Water Treatment Plant Operator

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The primary purpose of this position is to acquire under direct supervision the necessary skills to install, operate, and maintain equipment associated with the production, chemical treatment, filtration, and distribution of well water. Maintain plant records, including operating logs, daily diaries, and chemical inventories.In order to qualify, you must meet the quality level of experience requirements described in the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) Qualification Standards Handbook X-118C.

QUALIFICATIONS: Applicants will be rated in accordance with the OPM Qualification Standard Handbook X-118C for the WG-5400 - Industrial Equipment Operation Family. Although a specific length of time and experience is not required for most blue-collar positions, you must meet any screen-out element listed, and show through experience and training that you possess the quality level of knowledge and skill necessary to perform the duties of the position at the level for which you are applying. Qualification requirements emphasis is on the quality of experience, not necessarily the length of time.

The screen out element for this position is the Ability To Do the Work of a Water Treatment Operator without More than Normal Supervision .

JOB ELEMENTS: Your qualifications will be evaluated on the basis of your level of knowledge, skills, abilities and/or competencies in the following areas:

1. Must be knowledgeable of the entire water treatment/distribution process.
2. Skill in manipulating numerous controls to accurately control chemical flow into the potable water system. Skill in operating various types of pumps and other distribution equipment to ensure proper flow and system pressures.
3. Skill in performing routine operator maintenance and minor repair of items such as control valves, motors, pumps.
4. Knowledge of safety regulation, practices and procedures. Knowledge of operational and maintenance records, manual and/or automated, required for pumps and other equipment.
5. Knowledge of water treatment and analysis using prescribed test equipment and chemicals to test and treat water, and system equipment.
6. Ability to operate the following vehicles: 1-5 ton vehicles, backhoe, loader (up to 4 cu. yards), dump truck (up to10-ton), tractor trailer (2-10 ton with 20 to 40 foot trailer). Ability to follow oral and written instructions.

PHYSICAL EFFORT: Climbing on ladders, scaffolding, and platforms; standing, bending, and working in cramped and/or elevated areas; lifting and carrying tools and equipment which may occasionally weigh over 45 pounds. Needs to be capable of pushing, pulling, reaching, prolonged walking and rupturing, standing, crawling, kneeling, bending, and working in cramped positions for extended periods of time.

WORKING CONDITIONS: Works inside and outside with exposure to inclement weather. Inside work sometimes requires contact with running motors, pumps, and machinery, loud noises, and poor ventilation. The employee may be exposed to injury from falls from a platform (i.e., ladders, etc.) and/or cuts and bruises from tools and equipment. Employee may also be exposed to hazardous chemicals (i.e., chlorine gas, acids, caustics, reagents, solvents, oils, greases, etc). Outside work involves traveling to various pumping or booster stations and all types of weather.

PART-TIME OR UNPAID EXPERIENCE: Credit will be given for appropriate unpaid and or part-time work. You must clearly identify the duties and responsibilities in each position held and the total number of hours per week.

VOLUNTEER WORK EXPERIENCE: Refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service Programs (i.e., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community; student and social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge and skills that can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.This job does not have an education qualification requirement.