Water Production Operator Lead

Description

DEFINITION

Under general supervision, installs, repairs, operates, inspects, and maintains the City's water production system including individual well sites, water storage facilities, booster pump stations, well treatment, and related systemsto ensure the availability of clean, potable, quality water to the City's water customers; serves as technical lead of water production operators and/or other staff working on water production assets; provides testing and treatment of water produced by the City; and performs related work as required.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED

Receives general supervision from assigned supervisory or management personnel. As Lead, works closely with staff assigned to water production, providing technical and functional supervision while working in the field. May serve as acting supervisor in the absence of assigned supervisor.

CLASS CHARACTERISTICS

This is the advanced journey level in the Water Production Operator class series. Positions in this class are distinguished from the Water Production Operator position in that they regularly lead other assigned staff, perform and functionally supervise the most technically complex tasks in the assigned area, and are required to operate and train others in the operation and maintenance of the water production system including individual well sites, water storage facilities, booster pump stations, well treatment, and related systems as assigned. Positions in this class are distinguished from supervisory classes in that they do not perform direct supervisory duties.

Examples of Duties

EXAMPLES OF TYPICAL JOB FUNCTIONS (Illustrative Only)

Essential functions may include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Coordinates and assigns daily tasks to operators; provides training on performance of tasks including ensuring safety protocols are followed.

• Provides performance-related feedback of other operators to section supervisor as requested.

• Installs, repairs, operates, inspects, and maintains the City's water production system including individual well sites, water storage facilities, booster pump stations, well treatment, and related systemsto ensure integrity, security, and proper operation; checks site security; maintains and makes repairs to grounds, structures, and equipment at well sites, water storage tanks, and booster pump stations.

• Prepares monthly operations data in electronic format for reporting to Division of Drinking Water and other regulatory agencies.May sign required reports associated with the water system in the absence of the Water Production Supervisor.

• May serve as liaison between regulatory agencies and the City regarding the operation, maintenance, and treatment of the water system; coordinates permitting and inspection processes with appropriate agencies.

• Plans, coordinates, and adjusts deliveries of potable water from WDCWA

• Plans and prioritizes potable water deliveries in a conjunctive use water system.

• Checks chlorine tank levels along with free chlorine residuals in treated water; maintains accurate data logs.

• Participates in all safety programs required to effectively perform associated job requirements.

• Operates, calibrates, and programs various water production testing and monitoring equipment, such as chlorine residual testers, vibration analyzers, micrometers, pressure transducers, flow switches, flow meters, pressure gauges, pressure recorders, analyzers, and programmable logic controllers (PLC's).

• Safely handles, transports, and monitors chemicals such as chlorine, sodium hypochlorite, sodium bisulfate, and other chemicals and compounds used in water production, filtration, and storage; maintains accurate records of chemicals used. Assists in development of safety protocols for chemical handling.

• Operates the City's water system remotely using the Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) computer control system; effectively and expediently corrects routine and complex system faults and alarms; makes appropriate setpoint changes; monitors system for adequate water delivery flows and pressures.

• Performs and applies water mathematical calculations to determine dosages, feed rates, flows, pressures, volumes, and areas.

• Installs, repairs, and maintains water quality sampling stations;assists with routine water sampling.

• Answers questions and provides information to thepublic regarding water quality and production; investigates and responds to complaints and inquiries from citizens, other departments, and outside agencies; recommends and takes corrective actions to resolve issues.

• Researches, analyzes, and makes alternative recommendations to improve the efficiency, operations, and safety of City water production and storage facilities.

• Participates in the planning and construction of well site retrofit rehabilitation projects; assists in reviewing electrical and construction plans; provides input on correctness or deficiencies of plans.

• Participates in the development of goals, objectives, policies, and procedures for assigned services and programs; prepares or recommends policies and procedures including standard operating procedures for assigned operations.

• Receives work orders electronically; prepares, maintains, and inputs detailed logs, records, and reports of maintenance and repair activities via mobile and stationary digital devices into automated software systems.

• Operates, maintains, and performs minor repairs to the City's water system emergency power generators.

• Performs other related duties as assigned.

Typical Qualifications

QUALIFICATIONS

Knowledge of:

• Principles, practices, methods, and techniques used in the installation, repair, operation, inspection, and maintenance of potable water systems including water production pumps, motors, chlorinators, wells, water treatment plants, and related facilities and equipment.

• Principles of automation, hydraulics, mechanics, and electricity as applied to water pressure and water pumping operations.

• Equipment, tools, and procedures involved in the installation, maintenance, and repair of water production, water treatment, and water distribution systems, and related equipment and facilities.

• Quality control practices, methods, and techniques of conducting sampling.

• Basic water hydraulics.

• SCADA telemetry components and computer software operation.

• Safe storage, handling, and usage of chemicals and compounds used in water production and treatment.

• Federal, State, and local statutes, codes, and regulations relevant to assigned areas of responsibility.

• Mathematical formulas used in water production and treatment.

