Senior/Lead Water Treatment Plant Operator

                                         SENIOR TREATMENT PLANT OPERATOR

                                                       General Statement of Duties

Performs difficult technical duties in the operations of a water treatment plant; may serve in the absence of the Plant Superintendent.

                                                 Distinguishing Features of the Class

An employee in this class performs a variety of operational duties designed to produce safe potable water. Work involves analyzing laboratory results and effecting changes in the chemical and biological processes of the plant. The employee performs operations and maintenance functions at the plant.  Work also involves serving as back-up ORC, serving as lead worker in operations, and serving in the absence of the Plant Superintendent. The employee is subject to hazards associated with treatment plant operations including working both inside and outside environments, in extreme hot and cold weather, and exposure to various hazards such as loud noises, moving mechanical parts, electrical current, chemicals, fumes, odors, dusts, mists, gases, poor ventilation, and oils.  The employee may be required to wear a respirator when changing chlorine tanks.  Work is performed under general supervision and reviewed by observation, conference, and reviewing records for adherence to operations standards, instructions, and safety practices, and to effectiveness of the plant staff.

                                                      Duties and Responsibilities

 Essential Duties and Tasks

• Supervises and participates in treatment plant operations work; serves as back-up ORC for the plant and in the absence of the Plant Superintendent; provides training, mentoring and technical guidance to operations staff; serves as lead worker.
• Leads and participates in operations of the plant including making rounds, checking plant equipment, recording readings, monitoring SCADA, cleaning basins and wet wells, and planning and participating in projects.
• Participates in preventive maintenance and repairs as needed.
• Participates in laboratory analysis work as needed; Reviews laboratory and operator reports of plant operations and laboratory analysis; determines when and what adjustments are needed in the chemical and biological processes to meet safe drinking water standards or permitted levels for discharge; trouble-shoots operational problems; recommends, performs, or instructs in the changes.
• Prepares operator guidelines and standard practices; leads and participates in plant operations.
• Analyzes sludge volume and determines waste rate; communicates instructions to plant operators.
• Collects samples as needed; performs laboratory analysis
• Oversees the sludge disposal process and related contractors.
• Prepares a variety of records and reports; reviews operator logs and laboratory analysis.
• Ensures proper cleaning and maintenance of facility buildings and grounds.                               

Additional Job Duties

Fills in for absent staff as needed.

Performs related duties as required.

Recruitment and Selection Guidelines

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Considerable knowledge of the operating characteristics of water treatment plants.
• Considerable knowledge of biological, chemical and mechanical principles pertinent to treatment plant operations.
• Thorough knowledge of the occupational hazards of the work and of necessary safety precautions.
• Considerable knowledge of applicable federal, state, and local laws, ordinances, and permitting requirements.
• Considerable knowledge of the maintenance requirements of plant equipment and facilities.
• Knowledge of computer applications associated with reporting plant operations to regulatory agencies and with computerized preventive maintenance schedules.
• Knowledge of the mechanical, electrical and electronic components and maintenance requirement of plant equipment.
• Skill in collaborative conflict resolution, teamwork and operation of plant equipment.
• Ability to conduct laboratory analysis.
• Ability to provide clear instructions, coach, train, mentor and motivate operations staff.
• Ability to read meters, charts, and technical manuals and drawings accurately and to maintain records of shift operations.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with regulatory officials, other employees, supervisors and the general public.

 Physical Requirements

• Must be able to physically perform the basic life operational functions of climbing, balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, reaching, walking, pushing, pulling, lifting, grasping, and hearing.
• Must be able to perform medium work exerting up to 50 pounds of force occasionally; and/or up to 20 pounds of force frequently; and/or up to 10 pounds of force constantly to move objects.
• Must be able to move 55 gallon drums weighing 550 pounds using hand cart and manually maneuvering as needed.
• Must possess the visual acuity to read gauges, dials, and observe moving parts of machines, to operate a computer terminal, and to record and review written records.

Desirable Education and Experience

• Graduation from a community college with a degree in chemistry or biology and considerable experience in the operation and maintenance of a water treatment plant including some supervisory training or experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

Special Requirements

• Possession of a Grade-A Surface-Water-Treatment Plant Operator Certificate from the State of North Carolina.
• Possession of a valid North Carolina driver’s license.

Louisburg

2024