03/13/1995 97300

WATER TREATMENT PLANT OPERATOR

DEFINITION: This is skilled work in the operation and maintenance of a water treatment plant.

Employees in this class operate and maintain motors, pumps, water softeners, chemical feeders, chlorinators, filters, flow recorders, controllers and related equipment used in water treatment plants. Work includes conducting proceduralized chemical testing of plantinfluent or effluent to insure portability, pH
level, purity, clarity, biochemical oxygen demand level, and the safety of the plant's effluent for either human consumption or environmental protection. Work may include lead work and training responsibilities for laborers and semi-skilled laborers temporarily assigned to the water treatment plant. Employees in this class may perform operations, maintenance and repair work in a large and complex facility or facility providing community water service where another employe is designated the chief operator. Work is assigned in the form of oral or written instructions and is performed following established procedures and guidelines. Work is reviewed upon completion by a technical or administrative supervisor for quality and continuity of services.

EXAMPLES OF WORK: Operates and maintains a water treatment facility.

Collects water samples and performs chemical tests to determine purity, clarity, biochemical oxygen demand, and ph level; determines potability of water supply.

Reads meters and records findings on daily log; and maintains charts of water pressure and flow.

Maintains records on maintenance performed on equipment and prepares reports on plant operations as necessary.

Operates chlorinators, ammoniators, chemical feed apparatus, alum machines, motors, pumps, valves, filters, recording meters and related water treatment
equipment.

Performs routine preventative maintenance and makes minor repairs and adjustments to chlorinators, ammoniators, alum machines, motors, pumps, valves,
filters, recording meters and related water treatment equipment.

Cleans plants, buildings, other structures, filter beds and tanks.

Operates Commonwealth owned motorized vehicles including automobiles and light trucks as necessary.

Performs related work as required.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGES, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES: Knowledge of the operation of a water treatment plant.

Knowledge of the hazards and safety precautions required while working with water treatment equipment and the plant's influent and effluent.

Knowledge of the methods and tools used in operating and maintaining water treatment equipment.

Knowledge of the chemical techniques and equipment used in testing water plant influent and effluent.

Skill in the operation of water treatment equipment.

Ability to perform routine preventative maintenance and make minor repairs and adjustments to water treatment equipment.

Ability to use and care for the standard tools used in the plumbing trade.

Ability to read charts, graphs, meters and other measuring devices used in water treatment plants and to maintain records on such readings.

Ability to read wiring/plumbing diagrams and schematic blueprints.

Ability to perform heavy physical labor for short periods of time.

Ability to work outdoors under varying climatic conditions.

Ability to understand and follow oral and written instructions.

Ability to read and write at the GED 3 level.

Normal color perception.

NECESSARY SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS: Possession of a valid certificate issued by the State Board for the Certification of Sewage Treatment Plant and Waterworks
Operators for the class and type of water treatment plant operated. Certain positions may also be required to obtain certification as a sewage treatment plant
operator.

Possession of a valid Pennsylvania Driver's License.