Water Treatment Operator A

JOB SUMMARY

Under general supervision, monitors, adjusts, and operates a 18 million gallon per day potable water plant. Performs routine tests to assess the correct chemical dosages to maintain quality control of the finished water and to control the chemical process to achieve the optimal finished water quality. Makes adjustments with the aid of a computer, monitor and uses feedback data from online meters for lab tests. Records and enters data. Treats contaminated water so that it is safe for consumption. Water is pumped from the lake to the treatment facility where it undergoes a series of processes that remove and destroy harmful materials and microorganisms. Ensures that the purification process goes smoothly, efficiently, and cost effectively. Controls high-tech equipment such as control pumps, valves, and computers that move the water through numerous treatment processes. Responsible for testing the water at various stages of treatment; interpreting and adjusting meters and gauges, and performing chemical biological laboratory analyses. Follows the water pollution standards set by the Clean Water Act and Safe Drinking Water Act and must be familiar with all federal and local regulations, laws, and standards regarding the quality of drinking water. Reports to the Water Plant Superintendent.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

The following duties are normal for this position. The omission of specific statements of the duties does not exclude them from the classification if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment for this classification. Other duties may be required and assigned.

• Monitors and maintains correct chemical treatment dosages for water processing. Adjusts the flow going out to keep up with public demand.

• Performs hourly test for quality control and calibrates laboratory meters.

• Performs daily, weekly, and monthly tests and lab quality control checks.

• Performs yearly proficiency test to maintain laboratory certification of DHEC directed lab procedures.

• Maintains the laboratory standard operating procedures manual.

• Performs regular computerized plant monitoring to determine that the plant is functioning as well as routine walking inspections of the physical plant.

• Cleans laboratory and maintains chemical and sanitary safety of lab testing reagents and bacteriological supplies.

• Autoclaves bacterial hazards for safe defunct and disposal.

• Takes inventory of lab supplies and regents to maintain stock.

• Maintains functions of lab meters, electrodes, lights, etc. for PH, fluoride, spectrometer, portable meters, and inline process and turbidity meters.

• Completes regular rounds of all water division facilities to ensure proper operating conditions.

• Controls treatment plant machines and equipment to purify and clarify water for human consumption and industrial use. Operates and controls electric motors, pumps, and valves to regulate flow of raw water into treatment plant.

• Adds and adjusts feed rates of various chemicals such as alum, caustic, chlorine, and fluoride as necessary to maintain prescribed dosage rates and meets all applicable standards for potable water treatment.

• Monitors computer and adjusts controls to regulate flow rates.

• Operates and performs routine maintenance and emergency repairs on plant operating equipment including pumps, compressors, valves, and designated electronic equipment.

• Maintains a sufficient volume and pressure of finished, potable water delivered to all of the water systems to meet their demands.

• Troubleshoots and corrects abnormal operating conditions.

• Takes water samples from water plant and perform analyses to ensure proper treatment for safe and potable water.

• Records data such as residential content of chemicals and water turbidity.

• Washes filters as needed.

• Assists in ordering and maintaining equipment, chemicals and supplies. Receives incoming deliveries, verifies materials with packing slip, and forwards shipping documentation for processing. Unloads and delivers/transports deliveries of chemicals/materials to appropriate locations.

• Maintains records and reports on the system operation and maintenance.

• Collects distribution samples from customers with complaints and perform analyses to ensure that water is safe for consumption.

• Ensures all phases of water treatment process are in accordance with applicable standards.

• Follows safety procedures, utilizing safety equipment, and monitors work environment to ensure safety of employees and other individuals.

• Provides customer service; responds to questions, complaints, or emergency service calls involving water line breaks, lack of water service at residence, disconnection of service and/or electricity for non-payment, general plant operations, and other issues. Provides information, research problems, and initiate problem resolution.

• Performs general/clerical tasks including answering calls, making copies, sending/receiving faxes, filing documents, or processing incoming/outgoing mail.

• Provides assistance to other employees as needed.

• Fills chemical tanks and checks each building for leaks and/or problems.

• Radios and calls operators for problems that occur on the weekends.

• Receives and reviews a variety of information such as, finish/raw water flow, distribution tank levels, chlorine concentration of settled, finish, distribution, PH, settled water, and finished water, alum and caustic dosage, tank levels lab tests, and finish turbidity.

• Prepares and/or generates a variety of information such as in lab chlorine tests, in lab PH tests, in lab turbidity tests, in lab fluoride tests, daily analysis of raw flash mix, settle, and finished water, and in lab manganese tests.

• Refers to flow rate of finish and raw pumps, tank and standpipe levels, system demand, lab water analysis, MSDS sheets, lab results, raw water turbidity, tank level, and loss of filter heads, and coagulate jar test.

• Utilizes a variety of computer software such as WonderWare, Excel, Word, SCADA, and Publisher.

• Interacts and communicates with a wide variety of groups and individuals to include supervisor, operators, utility customers, coworkers, engineers, and utility personnel from both water and electric.

• Operates a variety of machinery and equipment including treatment plant, finish, raw chemicals, chlorination system, chlorinators, cylinders, turbidity meters, overhead hoist, Chari-Trac, pallet jacks, rakes, and a golf cart, and lab meters.

• Utilizes a variety of tools to include, lab glassware, pipets, cylinders, beakers, screwdrivers, pliers, wrenches, hammers, calibration turbidity cylinders, and rubber/latex gloves.

• Performs other related duties as required.

ADDITIONAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

• Answers telephone dispatch calls for water, sewer, and electric customer service reconnections, and loss of service. Radios or calls crews to respond to outages and reconnections.

• Performs janitorial duties.

• Cleans control, pump, and chemical buildings.

• Maintains a safe and clean work environment.

Must possess a SC Class A Or B Water Plant Operator certification and have 3-4 years of experience.

Benefits:

• Health, dental, vision, prescription benefits, LTD. These benefits are through the SC Public Employee Benefit Authority. https://peba.sc.gov

• Flexible Spending Account & Dependent Daycare Account

• Employer Provided Life Insurance, AD&D

• Employer Provided Short Term Disability

• PTO

• Years of Service Award

• YMCA Membership Program

• Wellness Program

• Retirement benefits. Easley Combined Utilities employees participate in the South Carolina Retirement System.

https://peba.sc.gov/scrs

• South Carolina Deferred Compensation 401(k) or 457(k). Both plans are available to employees https://southcarolinadcp.gwrs.com

• Employee Assistance Program

An employer sponsored program designed to identify and assist employees and their dependents in resolving work or personal problems that may impact job performance, emotional or physical well-being.

• Safety Program

ECU's primary goal is to make sure that each employee goes home at the end of the work day. Safety is an organizational priority and resources are provided to ensure a safe workplace environment.

• Education Assistance Program

ECU encourages employees to further their education and offers tuition assistance. ECU aspires to attract and maintain a knowledgeable workforce while encouraging professional growth and promoting self-development.

• Supplemental insurance policies available.