Water Operator Trainee

CLASS TITLE: Water Treatment Plant Operator Trainee

Regional Water and Sewer Authority

PURPOSE OF CLASS: Under general supervision, performs routine tasks in the operation of the surface water treatment plant and facilities on an assigned shift; performs related work as required.

EXAMPLES OF TASKS PERFORMED WITHIN CLASS: (Any one position may not include all of the tasks listed, nor do the examples necessarily include all of the tasks performed.)

Primary Tasks: Starts and stops plant operations as necessary; checks surface plant and facilities periodically to ensure that plant and equipment are operating properly; collects laboratory samples and performs required physical, chemical, and bacteriological analyses; routinely checks operations, conditions and equipment including filters, chemical feed systems, ultraviolet systems, chlorination systems, automated equipment, and continuous monitoring analyzers; reads meters, gauges, and dials; utilizes computer systems to determine plant and transmission systems operating conditions and/or needs, and makes adjustments accordingly; prepares and maintains required plant records and reports; calibrates, make adjustments and repairs to equipment and problem areas as they arise; receives, stores, and applies process chemicals, some which are hazardous in nature; maintains National Weather Service data and advises same; informs relieving personnel and Operations Coordinator of changes and/or problems; performs other duties as required.

Equipment Operated: Personal computer, System Control and Data Acquisition software; pumps and motors; ultraviolet system; continuous monitoring equipment such as pH, turbidity, and chlorine analyzers; particle counting systems; laboratory and other equipment as required.

Working Conditions: This is medium work requiring the exertion of up to 50 pounds of force occasionally, up to 20 pounds of force frequently and a negligible amount of force constantly to move objects; work requires stooping, kneeling, crouching, reaching, walking, lifting, fingering, grasping, feeling, and repetitive motions; vocal communication is required for expressing or exchanging ideas by means of the spoken word; hearing is required to perceive information at normal spoken word levels; and detecting potential problems or malfunctions with equipment; visual acuity is required for visual inspection involving small defects and/or small parts, operation of machines, and operation of motor vehicles or equipment; the worker is subject to environmental conditions such as heat, noise, and chemical hazards.