WATER PLANT OPERATOR-Cumberland Utility District

DEPARTMENT: Operations                                  GRADE:  III (Non-Exempt)

GENERAL DESCRIPTION:

• Under general supervision, utilizing independent judgment, operates water treatment process and facilities, controlling the variations of flow rates and processing methods.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

1. Assists immediate supervisor in the training and supervision of operator trainees and maintenance helpers. May sign off on documentation of such individuals.
2. Monitors gauges, meters and control panels; and controls variations and operating conditions of the treatment process. Records meter and gauge readings.
3. Operates and maintains valves, motors and pumps either manually or by remote control. Monitors and adjusts plant operations manually or by computer.
4. Extracts samples and performs routine laboratory tests, documenting and certifying test results.
5. Performs fill chemical day tanks and change-out of chemical containers as needed.
6. Performs scheduled plant inspections, certifying completion of such inspections in the facility logbook.
7. Maintains various plant records and reports.
8. Ensures that plant facilities and grounds are kept clean, neat and orderly.
9. Performs other duties or special projects as requested related to the area of responsibility.
10. May serve on Emergency Call duty or work on shifts.
11. Duties performed outdoors with exposure to the elements, dirt, dust, noise, odors and potentially hazardous substances and conditions. Duties may also involve work in closed spaces (e.g. above / below ground vaults / tanks).

(These essential job functions are not to be construed as a complete statement of all duties performed. Employees will be required to perform other job related marginal duties as required.)

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: 

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

• High School graduate or equivalent with a “Grade 3” license in water treatment in the State of Tennessee and a minimum of three (3) years experience in plant operations.

(A comparable amount of training, education or experience can be substituted for the minimum qualifications.)

KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS:

• Basic employment skills (reading, writing, understanding simple oral instructions).
• Ability to identify, report or correct unusual conditions or safety hazards.
• Safe and practical use of simple equipment or hand tools, such as wrenches, shovels, pick, hammers, saws, chisels.
• Good physical condition to enable loading, unloading and movement of equipment and tools weighing up to 150 lbs.
• Visual acuity and attention to detail to enable the correct reading of meters and gauges and recording of results.
• Safe and efficient methods of loading and unloading trucks and equipment.
• Map reading or knowledge of facility locations.
• Common courtesy in answering basic questions from customers.
• Basic maintenance and repair knowledge of hydraulic, mechanical and electrical systems.
• Procedures for accident investigation.
• Basic mathematics and algebra to enable the computation of averages, percentages and usage computations, including the use of decimals, fractions, formulas, tables, specifications or wiring diagrams.
• Diagnose, analyze and correct problems in water systems.

LICENSES, CERTIFICATIONS OR REGISTRATIONS:

• Safe driving practices and record, with a valid Tennessee driver’s license.
• Requires a Tennessee “Grade 3” operator’s license in water treatment.

ESSENTIAL PHYSICAL SKILLS:

• Acceptable eyesight (with or without correction)
• Acceptable hearing (with or without hearing aid)
• Walking, stooping, kneeling, squatting, bending, driving, stair climbing
• Light (under 50 pounds) lifting and carrying
• Ability to access, input and retrieve information from a computer

ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS:

• Works both inside and outside in various weather conditions.
• The noise level in the work environment is usually loud in field settings, and moderately quiet in office settings.

(Reasonable accommodations will be made in accordance with existing ADA requirements for otherwise qualified individuals with a disability.)