Water Works Operator - Essential Personnel (Public Works & Utilities)
Date Posted: January 21, 2022
Position Closes: Open Until Filled
Starting Pay: $16.00 - $24.64 per hour DOQ for Licensed Water Operators; $14.39/hour for Trainee
Status: Full-Time, Non-Exempt
POSITION SUMMARY
Under direct supervision, performs skilled work in the operation, maintenance, and repair of the Town’s Reverse Osmosis Water Treatment Plant with its associated wells and pump house, storage tanks and distribution lines, etc.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS/DUTIES
Monitors and controls the RO Plant using computer control system and visually observing the process to ensure efficient operation and water quality standards are maintained.
Monitors well operations and adjusts the pumping rates.
Monitors and adjusts chemical feeds.
Performs mechanical work in the operation, maintenance, and repair of water mechanical, alarm, and control systems.
Diagnoses operational and mechanical problems within all Town water production, storage, and distribution assets.
Performs regularly scheduled preventative maintenance and repairs on plant equipment including cleaning and painting.
Collects water samples and performs tests for conditions such as turbidity, conductivity, salinity, chlorine levels, and pH levels.
Tests motors and equipment for proper operation, including pumps, generators, transfer switches, etc.
Repairs or replaces pumps, motors, and associated equipment. Diagnoses problems and assists with repairs and overhauls by others.
Flushes distribution lines and exercises valves on town system.
Obtains materials, supplies and equipment needed to perform scheduled/assigned repairs, and maintenance work.
Performs maintenance on equipment and tools and ensures their proper working condition.
Performs a variety of administrative work to include: maintaining an inventory of process chemicals and other supplies and ordering these items as necessary, initiating work orders and documenting maintenance activities; compiling data and uses computer applications to include word processing, data base management, spreadsheet software, etc. to prepare a variety of reports, correspondence, and other documents.
Assists in operating and maintaining other components of the Town water system including back up emergency well facilities, elevated storage tanks, altitude valves, distribution lines, etc.
Subject to on call rotation and shift work.
Performs work safely in accordance with Federal, State and Departmental/Town safety procedures, policies, and programs. Operates equipment safely and reports any unsafe work condition or practice to supervisor.
Drives a truck to and from Town facilities and sites.
Operates computer, radio, telephone, and other communication equipment.
Maintains area around work sites, both inside and outside. Performs cleaning functions.
Gives tours of water treatment plant to the public and answers questions from citizens.
Other related duties as assigned.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
High School diploma or GED required
One (1) to two (2) years previous experience and/or training that includes water treatment plant and water system maintenance work (for Trainee this is preferred)
Valid Virginia Waterworks Operator’s License is required (not required for Trainee)
Considerable knowledge in the fields of mechanical maintenance, plumbing and basic electrical work
Considerable knowledge of water treatment plant operations and maintenance, processes, procedures and state and federal regulations pertaining to water treatment.
Considerable knowledge of water chemistry, water sampling, and test techniques involved in determining conductivity, chorine residual, turbidity, ph, alkalinity and other similar tests.
General knowledge of computer word processing, data base and spreadsheet software programs.
Skilled in the use of hand tools
Ability to perform difficult mathematical calculations in calculating chemical dosages, converting units of weights and measures, and performing laboratory tests.
Must possess a valid Virginia driver’s license.
Must possess a demonstrated commitment to safety
Must be able to work shift work and being on call on a regularly scheduled basis.
Must be willing to carry a phone 24 hours a day in order to respond to problems with components of the water treatment plant and storage & distribution systems.
Requires criminal history record and sex offender checks.
Position is subject to random drug and alcohol testing as a Safety Sensitive position for the Town of Smithfield.
Must be detail oriented and highly organized
Must possess the ability to work individually and as a team
Note: Applicants without a water license may be considered for a trainee position.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS
Tasks involve regular and sustained performance of moderately physically demanding work, typically involving some combination of climbing and balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, and crawling, and that generally involves lifting, carrying, pushing, and/or pulling of moderately heavy objects and materials (20-50) pounds.
Requires the ability to perform coordinated movements involving placing and turning motions, such as operating equipment, and tools for the purpose of installing, maintaining, and repairing water and sewer system components.
Some tasks require the ability to perceive and discriminate colors or shades of colors.
Some tasks require the ability to perceive and discriminate sounds.
Some tasks require the ability to perceive and discriminate odors.
Some tasks require the ability to perceive and discriminate depths.
Some tasks require visual perception and discrimination.
Some tasks require oral communications ability.
Requires the ability to function in an environment that requires the use of safety equipment including, but not limited to steel toe boots, face shields, goggles, dust masks, and respirators.
Tasks may risk exposure to traffic hazards, adverse weather conditions, dust, pollen, odors, hazardous chemicals, and loud noise.
Go to https://www.smithfieldva.gov/page/careers to complete application.