Principal Water Plant Operator

PRINCIPAL WATER PLANT OPERATOR (TYPE A PLANT) 61730

(Competitive)

DISTINGUISHING FEATURES OF THE CLASS

The work involves responsibility for performing advanced level technical work in the operation and maintenance of a water treatment plant. Under the general supervision of the Water Plant Manager (Type A Plant), an employee in this class functions as a plant operator and supervises the activities of the water treatment plant personnel, which includes operators, maintenance, laboratory, office clerical and custodial staff.

This involves coordinating the scheduling of maintenance activities with the operation of the water treatment facility as well as assigning and reviewing work performed by subordinate employees; training of subordinate employees is also a function of this position. Greater emphasis is placed on this employee's function as Principal Water Plant Operator; however, assisting the Water Plant Manager (Type A Plant) and acting as Manager in his/her absence is a key element of this position. Does related work as required.

TYPICAL WORK ACTIVITIES

Performs Water Treatment Plant Operator duties when subordinate operator personnel are not assigned to a shift or unavailable. These duties include: starting and stopping pumps, chemical feed equipment, compressors, generators and motors; opening and closing valves; backwashing filters; unloading chemicals and monitoring systems operations; collects and analyzes water samples and makes security rounds as required; operates motor vehicles including trucks and tractors.

Supervises the activities of the water treatment plant personnel including the operators, maintenance, laboratory, office clerical and custodial staff by assigning work and reviewing assignments in progress or upon completion. Performs some training of subordinate plant personnel.

Assumes responsibility for the operation of the water treatment plant, raw water pump station and clear water pump station including 24 hour per day on call duty in the absence of the Water Plant Manager (Type A Plant). Schedules subordinate personnel when necessary.

Prepares various reports on system operation as directed by the Water Plant Manager.

Reviews reports and accumulated data on system operation.

Prepares the work schedule for operator personnel.

Maintains the water treatment plant chemical inventory.

May assist other personnel in the inspection and treatment of open reservoirs.

FULL PERFORMANCE KNOWLEDGES, SKILLS, ABILITIES AND PERSONAL CHARACTERISTICS

Thorough knowledge of the practices used and equipment required in the operation and maintenance of a Type A water treatment plant containing facilities for filtration with pretreatment and the application of chemicals to the water.

Good knowledge of the operations of a modern water treatment plant.

Good knowledge of the principles and applications of physics, chemistry and bacteriology as they relate to water purification.

Good knowledge of the operation and maintenance of pumps, valves, meters, chlorinators, chemical feeders, telemetering controls, communication systems and related mechanical and electrical instrumentation equipment.

Ability to supervise the operation and repair of pumps, valves and related equipment.

Ability to do arithmetic computations of plant operating data.

Ability to perform routine laboratory and field tests.

Ability to plan and supervise the work of subordinate employees.

Mechanical aptitude.

Physical condition commensurate with the demands of the position.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Promotion:

Two (2) years of permanent competitive class status in the title of Water Plant Operator I (Type A Plant).

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MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS, Cont.

Open Competitive:

A. Graduation from a regionally accredited college or university or one accredited by the New York State Board of Regents to grant degrees with a baccalaureate degree in engineering or a natural or physical science and one (1) year of work experience, or its part time equivalent, in the actual operation of a water treatment plant with facilities for filtration with pretreatment and application of chemicals to the water, such as carbon, chlorine or chlorine compounds, coagulants, polymers, fluoride compounds, pH adjusting chemicals or the process of corrosion control; or,

B. Graduation from a regionally accredited college or university or one accredited by the New York State Board of Regents to grant degrees with an associates in applied science degree in natural or physical science or in environmental health technology or public health technology and three (3) years of work experience, or its part time equivalent, in the actual operation of a water treatment plant with facilities for filtration pretreatment and application of chemicals to the water, such as carbon, chlorine or chlorine compounds, coagulants, polymers, fluoride compounds, pH adjusting chemicals or the process of corrosion control; or,

C. Graduation from high school or possession of a high school equivalency diploma and five (5) years of work experience, or its part time equivalent, in the actual operation of a water treatment plant with facilities for filtration with pretreatment and application of chemicals to the water, such as carbon, chlorine or chlorine compounds, coagulants, polymers, fluoride compounds, pH adjusting chemicals or the process of corrosion control; or,

D. Possession of a New York State Professional Engineer's license.

SPECIAL NECESSARY REQUIREMENT

Possession of, within one (1) year of appointment, a New York State Grade II‑A Community Water Systems Operator Certificate.

Possession of a valid New York State Class D Driver's License at time of appointment.

4/89 Revised