Plant Operations Specialist
GENERAL PURPOSE
Under general supervision, performs highly skilled work in
operating a municipal water/wastewater treatment plant on a
rotating shift basis. Plant Operations Specialists are
subject to on-call status. The Plant Operations Specialist
will function as a member of the plant operational team
and accordingly, be responsible for minor mechanical,
electrical, and instrumentation maintenance.
DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS
Employees in this classification assume the responsibility
for the operation of the treatment plant as required by the
Arizona Department of Environmental Quality. Employees in
this classification receive minimal supervision, and duties
may include instruction and guidance to other City of Peoria
personnel involved in the daily operation of the surface
water treatment plant. Work in this classification requires
considerable initiative and independent judgment in
responding to system emergencies.
An employee in this class is responsible, on an assigned
shift, for the operation, maintenance, and monitoring of a
modern ozone/biological activated filter (BAF) conventional
16 million gallon per day potable water treatment/water
reclamation facility, booster pump stations, sewage lift
stations, wastewater plants, and all other facilities
monitored by the computer control center located in the
treatment plant.
SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXCISED: The Plant Operations
Specialist reports to the Plant Operations Supervisor; no
supervision exercised.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
The duties listed below are intended only as illustrations
of the various types of work that may be performed. The
omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude
them from the position if the work is similar, related or a
logical assignment to this class.
Establish chemical treatment protocols that result in
surface water that meets all Federal and State regulatory
requirements
Identify operational problems and equipment malfunctions
within the treatment plant, making equipment flow rate and
chemical adjustments based upon varying raw water and
wastewater conditions
Coordinate system operational activities with various
department personnel and agencies
Collect and perform routine laboratory water/wastewater
quality test on water samples
Respond to customer calls and emergency situations
Analyze comprehensive computer generated data and reports
to arrive at consistent process control methods
Prepare and maintaining logs, reports, and test data
Operate, maintain, and adjust all treatment plant
equipment such as ozone generation systems, chlorinators,
flocculators, electric pumps, chemical feed pumps,
biologically activated filters, and activated sludge
processes. The analysis of various chemical constituents in
throughout the process stream is one of the essential
functions the Plant Operations Specialist. For example,
considerable experience related to the analysis for ozone
and chlorine residuals, turbidity, alkalinity, Ph, TDS, BOD,
COD, Chlorides, Hardness, Fluoride, Conductivity, and
Microbiology is required.
Identify routine and non-routine operational problems and
equipment malfunctions through the interpretation of data
provided by the process control system is required
Adjust chemical feed rates, flow rates, and all process
equipment found in a modern water/wastewater treatment
facility
Process sample collection, as well as treated
water/wastewater sampling
Order, receive, and test chemicals used in the treatment
process.
Maintain process control logs, computer databases, process
test data and regulatory records
Act in a lead capacity in the absence of the Plant
Operations Supervisor
Conduct public tours of the facility, and interface with
citizens of the City of Peoria concerns related to the
treatment of water, pressures in the system
Use a personal computer to utilize spreadsheet and
database programs
Analyze and determine process chemical and physical
requirement that lead to the efficient operation of both
water and wastewater treatment plants
Work as a team member and communicate effectively with
management co-workers and the general public, both orally
and in writing
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS
High School Diploma or GED equivalent and three years
experience as an in charge shift operator for
water/wastewater treatment facility and some college or
technical training in Water/Wastewater Technology,
Engineering, Biology, Chemistry, Public Health or related
field. Any combination of training, education and experience
may be considered. Possession of a valid State of Arizona
Grade III Water or Grade III Wastewater Treatment
Certificate (depending on assignment). Certificate is
required at time of hire.
DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS
Extensive knowledge of the processes, both physical and
chemical, and process controls used in a modern
water/wastewater treatment plant; flocculation, coagulation,
sedimentation, filtration, activated sludge and disinfection
of potable water; knowledge of both Federal and State
regulations related to the treatment and delivery, of
potable water as well as the treatment and distribution of
reclaimed water.
PHYSICAL AND MENTAL DEMANDS
The physical and mental demands described here are
representative of those that must be met by employees to
perform the essential functions of this class successfully.
Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals
with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Physical Demands
While performing the duties of this class, employees
regularly are required to sit; talk or hear, in person and
by telephone; use hands repetitively to finger, handle, feel
or operate equipment, computers or other standard office
equipment; and reach with hands or arms. Employees are
required to regularly walk, kneel, stoop, climb and stand
and to occasionally lift up to 50 pounds. Specific vision
abilities required by this job include close vision, use of
both eyes, ability to adjust focus and to distinguish basic
colors and/or shades.
Mental Demands
While performing the duties of this class, employees
regularly are required to use oral and written communication
skills; read and interpret data, information and documents;
analyze and solve problems; interact with the general
public, contractors, engineers, vendors, public agencies,
employees, and others who may be encountered in the course
of work.
WORK ENVIRONMENT
The work environment characteristics described here are
representative of those an employee encounters while
performing the essential functions of this class. Reasonable
accommodations may be made to enable individuals with
disabilities to perform the essential functions.
The employee in this position has some exposure to hazardous
chemicals, voltages, and adverse weather. Hazards can be
controlled through the proper safety precautions.
SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS
Ability to work rotating schedules including weekends and
holidays. Seasonal variations in work schedule may be
required.
FLSA status: Non-Exempt
Revised: 08/05
City of Peoria Arizona an Equal Opportunity Employer
DURING THE SELECTION PROCESS, ANY
APPLICANT REQUIRING ACCOMMODATION FOR A DISABILITY SHOULD ADVISE THE HUMAN RESOURCES
DEPARTMENT.
Employment Hotline (Voice Only):
623-773-7105
Human Resources (Voice/TDD): 623-773-7100
EOE M/F/D/V
AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER
OPORTUNIDAD DE EMPLEO CON DERECHOS IGUALES
8401 West
Monroe St, Suite 110 - Peoria Arizona 85345 - (623) 773-7100
- Fax (623) 773-7149 |
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