• Operational characteristics of pumps, motors, analyzers, programmable logic controllers, emergency power generators, and related water system equipment.

• Welding and fabrication techniques.

• City and mandated safety rules, regulations, and protocols.

• Techniques for providing a high level of customer service by effectively interacting with the public, vendors, contractors, and City staff.

• The structure and content of the English language effectively to perform work.

• Modern equipment and communication tools used for business functions and program, project, and task coordination, including computers and software programs relevant to work performed.

Ability to:

• Perform tasks in compliance with safe practices and train and coach others in safe practices.

• Effectively plan, organize, and assign daily tasks to assigned to operators.

• Perform maintenance and repair work on water production system.

• Read, interpret, collect, and record data accurately.

• Safely and effectively use and operate a variety of diagnostic equipment, power and hand tools, mechanical equipment, and light to heavy equipment used in water productionsystem maintenance such as trucks, forklifts, jackhammers, light cranes, and pneumatic tools.

• Assist with collecting water samples for testing.

• Maintain accurate logs, records, and written records of work performed.

• Accurately calculate mathematical formulas used in water production and water treatment.

• Read and interpret maps, graphs, construction plans, water system plans, and technical information.

• Fabricate, install, repair, and replace customized and manufactured parts and equipment used at City water production and storage facilities.

• Troubleshoot and repair mechanical and operational problems.

• Recognize unusual and dangerous work situations and properly remedy.

• Observe safety principles and work in a safe manner.

• Obtain certifications as required by OSHA/CalOSHA to perform assigned duties.

• Research and recommend new technology, regulations, and procedures.

• Remain knowledgeable of best practices and procedures, and water industry standards.

• Operate SCADA controls and correct faults and alarms.

• Use tact, initiative, prudence, and independent judgment within general policy and procedural guidelines.

• Effectively use computer systems, software applications, and modern business equipment to perform a variety of work tasks.

• Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing, using appropriate English grammar and syntax.

• Establish, maintain, and foster positive and effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.

Education and Experience:

Any combination of training and experience that would provide the required knowledge, skills, and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the required qualifications would be:

Education:

• Equivalent to completion of the twelfth (12th) grade supplemented by specialized training in water treatment and water distribution operation and maintenance, chemistry or a related field.

Experience:

• Four (4) years of experience in water production and treatment, utilities, water systems, or a related field

Licenses and Certifications:

• Possession of a valid California Driver's License, to be maintained throughout employment.

• Possession of, or successful acquisition within 12 months from date of appointment, a valid Class "A" California Driver's License with appropriate endorsements, to be maintained throughout employment.

• Possession of a valid Grade T-2 Water Treatment Operator Certificate, issued by the State Water Resources Control Board, to be maintained throughout employment.

• Possession of, a valid Grade D-3 Water Distribution Operator Certificate, issued by the State Water Resources Control Board, to be maintained throughout employment.

• Possession of, or successful acquisition within probationary period, a valid certification in American Red Cross CPR, First Aid and AED to be maintained throughout employment.

• Possession of valid Qualified Pesticide Applicator license, desirable.

Supplemental Information

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

Must possess mobility to work in a field environment; strength, stamina, and mobility to perform medium to heavy physical work; to sit, stand, and walk on level, uneven, or slippery surfaces; frequently reach, twist, turn, kneel, bend, stoop, squat, crouch, grasp, and make repetitive hand movement in the performance of daily duties; to work in confined spaces and around machines; to climb and descend ladders; to operate varied hand and power tools and construction equipment; and to operate a motor vehicle and visit various City sites; vision to detect shades of color, read printed materials, and a computer screen; and hearing and speech to communicate in person and over the telephone or radio. The job involves fieldwork requiring frequent walking in operational areas to identify problems or hazards which may include working on live electrical wires. Finger dexterity is needed to operate and repair tools and equipment and to access, enter, and retrieve data using a computer keyboard and to operate above-mentioned tools and equipment. Employees must possess the ability to lift, carry, push, and pull materials and objects weighing up to 90 pounds, or heavier weights with the use of proper equipment and assistance from other staff. Employees must wear and use the proper Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).

Must also possess mobility to work in a standard office setting and use standard office equipment, including a computer or keyboard; ability to use a mobile device or handheld communication device; vision to read printed materials and a computer screen; and hearing and speech to communicate in person and over the telephone.

ENVIRONMENTAL ELEMENTS

Employees work in the field and are exposed to loud noise levels, cold and hot temperatures, inclement weather conditions, road hazards, vibration, confining workspaces, chemicals, mechanical and/or electrical hazards, and hazardous physical substances and fumes. Employees may interact with upset staff and/or public and private representatives in interpreting and enforcing departmental policies and procedures. Work on ladders, scaffolds or other equipment more than 12 feet above ground and occasional work on ladders, scaffolds or equipment more than 100 feet above ground.

WORKING CONDITIONS

May be required to be on-call and to work various shifts or emergencies on evenings, weekends, and holidays.