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

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

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 v Peoria Arizona 85345 v (623) 773-7100 v Fax (623) 773-7141