Plant Operator - Water Production (Certified Preferred)

Jonesboro, GA

POSITION:                           Plant Operator 

DEPARTMENT:                   Water Production

PAYGRADE:                         PO III - 106 (NE)

                                                  PO II - 107 (NE)

                                                  PO I - 108 (NE)

PAY:                                         PO III - Min: $24.858/hour  Mid: $31.694/hour  Max: $38.529/hour

                                                  PO II - Min: $26.598/hour  Mid: $33.912/hour  Max: $41.226/hour

                                                  PO I - Min: $28.459/hour  Mid: $36.286/hour  Max: $44.112/hour

DEADLINE:                          Open Until Filled

Purpose of Classification: 

The purpose of this classification is to produce high quality, potable water by monitoring the water treatment process at an assigned water treatment plant in compliance with state and federal environmental protection standards and keeping water storage tanks at correct operating levels. This is an entry level position for the series. Incumbents in this classification are under close supervision and learn how to monitor and analyze operating and processing conditions, and to take action to modify process control or equipment operation to maintain compliance with applicable local, state and federal environmental rules and regulations. 

Essential 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. 

Attends on-the-job and other training sessions to gain skills and knowledge regarding plant operations, job performance, and policies, procedures, rules and regulations: reads training materials; completes tests and skills assessments; and obtains and maintains required certifications. 

Gains skills and knowledge regarding monitoring and adjusting the distribution system to meet demands: assists with making pump changes, pressure changes, and adjusting plant rates. 

Gains skills and knowledge regarding ensuring plant grounds and equipment are maintained and in proper working order: assists with inspecting plant grounds and equipment; assists with checking gauges, readings, flow levels, pumps, motors, and valves, etc. 

Gains skills and knowledge regarding chemical testing and analysis: assists with taking samples and testing chemical residuals throughout treatment processes; assists with performing laboratory analyses; and assists with adjusting chemical feeders based on laboratory results.  

Gains skills and knowledge regarding water filter maintenance: assists with inspecting and cleaning filters as needed.    

Gains skills and knowledge regarding sludge removal: assists with draining sludge from basin; assists with operating centrifuge system for sludge removal; and assists with hauling sludge to County landfill. 

Gains skills and knowledge regarding water quality monitoring: assists with monitoring the flow throughout the plant to ensure water quality. 

Assists with performing minor repairs of plant equipment, such as repairing belts, greasing equipment, changing water filters, etc.: makes changes to equipment and repairs breakdowns as they occur; ensures that all flocculators are greased and workable; and performs equipment calibrations. 

Maintains logs of work activities, such as laboratory analysis results, distribution system changes, filter backwash readings, process control changes, chemical inventory, and any other pertinent information: maintains state report logs; and documents all problems or complaints. 

Processes a variety of documentation associated with department/division operations, within designated timeframes and per established procedures. 

Operates a personal computer to enter, retrieve, review or modify data, utilizing word processing, spreadsheet, database, Internet, e-mail, or other software; and operates general office or other equipment as necessary to complete essential functions. 

Operates or uses various equipment, power tools, hand tools, and supplies in order to complete work assignments: operates and maintains supervisory data and control acquisition (SCADA) system, chemical feeders, pumps, filters, spectrophoto meters, pH machines, turbidity machines, chlorine disinfectant systems, flocculators, and other tools and equipment.  

Communicates with supervisor, other CCWA employees, the public, and other individuals as needed to coordinate work activities, review status of work, exchange information, or resolve problems. 

Plant Operator 3,2 & 1:

Essential 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 adjusts the distribution system to meet demands: inspects plant grounds; checks gauges, readings, flow levels, pumps, motors, and valves, etc.; ensures all equipment and systems are in proper working order. 

Takes samples and tests chemical residuals throughout treatment processes: performs laboratory analyses; and adjusts chemical feeders as needed based on laboratory results.  

Maintains the effectiveness of water filters: inspects and cleans filters as needed.    

Drains sludge from basins, drain and fill for cleaning.  

Monitors the flow throughout the plant to ensure water quality. 

Performs minor repairs of plant equipment, such as repairing belts, greasing equipment, changing water filters, etc.: makes changes to equipment and repairs breakdowns as they occur; ensures that all flocculators are greased and workable; and performs equipment calibrations. 

