Treatment Plant Operator (99774)

Primary Role

Under the direction of the Operations Supervisor, the Treatment Plant Operator operates, maintains and inspects the water treatment plant and related facilities to supply, treat, store, distribute potable water, and operate the solids handling facilities. The Operator performs technical work related to the overall plant operation and maintenance.

*The position requires experience and possession of a Kentucky Class IV-A Water Treatment Operators License. We may consider an applicant with a Kentucky Class III-A License, contingent upon experience, qualifications and ability to timely obtain a Kentucky Class IV-A License**

Key Accountabilities

• To make decisions within the guidelines established by the Supervisor necessary to carry out and complete the work assigned.
• Assume and perform all duties and responsibilities of the Treatment Plant Operator.
• Performs all work involving operations, maintenance and control of the water treatment plant, tanks, boosters and solids/dewatering facilities.
• Monitors overall operations, analyzes chemical processes and performs functions related to process control.
• Operates, monitors and adjusts, as necessary, all related plant process equipment, pumps and instrumentation.
• Performs duties related to the operation, maintenance and control of all related plant process equipment including; pumps, motors, chlorinators, chemical feeds, belt press dewatering systems, lagoons and laboratory instruments.
• Conducts various tests to determine proper chemical feed rates; calculates chemical feed rates and changes pump settings and feeders as needed.
• Timing and calibration of chemical feed equipment.
• Monitors and controls the water supply, transmission and storage systems through SCADA (Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition System).
• Assists in the safe unloading and storage of chemicals.
• Takes daily inventory of process chemicals.
• Makes equipment adjustments, lubrications, and minor repairs.
• Performs preventative maintenance and reports equipment problems in a timely fashion.
• Assist the Maintenance classification employees as required.

Additional Key Accountabilities

• Operates water plant processes to provide compliance with all applicable state and federal regulations.
• Makes rounds of the treatment facilities, collects and analyzes samples required for compliance and process control.
• Performs a variety of laboratory tests to determine plant process performance.
• Maintains laboratory equipment in clean and orderly condition.
• Maintains the plant, operation equipment and facilities in a clean and orderly condition.
• Performs assigned routine housekeeping and grounds maintenance duties inside and outside the plant and conducts site safety inspections.
• Maintain, standardize and calibrate bench top, on-line monitoring equipment, analyzers and treatment equipment.
• Take routine readings and records plant operation data as required.
• Maintain daily logsheet of plant operations, test results, maintenance work performed and unusual operating conditions. T
• Takes daily and monthly meter readings. Work with computer equipment to input data for files and reports.
• Operator must maintain effective, respectful communications and interactions with other Operators, Supervisors, and employees from other departments.
• Inform other work areas, departments and operations personnel of situations, which may affect overall operations. Follow the Company's Environmental, Health and Safety Policies. Safety is a core value at American Water.
• Reports unsafe conditions in a timely manner.
• Performs other related functions and duties as assigned by Supervisor or as they become apparent. Operator reports directly to immediate Supervisor. Communicates operational issues to Supervisor in a timely manner.

Knowledge/Skills

• Able to read and interpret charts, gauges, meters and recording devices.
• Ability to prepare and maintain neat and accurate paperwork such as records, logs, and routine reports and computer entries as directed.
• Able to perform accurate mathematical calculations related to this position.
• Perform standardized water process control, monitoring, and compliance sampling, testing and laboratory analyses.
• Knowledge of water rules and regulations, and the ability to understand and follow written and verbal instructions.
• Past working knowledge using mechanical skills, for making minor repairs to process equipment.
• Ability to use initiative and sound independent judgment within established guidelines.
• Forklift, dump truck and backhoe experience preferred.
• Computer skills; MS Word, MS Excel and SCADA systems experience

Additional Knowledge/Skills

• Knowledge of the operations, methods, practices, techniques, equipment and materials used in the water treatment, solids handling, pumping facilities and maintenance of related equipment and systems.
• Should posses a good overall working knowledge of tools, equipment, safety hazards and precautions common to assigned area of responsibility.
• Knowledge of methods and precautions in storing and handling chlorine and other industrial chemicals.
• Knowledge of health and safety regulations and practices in the operation of electrical and mechanical equipment used in water facilities.
• Employee may be required to work indoor or outdoor during seasonal heat and cold or other adverse weather conditions.
• Employee may be required to work where they regularly may be exposed to fumes, dust and odors. Must be physically able to complete necessary tasks while wearing an approved full face respirator as required. Must be able to lift in excess of 55 pounds, unassisted. Must be able to perform activities such as walking, stooping, lifting and climbing.
• Employee may be required to work shifts other than their regularly assigned shift. The shift work may be eight (8) to sixteen (16) hour shifts and Operator may be assigned to day, night, or early morning shifts as needed. There will be weekend, holiday and overtime work as needed.
• High school graduate or state recognized Educational Equivalency Certificate.
• Position requires experience and possession of a Kentucky Water Treatment Plant Operator Class IV-A License.
• Requires a valid Kentucky driver’s license
• Must be able to satisfactorily pass the Company’s drug screening and background investigation.