Certification Board, postsecondary education may be substituted for up to 50 percent of the experience requirements.
Water Plant Operator III:
High school diploma or GED; three years’ experience performing water purification plant operations. In accordance with the Colorado Water & Wastewater Facility Operators Certification Board, postsecondary education may be substituted for up to 50 percent of the experience requirements.
In addition to the previously listed requirements, four years' experience performing surface water treatment plant operations. Equivalent combinations of education and experience may be considered.
Licensing/Certification Requirements:
Water Plant Operator I:
State of Colorado Water Plant Operator's certification, Class D, or ability to obtain.
May need the ability to travel to various locations in a timely manner as the job requires.
Water Plant Operator II:
State of Colorado Water Plant Operator's certification, Class C.
May need the ability to travel to various locations in a timely manner as the job requires.
Water Plant Operator III:
State of Colorado Water Plant Operator's certification, Class B.
May need the ability to travel to various locations in a timely manner as the job requires.
In addition to the previously listed requirements, a State of Colorado Water Plant Operator's certification, Class A.
In addition to the above, progress through the State of Colorado Water Treatment Plant Operator's certification testing per the following schedule as a condition of employment from date of hire.
Current Certification Certification Schedule
No Certification "D" level in one (1) year.
"C" level in two (2) years.
"B" level in three (3) years.
"A" level in four (4) years.
"D" Certification "C" level in one (1) year.
"B" level in two (2) years.
"A" level in three (3) years.
"C" Certification "B" level in one (1) year.
"A" level in two (2) years.
"B" Certification "A" level in one (1) year.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
Water Plant Operator I:
Knowledge of the policies, procedures and goals of the City of Thornton and the department.
Knowledge of the purpose, projects, organization, and employee responsibilities of the department.
Knowledge of the methods, materials, and tools used in the operations of water facility equipment.
Knowledge of mathematics relating to water treatment, e.g., the calculation of volumes, areas, flow rates, and dosage rates.
Skill in maintaining detailed and accurate records.
Ability to listen well and communicate effectively orally and in writing with various audiences.
Ability to attend to detail for prolonged periods when following detailed and precise laboratory procedures and water quality testing.
Ability to consistently follow safety procedures.
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with City employees, other governmental employees and the general public.
Water Plant Operator II/III:
ln addition to the previous requirements:
Knowledge of applicable federal, state, and local regulations regarding water quality.
Knowledge of water treatment and purification procedures and methods.
Knowledge of the established safety standards and industry guidelines for the tools, equipment and materials used.
Knowledge of chlorination principles and disinfectant requirements as required by federal, state and local policies, codes and regulations.
Knowledge of biology and bacteriology as related to water treatment.
Knowledge of the principles of hydraulics and plumbing.
Knowledge of computer SCADA systems as used in water treatment systems.
Knowledge of plant control systems and instrumentation.
Skill in converting abstract ideas into easily understood procedural guidance.
Ability to successfully complete all medical and fit testing as required for the use of personal protective respiratory equipment.
Ability to wear SCBA gear and/or respiratory protection.
Ability to read and interpret charts, records, blueprints and drawings of water treatment plants and associated equipment.
Ability to understand and apply technical written material.
Ability to use standard office equipment, personal computer and job-related computer applications including electronic mail.
Ability to exercise independent judgment and discretion.
Ability to work days, nights, weekends and holidays in the context of rotating shifts.
Water Treatment Specialist:
ln addition to the previous requirements:
Knowledge of current regulatory requirements of the Safe Drinking Water Act, the Disinfectant, Disinfection Byproducts Rule and the Enhanced Surface Water Treatment Rule.
Knowledge of basic Colorado water law and the City of Thornton’s water rights.
Skill in interpreting data and making treatment decisions.
Skill in manipulating water supplies to maintain distribution system viability.
Skill in recalling specific facts and/or, as appropriate, quickly locating facts in designated references.
Ability to understand complex chemical processes.
Ability to attend to detail for prolonged periods when following detailed and precise laboratory procedures and water quality testing.
Ability to maintain detailed and accurate records.
Physical and Mental Requirements:
This is a safety-sensitive position. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is required to stand for prolonged periods, perform repetitive motions, kneel, squat, stoop, and repeatedly twist the upper body a significant part of the time. The employee is also required to walk a major part of the time and to lift heavy objects (more than 25 pounds) on a regular basis. The employee is required to see, hear, talk, and sit. The employee is required to comply with all physical requirements of SCBA and/or any other respiratory protection equipment including passing all medical and fit testing.
