PLANT OPERATOR II

(non-exempt position)

Receives work direction from Superintendent of Plant Operations

ESSENTIAL DUTIES:

• Performs skilled and semi-skilled work in the inspection, operation and maintenance of the District's Water Production, Wastewater Treatment Plant and Lift Stations.
• Performs daily operational tasks and monitoring of plant process, maintains records and logs.
• Helps maintain purification and clarification of wastewater treatment processes.
• Makes appropriate adjustments to equipment and chemical feeds as required.
• Interprets laboratory data to determine plant condition.
• Ensures compliance TCEQ's wastewater treatment permit as well as all other TCEQ rules and regulations.
• Ensures safe and efficient operation of machines and equipment.
• Efficiently manages bio-solids to insure timely disposal and avoids excessive buildup.
• Performs daily O&M activities of the District's water plants, wells, and water storage facilities.
• Collects monthly bacteriological water samples and daily chlorine readings in the water distribution system as required by the TCEQ.
• Ensures safety, appearance and cleanliness of plant facilities and grounds.
• Performs emergency repairs as required for continual proper operation of water and wastewater facilities.
• Responsible for ensuring the District has adequate water supply and pressure 24 hrs./day, 365 days/yr.

• Responds to emergency calls from the District's SCADA monitoring system of the water and wastewater facilities.
• Rotates "call-out" and "stand by" duty.
• This position is considered "essential personnel" and will be responsible for standby during emergencies.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

EQUIPMENT:

• Required to operate and assure proper maintenance of truck, small front-end loader, sludge judge, automatic sampler, camera, calculator, varied laboratory testing instruments, safety equipment, gas detector, pick, crowbar, wrenches, portable pumps, flow measuring devices, electrical volt meter, computer, two-way radios, cell phones and varied hand and power tools.

PHYSICAL ABILITIES:

• Requirements include standing, walking, hand coordination, vision, hearing, listening, verbal and written communication skills, reading and comprehension skills, lifting, carrying, reaching, bending, driving.

WORKING ENVIRONMENT:

• Exposed to outdoor weather conditions, such as extreme heat, humidity, cold and precipitation.
• Exposed to waste products, industrial chemicals and dangerous situations in the case of accidents, such as hazardous gas leaks or chemical spills, hazardous and noxious odors, including ammonia and hydrogen sulfide, heights, exposure to moving mechanical parts and exposure to disease bacteria and wastewater gases.
• Protective equipment required - hard hat, clothing, gloves, respirator, safety glasses, ear plugs, steel-toed boots, safety harness, traffic safety vest and rain slicker.
• Hazardous confined spaces.

REQUIREMENTS:

• High School Graduate or GED Certificate.
• Must take pre-employment physical, back x-ray, pulmonary function test (PFT), respirator fit test and pass drug testing.
• Must have vaccinations for hepatitis A and hepatitis B, typhoid, tetanus, and polio.
• Must possess valid Texas Class C Driver's License.
• Must possess Wastewater Treatment Operator Class C License and Ground Water Treatment Operator Class C License.
• Should have knowledge or be capable of learning within one (1) year - traffic control laws, confined space entry, trench safety, hazardous gas monitoring, backflow prevention, industrial waste regulations and the District's Safety Manual.
• Knowledge of occupational hazards and safety precautions necessary for safe operation of assigned equipment.
• Ability to perform tasks requiring physical strength and endurance under variable weather conditions.
• May be required to work overtime, standby, weekends and holidays.
• Must possess the ability to deal effectively and courteously with customer complaints and concerns utilizing problem analysis & problem-solving skills.
• Must be able to utilize good judgment, demonstrate ethical behavior and possess ability to function as an integral part of the organizational structure.
• Must abide by all policies and procedures covered within the Employee Personnel Manual.

PREFERENCES:

• Non-smoker.
• Basic computer knowledge.
• COVID-19 vaccination.

PAY GRADE:

• Pay Grade S10 - Plant Operator II