Plant Operator I, Water (3rd Shift)

JOB SUMMARY
An employee in this position is responsible for performing a variety of duties at the Water Treatment Plant,
treating raw water and producing potable water in an efficient and effective manner, as defined by State and
Federal guidelines.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS
• Conducts 2-hour laboratory process testing of water and analyzes additional water samples as needed.
• Operates and backwashes clarifiers/filters to produce potable water in accordance with regulations.
• Replenishes chemical supplies, including changing cylinders and drum quantities and adjusts chemical feed
rates as necessary.
• Accurately monitors, reads, and records information on meters, gauges charts and maintains operating logs
and other required records.
• Accurately enters data into computer for State records.
• Collects water samples from distribution sites, well sites, customers, streams, and raw reservoir and accurately records data.
• Interfaces with the Treatment Plant computer operated Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA)
software program as well as programmable logic controller (PLC) controlled panels for a variety of treatment
works equipment.
• Serves as a member of various employee committees as assigned.
• Participates in the inspection, cleaning, maintenance, and preventative maintenance of Plant equipment,
vehicles, and physical facilities, according to an established maintenance schedule.
• Performs a variety of other duties as needed, including raising and lowering sump pumps in backwash pit,
removing and installing well pumps, changing pump motors on booster pumps, etc.

• Gives suggestions regarding new projects and Plant standard operating procedures.
• Keeps supervisor informed of unusual or detrimental conditions including equipment malfunctions and/or
other problems.
• Keeps informed on current department practices by attending workshops and educational programs or
reading specialized literature.
• Works in a constant state of alertness and in a safe manner.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS
Education and Experience:
• High School diploma or General Equivalency Diploma GED; or
• Equivalent combination of education, training and related experience.

Licenses or Certifications:
• Possession of a valid Temporary Class IV Water Treatment Certification from the State of Maryland
within three (3) years of hire, which result in promotion to Certified Operator;
• Successful completion of various Maryland Center for Environmental Training classes;
• Possession of; or ability to obtain within six months on the job, a valid Class B CDL driver’s license with
Tank vehicle and Air Brake endorsements;
• State Flagger certification;
• State Sampler’s Certification;
• First Aid training and CPR certification.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:
• Knowledge of and the ability to accurately and safely operate equipment and tools used in the
department, including calculator, Plant computers, water and electrical test equipment, large pumps, and various motor vehicles.
• Ability to act as a representative of the City to the public.
• Ability to accurately read and record data from water samples, charts, and gauges, determine flow and
chemical feed rates, read and comprehend State and Federal regulations regarding water treatment.
• Ability to read, write, perform basic math skills, operate standard office equipment, and to understand
verbal and non-verbal instructions.
• Ability to perform the physical aspects of the job.
• Ability to effectively communicate both verbally and in writing with customers, employees in other
departments, suppliers, and supervisor.
• Ability to perform as a team member and through positive words and actions, support co-workers and
City policy.
• Ability to respond properly in emergency situations and to complete assignments under pressure.
• Ability to respond politely to customers, co-workers, management, and to the general public.
• Ability to work on a 24 hour, on call status, responding to emergencies.
• Ability to work on a revolving schedule including some weekends and holidays.
• Knowledge of the City’s policies and procedures.
• Ability to keep all relevant parties informed of major issues and recommend changes as appropriate.
• Ability to use or repair small and heavy equipment and machinery.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS
The work is very heavy work which requires exerting in excess of 100 pounds of force occasionally and/or in
excess of 50 pounds of force frequently, and/or in excess of 20 pounds of force constantly to move objects.
Additionally, the following physical abilities are required: balancing, climbing, crawling, crouching, feeling,
fingering, grasping, handling, hearing, kneeling, lifting, mental acuity, pulling, pushing, reaching, repetitive
motion, speaking, standing, stooping, talking, visual acuity, and walking.

WORK ENVIRONMENT
The work involves exposure to different weather conditions, including hot, cold, rainy, snowy, and other wet
conditions, loud noises from machines, and odors and fumes from chemical used. Differing job duties require the use of personal protective equipment/testing as required by Maryland Occupational Safety and Health regulations and will be subject to revision as regulations change. This equipment may hamper one’s agility.

WORK ENVIRONMENT
The work involves exposure to a variety of weather conditions including hot, cold, rainy, snowy, dusty, and
muddy conditions, noise from large excavating equipment, and fumes from diesel engines.

The following is a list of available benefits: