Job Description

Water Plant Operator I

St. James Parish Government is hiring for the position of Water Plant Operator I in the Operations Department.

JOB FUNCTION: Controls treatment plant machines and equipment to filter and clarify water for human consumption and industrial use. This position is classified as essential during declared emergencies or natural disasters. This is a nonexempt position, working a rotating shift. This position is Safety Sensitive and subject to random drug testing as per the St. James Parish Government Employee Handbook. Individuals in this class are able to complete the majority of their work with a minimum amount of supervision.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: Includes any combination of the following illustrative examples of duties and responsibilities including but not limited to:

• Operates and controls electric motors, pumps, and valve(s) to regulate the flow of raw water into treatment plant
• Dumps specified amounts of chemicals such as chlorine, ammonia, and lime into water; or adjust automatic devices that admit specified amounts of chemicals into tanks to disinfect, deodorize, and clarify water
• Starts agitators to mix chemicals and allows impurities to settle to bottom of tank(s)
• Turns valve(s) to regulate water through filter beds to remove impurities
• Pumps filtered water into water mains
• Monitors panel board and adjusts controls to regulate flow rates, loss of head pressure and water elevation, and distribution of water
• Cleans tanks and filter beds using backwashing
• Performs routine maintenance on machines and equipment
• Tests water samples to determine acidity, color, and impurities
• Adds chemicals such as alum into tanks to coagulate impurities and reduce acidity
• Records data such as residual content of chemicals, water turbidity, and water pressure
• Maintains daily and monthly logs
• Performs maintenance, repairs, and installation tasks for the public gas and water distribution system
• Reads and records current usage data from gas/water meters
• Uses equipment or visually checks for gas and water leaks
• May assist with the installation of wet taps on water and gas lines
• Classifies, codes, and posts various information and data into computer systems
• Other duties as assigned

QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS: To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. St. James Parish Government is an equal opportunity employer. Reasonable accommodations will be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE: High School diploma or general education diploma (GED) with 1 year of experience as a Water Plant Operator Trainee.

MATHEMATICAL SKILLS: Ability to work with mathematical concepts such as probability and statistical inference and fundamentals of plane and solid geometry and trigonometry. Ability to apply concepts such as fractions, percentages, ratios, and proportions to practical situations.

REASONING ABILITY: Ability to define common sense understanding to carry out instructions furnished in written, oral, diagram or schedule form. Ability to solve practical problems and deal with a variety of concrete variables in situations where only limited standardization exists.

CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS: Must possess a valid Drivers License with an acceptable driving record. Will need to pass the Water Treatment Operator Class I and Distribution Class I Certification or state temporary certificates.

OTHER SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

• General knowledge of the hazards and applicable safety rules and regulations in equipment operation
• Ability to perform physical labor required of the position
• Ability to perform daily housekeeping duties
• Have some knowledge of computer systems

St. James Parish is committed to providing equal employment opportunities. The parish will not discriminate against employees or applicants for employment on any legally recognized basis including, but not limited to veteran status, race, color, religion, sex, marital status, national origin, physical or mental disability, agree or political affiliations.

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