Lead Operator - Water Treatment Plant

City of Burlington NC
Burlington, North Carolina
Full Time

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About us:

The City of Burlington operates two key water treatment plants: the Ed Thomas Water Treatment Plant and the JD Mackintosh Water Treatment Plant. The Ed Thomas plant, built in the 1940s, directly impacts the central part of the city, while the JD Mackintosh plant, with a capacity to treat 18 million gallons of water per day and a footprint over 100 acres, greatly influences the western section. Both plants ensure the delivery of safe, clean drinking water to residents by utilizing advanced treatment processes and maintaining high operational standards.

What you will do:
An employee in this class is responsible for monitoring and treating the City's drinking water and water supply at a water plant. Work is performed under the regular supervision of the Water Plant Superintendent.

Operational Integrity: Lead Water Operator helps ensures the safe and efficient operation of a potable water supply system.
Supervision: Assists in directing the day-to-day duties of the operations staff, overseeing their activities.
Administrative Duties: Assists in administrative tasks related to water supply operations.
Maintenance: Repair and maintain various equipment.
Emergency response: Respond to Operator and Water Plant emergencies and events during and after hours. Examples of Duties

Plant Operations Monitoring and Maintenance:

Conducts hourly rounds of the plant, meticulously checking and documenting gauge readings and calibrations.
Adjusts chemical feed rates and monitors the functionality of meters and pumps to ensure optimal plant operations.
Performs turbidity tests on raw, settled, and filtered water, ensuring compliance with water quality standards.
Calibrates various instruments including fluoride meters and tests fluoride residuals in both raw and filtered water, accurately recording results.

Chemical Management and Adjustment:

Manages chemical levels (alum, caustic, fluoride, corrosion inhibitors, etc.), performing timely additions as required.
Calculates chemical dosages based on readings, making necessary adjustments to maintain optimal plant performance.
Logs chemical usage, physical tests, chemical analysis, and other relevant data for regulatory and operational records.

System Maintenance and Troubleshooting:

Oversees the backwashing and re-washing of filters, using the backwash pump to maintain filter efficiency.
Investigates and responds to customer complaints, gathering water samples from various sources for analysis and quality assessment.
Reports equipment failures promptly to the Water Plant Superintendent for immediate action.

Staff Oversight and Training:

Provides direction to plant operators and general maintenance workers, ensuring adherence to standard procedures and operational changes.
Leads staff training sessions to ensure team members are well-informed and up-to-date on plant operations.

Inventory and Record-Keeping:

Maintains accurate records of plant inventory, operational, and maintenance logs, ensuring records are up-to-date and organized.
Oversees the purchase of necessary equipment and supplies for the plant.

Customer Service and Compliance:

Assists customers, handling phone inquiries and providing clear, accurate information.
Ensures compliance with OSHA and safety standards, promoting a safe and effective work environment.
On-call availability for after-hours, weekend, and holiday response to plant emergencies and issues.

Qualifications

Regulatory and Safety Expertise:

In-depth understanding of State and Federal water treatment and water quality regulations, ensuring compliance at all stages of water processing.
Strong awareness of occupational hazards and safety measures, implementing best practices to maintain a safe work environment.

Operational Knowledge:

Extensive knowledge of the operating characteristics and maintenance needs of a water treatment plant, including treatment regimens, machinery, and systems.
Proficient in managing treatment processes to meet regulatory standards and plant performance goals.

Scientific Foundation:

Broad understanding of the principles of physics, chemistry, and biology as they relate to water treatment and quality analysis, enhancing the accuracy and effectiveness of operations.

Equipment Maintenance and Troubleshooting:

Skilled at identifying issues with mechanical equipment, performing preventive maintenance to ensure consistent and reliable plant operations.
Capable of reporting technical issues and coordinating with the Water Plant Superintendent for troubleshooting and repairs.

Minimum Qualifications:

High School Diploma or GED equivalency and considerable work experience in a water treatment facility.
Valid Driver's License
Surface Water "A" Certificate
First Aid and CPR Certificate

Supplemental Information

Physical Requirements and Working Conditions:

Work in this class is described as strenuous.
Work typically involves the ability to physically perform the basic life operational functions of balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, crawling, reaching, standing, walking, pushing, pulling, lifting, grasping, feeling, talking, hearing and repetitive motions.
Work necessitates visual acuity to determine the accuracy, neatness, and thoroughness of work assigned in preparing and analyzing figures, accounting, transcription, computer terminal viewing and extensive reading, conduct visual inspection of small defects or parts, operate a machine, use measurement devices, and to assemble parts at distances close to the eyes.
Employee is subject to hazards including a variety of physical conditions, such as proximity to moving mechanical parts, electrical current, noise, vibration, oils, and atmospheric conditions.
Employee is required to wear a respirator when necessary. Employee may frequently work in close quarters, crawl space, shafts, manholes, small, enclosed rooms, small sewage and water lines, and other areas which could cause claustrophobia.
Employee is required to function in narrow aisles, passageways, and catwalks.