Water Treatment Plant Operator

About the role

This 3rd shift, hourly position operates and maintains treatment plant equipment such as (filters, pumps, chlorinators, air compressors, and electric motors), adjusts chemicals, and maintains buildings. Work involves operating and maintaining treatment plant equipment such as filters, pumps, chlorinators, air compressors, and electric motors; checking oil levels; troubleshooting equipment; performing standard chemical and physical process control tests; washing filters; keeping records of operations; performing math/chemical calculations; and inspecting for safe/efficient operations of plant equipment. This position also conducts preventative maintenance around the plant, and refilling chemicals. The salary for this position is $47,480.00 - $60,023.31/year. Compensation is based on Level of Certification and Experience Major Duties and Responsibilities - Produces safe and sufficient drinking water for the population and visitors of Mecklenburg County by managing day-to-day operations of a surface water treatment facility. - Monitors treatment processes by utilizing SCADA (Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition), systems and visual observation of process equipment (pumps, chemical feeders, filters, flocculators, rapid mixers, instruments, and air compressors). - Ensures quality and process control by laboratory analysis and chemical dosage rate adjustments as well as taking bacteria/taste and odor samples along various stages of treatment. - Calibrates equipment; and adjusts chemical feeds/flows. - Conducts safety inspections. - Assists in unloading and storage of treatment process chemicals. - Monitors high service pumping of treated water to the distribution system to ensure appropriate system pressure and elevated storage tank level to meet consumer demand. - Adjusts treatment plant rate and coordinates with two other surface water treatment plants to match demand requirements of the overall system. - Performs laboratory analysis; gathers samples; and maintains lab instruments. - Washes filters. - Keeps records of operations. - Maintains equipment (greasing, inspecting, and rebuilding equipment) - Performs janitorial services (sweeping, mopping, cleaning assigned areas; and taking out the trash). - Enters data (such as lab results). - Performs other related job duties as assigned. Knowledge, Skills & Abilities - Knowledge of surface water treatment plant operations. - Skill in working with computers and software related to the position. - Skill in making math and chemical calculations. - Ability to obtain City driving authorization. - Ability to work with chemicals. PHYSICAL DEMANDS: The work is medium work and requires applying 30 pounds of force frequently and exerting up to 50 - 100 pounds of force occasionally to move objects. Additionally, the following physical abilities are required: climbing, feeling, grasping, handling, perceiving sounds at normal speaking levels, distinguishing among sounds, lifting, mental acuity, pulling, pushing, reaching, repetitive motion, speaking, standing, expressing ideas by spoken word, shouting above noises, visual acuity in data/color/observations/equipment/inspections, and walking. WORK ENVIRONMENT: Work is performed in a dynamic environment that requires sensitivity to change and responsiveness to changing goals, priorities, and needs. Requires working shifts and working around machinery with chemicals.