Plant Operator (Water Production)

Posting number: 004002-26-DOU-W

Department: Utilities

Division: Water Maintenance

Job classification: Plant Operator

Posting type: Open

Categories: Water Treatment, Water Agency, Miscellaneous, Utilities

Summary

THIS POSTING WILL BE OPEN UNTIL FILLED

Application cut-off dates are 2/28/26, 3/31/26, 4/30/26, 5/31/26, 6/30/26, 7/31/26, 8/31/26, 9/30/26, 10/31/26, 11/30/26, 12/31/26

To perform skilled work in the operation of the City's drinking water treatment plants, wells, reservoirs and distribution system; combined wastewater control system, primary wastewater treatment plants and pumping stations; and to assist in monitoring and directing the pumping of storm water, wastewater, and potable water.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS
The Plant Operator is the journey-level classification in the Plant Operator series. Positions assigned to this class are expected to independently perform the full range of drinking water treatment and wastewater plant operations and monitoring duties on an assigned shift. This class is distinguished from the next higher class of Senior Plant Operator in that the latter is the responsible shift lead operator. The next lower class of Junior Plant Operator is the entry-level class in the series assigned routine maintenance duties and plant equipment
operational duties.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED
General supervision is provided by a Superintendent and/or the Supervising Plant Operator. Technical or functional supervision and lead direction is provided by a Senior Plant Operator. Assignments may require technical direction of lower-level plant personnel.

Examples of duties

EXAMPLES OF DUTIES

Depending upon assignment, duties may include, but are not limited to, the following:

- Perform and interpret standardized water quality tests such as chlorine residual, pH, turbidity, alkalinity, total suspended solids, settleable solids, chlorine residual, pH, dissolved oxygen and jar tests, and calculate and make dosage and related chemical feed equipment adjustments based upon the results from such tests.
- Operate and monitor the combined wastewater control system, potable and nonpotable water facilities, and outlying pumping stations on an assigned shift.
- Monitor water quality during treatment process through visual inspection and the Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) system and adjust influent flows, chemical dosages and filtration rates based on observations.
- Inspect and operate plant equipment and intake facilities including computer controls, telemetry systems, microprocessors, flow control devices, power-driven machinery, and chemical feed equipment.
- Adjust pump speeds and/or activate or deactivate pumps as necessary to regulate flows.
- Monitor and adjust water pressures in the City-wide water distribution system and operate finished water reservoirs and water treatment plant influents and effluents to maintain adequate water supplies.
- Monitor and inspect plant equipment and respond to treatment process and equipment alarms.
- Assist in performing various filter tests as part of the filter surveillance program.
- Perform efficiency tests on pumps, compressors, and related equipment.
- On a rotating basis, act as a trouble-call operator and assist a Supervising Plant Operator and/or Senior Plant Operator in monitoring and interpreting telemetry board, dispatching an assigned crew to inspect designated installations, and to take corrective action on problems identified including hazardous or toxic material spills that affect water supplies.
- Monitor the status of flows and equipment, using technical information such as force main pressure, wet well elevation, wastewater elevation in the flow control structure, electrical system voltages, and computer system outputs.
- Maintain control and water treatment system logs and records.
- Use SCADA and computerized maintenance management systems.
- Assist in performing efficiency tests on pumps, compressors, and related equipment.
- Troubleshoot and correct a variety of electrical and mechanical problems or potential problems involving pumping and measuring equipment and recalibrate equipment as required.
- Perform preventive maintenance duties, including painting equipment, cleaning of trash screens, filters, and custodial and grounds maintenance.
- Operate equipment, such as engine-driven pumps, generators, compressors, hoists, forklifts, cranes, and other heavy equipment as necessary.
- Work in confined spaces, on temporary scaffol