(A) Primary responsibility. Under general direction, the Water Plant Operator Class III assists in the daily operation and maintenance of the water plant involving the collection of water; assumes responsible charge of the plant in the absence of a higher authority; may supervise other plant operators in the absence of higher authority; and performs related work as required.
(B) Essential job-related responsibilities:
(1) Assists in the daily operation and maintenance of the water plant, including startup and/or shut-down of plant and equipment, involving collection of water in compliance with established procedures and standards and federal and state laws and administrative regulations;
(2) Assists with inspection and/or monitoring of pumps, charts, gauges, and meters daily;
(3) Adds chemicals in accordance with prescribed standards; assists lab personal in the collection of collection of water samples; checks proper adjustment of feeder equipment; adjusts chemicals as necessary;
(4) Prepares and maintains accurate reports/records;
(5) Forwards water samples and reports as required;
(6) Assists with performing, servicing, and preventive maintenance programs on plant and equipment; makes minor repairs and/or adjustments on plant and equipment; forwards requests for major repairs and/or equipment to superiors;
(7) Assists with maintaining adequate inventory of spare parts, chemicals, equipment, and tools;
(8) Assists with minor construction projects;
(9) Assists with cleaning of plant and grounds;
(10) Attends continuing education classes;
(11) Accepts complains and attends to their disposition; and
(12) Will perform any other related duty as required or assigned.
(C) Qualifications. The Water Plant Operator Class III must have a high school diploma or GED equivalent; be able to read, write, and speak fluent English; have demonstrable proficiency in computer programs utilized by the office; possess and maintain a valid state driver’s license; possess and maintain a Class III water treatment plant operator’s license issued by the commonwealth; and be able to pass a pre-employment background check and drug screening. Additionally, within 18 months of meeting the experience requirements, operators in this position are required to obtain a Class IV license.
(D) Knowledge. The Water Plant Operator Class III shall have thorough knowledge of: water plant operations; federal, state, and local laws and administrative regulations that reference water treatment; functions and servicing/maintenance requirements of mechanical equipment and machinery; math and chemistry; computer hardware and applicable software programs; and thorough knowledge of, and ability to, ensure compliance with safety requirements.
(E) Abilities. The Water Plant Operator Class III shall have the ability to detect mechanical flaws and make minor repairs to plant and equipment; assist with maintaining preventive maintenance and servicing program; prepare and maintain accurate reports; assist with maintaining inventory of chemicals, spare parts, and tools; establish and maintain effective working relationships with officers, other employees, and the general public; and the physical ability to perform heavy labor for extended periods of time, often under adverse weather conditions.
(F) Typical working conditions.
(1) Work requires sitting at a desk with intermittent standing, walking, and stooping. The Water Plant Operator Class III must lift objects over 50 pounds; operate vehicles and equipment; and is required to be in high places and confined spaces, and use stairs and ladders. Some work is performed outdoors, regardless of weather conditions, and the Water Plant Operator Class III may be exposed to fumes, chemicals, and toxic substances.
(2) Tools, equipment, and vehicles used by the Water Plant Operator Class III include: construction and/or mechanical tools and equipment (e.g., hand tools, power tools, and the like); laboratory equipment; normal office equipment (phones, computers, calculators, and the like); chemical feeders; safety equipment; and vehicles.
(3) He or she has both public and internal contacts. There is what is considered to be little to no use of confidential information, and the mental effort required by this position is considered to be moderate to heavy; the job has frequent interruptions. The Water Plant Operator Class III must be able to respond to calls in emergency situations at all hours.
(G) Additional information.
(1) Instructions are somewhat general; many aspects of work are covered specifically, but the Water Plant Operator Class III must use some of his or her own judgment.
(2) He or she must occasionally consider different courses of action, or deviate from standard operating procedures, to get the job done.
(3) Assignments frequently involve decisions based on a wide knowledge of many factors where applications of advances or technical concepts are required.
(4) Completed work is spot-checked.
(Order 11-2019, passed 6-6-2019)