Maintains logs of work activities, such as laboratory analysis results, distribution system changes, filter backwash readings, process control changes, chemical inventory, and any other pertinent information: maintains state report logs; and documents all problems or complaints. 

Answers and dispatches after hour emergencies to designated on-call staff. 

Processes a variety of documentation associated with department/division operations, within designated timeframes and per established procedures. 

Operates a personal computer to enter, retrieve, review or modify data, utilizing word processing, spreadsheet, database, Internet, e-mail, or other software; and operates general office or other equipment as necessary to complete essential functions. 

Operates or uses various equipment, power tools, hand tools, and supplies in order to complete work assignments: operates and maintains supervisory data and control acquisition (SCADA) system, chemical feeders, pumps, filters, spectrophoto meters, pH machines, turbidity machines, chlorine disinfectant systems, flocculators, and other tools and equipment.  

Communicates with supervisor, other CCWA employees, the public, and other individuals as needed to coordinate work activities, review status of work, exchange information, or resolve problems. 

Additional Functions:

Performs other related duties as required.

Minimum Qualifications:

Plant Operator 3:

High school diploma or GED required, with vocational or technical training in water treatment or a related field; supplemented by one year of work experience that shows an ability to maintain steady employment in any field; or any equivalent combination of education, training, and experience which provides the requisite knowledge, skills, and abilities for this job. This is considered a Safety Sensitive position. 

Specific License or Certification Required: Must possess and maintain a valid Georgia Driver’s License (CDL preferred) and Georgia Class III Water Treatment System Operator License. 

Specific Knowledge, Skills, or Abilities: Must be able to demonstrate proficiency in performance of the essential functions and learn, comprehend, and apply all CCWA or departmental policies, practices, and procedures necessary to function effectively in the position. 

Plant Operator 2:

High school diploma or GED required, with vocational or technical training in water treatment or a related field; supplemented by two years of experience in water treatment plant operations; or any equivalent combination of education, training, and experience which provides the requisite knowledge, skills, and abilities for this job. This is considered a Safety Sensitive position. 

Specific License or Certification Required: Must possess and maintain a valid Georgia Driver’s License (CDL preferred) and Georgia Class II Water Treatment System Operator License. 

Specific Knowledge, Skills, or Abilities: Must be able to demonstrate proficiency in performance of the essential functions and learn, comprehend, and apply all CCWA or departmental policies, practices, and procedures necessary to function effectively in the position. 

Plant Operator 1:

High school diploma or GED required, with vocational or technical training in water treatment or a related field; supplemented by three years of experience in water treatment plant operations; or any equivalent combination of education, training, and experience which provides the requisite knowledge, skills, and abilities for this job.  This is considered a Safety Sensitive position. 

Specific License or Certification Required: Must possess and maintain valid Georgia Driver’s License (CDL preferred) and Georgia Class I Water Treatment System Operator License. 

Specific Knowledge, Skills, or Abilities: Must be able to demonstrate proficiency in performance of the essential functions and learn, comprehend, and apply all CCWA or departmental policies, practices, and procedures necessary to function effectively in the position. 

ADA Compliance:

Physical Ability: Tasks require the ability to exert moderate, though not constant physical effort, typically involving some combination of climbing and balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, crawling, and prolonged standing, and which may involve some lifting, carrying, pushing and/or pulling of objects and materials of moderate weight (25-50 pounds of lifting and push/pull force).

Sensory Requirements: Some tasks require the ability to perceive and discriminate colors or shades of colors, sounds, odor, and visual cues or signals.  Some tasks require the ability to communicate orally.

Environmental Factors: Performance of essential functions may require exposure to adverse environmental conditions, such as dirt, dust, pollen, odors, wetness, humidity, rain, fumes, temperature and noise extremes, hazardous materials, fire, unsafe structures, heights, confined spaces, machinery, vibrations, electric currents, bright/dim lights, toxic agents, disease, pathogenic substances, or rude/irate customers.

At CCWA, it is our policy to provide equal employment opportunities to all employees, including temporary employees, and applicants for employment based on qualifications, abilities, and merit. Therefore, CCWA prohibits discrimination against employees, applicants or any other legally covered persons because of race, color, religion, national origin, age, sex (including pregnancy, sexual orientation and gender identity or expression), citizenship, genetic information, disability status, past, current, or prospective membership in the uniformed services or any other characteristic protected under applicable federal, state, or local law. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including, but not limited to job advertisements, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, benefits, and training.