Plant Operator 1

General Statement of Duties

Under direct supervision, this employee is responsible for monitoring the proper operation of and controlling the various processes and equipment in a facility (e.g., water/wastewater treatment plant, pumping station). May perform process maintenance tasks to ensure normal, continuous operations. Performs related duties as required.

Minimum Qualifications (KSAs)

(Illustrative only. Any one position may not require all of the listed KSAs nor do the listed examples include all the KSAs which may be required.)

Knowledge of:

High school mathematics (addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division of whole numbers, fractions, and decimals; solving word problems using mathematical equations); high school algebra desirable.

Safety policies and procedures, e.g., Employee Safety Instruction Manual and applicable agency requirements.

Skill to:

Operate and maintain plant equipment in a safe manner (including skimming, shoveling, turning large valves, controlling high pressure water hoses, climb ladders, replace shear pins, clean filters, and strainers).

Monitor numerous computer displays and recognize priorities and need for modifications to avoid process upsets that may lead to OEPA or USEPA violations.

Use tools such as wrenches, screwdrivers, grease guns, etc.

Use dippers to transfer samples into quart or gallons jars.

Attach and detach discharge hoses, place submersible pumps in underwater tanks, pits, channels, etc.

Operate a personal computer and other standard office equipment.

Open and close valves sized from 1 inch to 72 inches, including some which require overhand or hand-over-hand operation.

Move three cubic yard containers of grit, screening, etc., by level, moving containers on dollies, using overhead raking cranes, etc.

Transport, set up, and use hoses varying in size from ¾ inch garden hoses to 3-inch fire hoses and 8-inch vactor hoses.

Use basic tools to clean debris from pump casings and ball checks.

Wipe and wash equipment and follow assigned cleaning schedule.

Operate assigned vehicle in the course of duty.

Ability to:

Read gauges, diagrams, charts, and color computer video graphics.

Solve word problems using mathematical equations.

Recognize and respond to process conditions that may lead to process failures or problems.

Read and follow instructions.

Understand plant processes.

Understand chemical and biological treatment characteristics and water/wastewater process control strategies.

Tour plant often in inclement weather, over hard and slippery surfaces, while adhering to safety practices and procedures.

Keep accurate written and computerized records.

Communicate effectively both verbally and in writing with supervisors and coworkers.

Remain calm in stressful situations.

Hear and respond to telephone, alarm signals, and unusual noises in the plant.

Work in confined spaces and at heights.

Lift up to 60 lbs.

Wear an air supplied and/or filter respiratory protection device in a manner that provides the required protection against toxic fumes, oxygen deficiency, dust, and/or airborne particles.

Climb and descend ladders up to 25 feet.

Examples of Work Performed

(Illustrative only. Any one position within this classification may not include all of the duties listed nor do the listed examples include all of the tasks which may be performed.)

Monitors the operation of various processes and equipment to ensure that the process is operating according to specifications and operating manuals.

Operates and make process adjustments using computerized control systems (SCADA).

Provides prescribed maintenance for machinery (pumps, compressors, motors, chemical feed equipment, valves, etc.) and plant facilities to ensure normal, continuous operation of unit processes, related mechanical and control equipment.

Loads and unloads water treatment chemicals.

May mix chemicals to prepare solutions used in chlorine titrations.

Responds to telephone calls and messages and alarm signals for emergencies such as fluid leaks (chemicals, water, etc.), equipment changes and failures, process failures, etc.

Working knowledge of current safety policies, instructions for proper usage, and other procedures and professional practices required for completing job duties.

Identifies unsafe practices and conditions and brings such matters to the attention of the crew leader or supervisor.

Tours the assigned water treatment plant and grounds to check for unusual or faulty operation of pumps, motors, and equipment.

May be required to drive a light truck, van, or car to various plant sites.

May perform laboratory analysis to evaluate treatment process, i.e., chlorine residual.

Assists those contacted in the course of duty in an effective, efficient, and professional manner.

Required Education and Experience

OPEN AND PROMOTIONAL: Each applicant must be a high school graduate or have passed the GED (General Education Development) test.

OTHER REQUIREMENTS:

Must have a valid Driver's License.

May be required to work irregular and/or rotating shifts including weekends and holidays.

Positions within the Department of Water:Must have or obtain an Class I Water Supply Professional Operator Certification (or Operator-In-Training designation) and have satisfactory work performance during 12 month probationary period in order to pass probation. A Plant Operator 1 possessing the required Ohio EPA Class I Water Supply Professional Operator Certification and one year satisfactory performance as a Plant Operator 1 will be promoted without exam to Plant Operator 2.

Positions within the Department of Sewers:Must have or obtain an Ohio EPA Class I Wastewater Certification (or Operator-In-Training designation) and have satisfactory work performance during 12 month probationary period in order to pass probation. A Plant Operator 1 possessing the required Ohio EPA Class I Water Supply Professional Operator Certification and one year satisfactory performance as a Plant Operator 1 will be promoted without exam to Plant Operator 2.

MILITARY EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE EVALUATION

Military education and experience may be substituted for college level course work at the lower and upper division baccalaureate and graduate levels and apprenticeship training at the vocational certificate level on a case by case basis based on the American Council on Education (ACE) Military Guide recommendations.

Working and Physical Conditions

Environmental Conditions: Indoor and outdoor environments; exposure to extreme heat and extreme cold; exposure to computer screens; work in confined spaces, closely with others, with machinery, on ladders/scaffolds; work around moving objects/vehicles, on slippery or uneven surfaces; work with electrical energy; exposure to vibrations, noise; exposure to dust, silica, etc.; exposure to fumes, smoke, gases; work with toxic chemicals; sewage.

Physical Conditions: Duties require maintaining physical condition necessary for sitting, standing, and walking for prolonged periods of time; moderate and heavy lifting and carrying; pulling, pushing, reaching; crawling, kneeling, bending, climbing; general manual dexterity required; must be able to operate all assigned machinery; must be able to operate assigned vehicle; for some positions, must maintain ability to pass annual respirator fit tests as required by OSHA; and have good hearing and vision.