01/08/1994 97301

WATER TREATMENT PLANT CHIEF OPERATOR

DEFINITION: This is skilled and technical work as the chief operator responsible for the maintenance, operation and regulatory compliance of a large and complex water treatment plant or plant with significant impact on community water service.

A large and complex water treatment plant or plant with significant impact on community water service is defined as a water treatment filtration plant at a state park, mental hospital, mental retardation center, university or other institution which treats surface water from a lake, river, stream or similar source; or a large water treatment filtration plant that in addition to treating water for state institutional or facility use provides drinking water to communities and non-transient consumers. The chief operator's role is distinguished from other maintenance or operator personnel that may work in the plant by the overall accountability and responsibility for the maintenance, operation and regulatory compliance of the plant. The chief operator prepares and signs monthly reports, develops and implements maintenance schedules, determines need for repairs, responds to emergencies, may assign and review the work of lower level operators and maintenance personnel, is the primary contact for regulatory authorities, and is responsible for the continuous provision of ample water supplies which meet all quality standards and permit conditions. In addition, the chief operator also performs typical plant maintenance and operations duties such as reading meters, collecting samples, adjusting equipment, repairing equipment, operating storage and distribution systems, and preparing daily reports. Work is performed independently in accordance with the regulations of the Department of Environmental Resources. Work is reviewed by a supervisor or manager for effectiveness of plant operations.

EXAMPLES OF WORK: Controls, operates and maintains a large water treatment filtration plant utilizing a surface water source.

Controls, operates and maintains a large water treatment plant at a Commonwealth facility that also provides public drinking water for neighboring communities.

Oversees the work of Water Treatment Plant Operators, maintenance and trades personnel, and back-up operators in the operation and repair of the plant.

Performs or instructs others to perform chemical, microbiological and physical testing of water samples to determine levels or presence of PH, chlorine residuals,
total solids, turbidity, alkalinity, bacteria, lead and copper, nitrates/nitrites, volatile organic compounds.

Interprets the results of chemical, microbiological and physical tests and adjusts or directs others to adjust water treatment plant operations to maintain water
quality standards and comply with permit conditions.

Prepares monthly reports on plant operations as required by the Department of Environmental Resources.

Develops and implements maintenance schedules, maintains maintenance records, determines the need for repairs, and responds to emergencies.

Consults with engineering staff as required to address operating problems.

Operates, performs preventative maintenance and makes repairs and adjustments to chlorinators and other chemical feed equipment, motors, pumps, water softeners, alves, filters, recording meters and related water treatment equipment.

Cleans water treatment plants, filter/treatment buildings, booster stations, filter beds and tanks.

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

Also performs sewage treatment plant operations work and general maintenance and repair work as needed.

Performs related work as required.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGES, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES: Knowledge of the methods, equipment and tools utilized in the operation and maintenance of a water treatment plant and storage and distribution systems.

Knowledge of the regulatory requirements and guidelines for the operation of water treatment filtration plants issued by the Department of Environmental Resources.

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

Knowledge of chemical, physical and biological principles related to water quality testing and treatment processes.

Skill in conducting and interpreting the results of laboratory tests.

Skill in the operation, maintenance and repair of pumps, compressors, filters and other treatment plant components of water treatment equipment.

Ability to read wiring/plumbing diagrams and schematic blueprints.

Ability to read digital and analog charts, graphs, meters, computer readouts and other measuring devices used in water treatment plants and to maintain records on these readings.

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

Ability to read, understand and interpret federal and state laws and regulations governing water treatment plant operations.

Ability to react calmly and effectively in emergency situations.

Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing.

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.

Possession of normal color perception.

NECESSARY SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS: Possession of a valid certificate issued by the State Board for Certification of Sewage Treatment Plant and Waterworks Operators for the class and type of water treatment plant operated.

Possession of a valid Pennsylvania Driver's License.

Certain positions in this class will be required to possess a valid certificate issued by the State Board for Certification of Sewage Treatment Plant and Waterworks Operators for the class and type of sewage treatment plant operated.