Water Operator III

Purpose

Aids in training operators in technical functions in relation to process control and operations.  Duties include implementation of process monitoring, and equipment operation, troubleshooting and maintenance. Evaluates laboratory process control data and recommends specific course of action to maintain process control. Conducts, administers, and supervisors all company work related efforts and activities within the rules, regulations and responsibilities of the most current Company safety policies and OSHA regulation. Performs administrative work such as recording and graphing process data changes on a daily basis. Maintains, creates and trains staff  to the proper standard operating procedures (SOP) for process laboratory work. Responds to main line breaks, service breaks, fire hydrant problems and other emergencies as deemed necessary by his/her Supervisor. Will also assist customers with concerns of quality and delivery.  This position also provides technical and/or physical assistance to other personnel, contractors and developers and any other duties assigned. Also performs or assists in the performance of routine maintenance and emergency repairs to all facets of the water system. Additionally, responsible for accurate record keeping in all matters pertaining to the daily operations of system.

Accountabilities

• Aids the supervisor in plant operation team tasks by assigning and performing daily operation, maintenance and repair tasks, reviewing computer-generated maintenance assignments, and complying with  standard operating procedures. Includes sampling and laboratory testing for regulatory compliance.
• Trains operators in technical functions and operations by conducting technical training on all plant equipment and instruments, writing training standards and qualifications, and instructing on microbiology and plant process control, plant operations, safety, and equipment operations.  Practices performance coaching, and encouraging operators to offer innovative ideas in the area of plant control. Inspection of possible leaks. Repairs, when possible, to service lines, mains and hydrants. completes utility locates.  Arrangement for repairs by contractors. Assistance to contractors in completion of repairs.
• Performs administrative work, writes plant directives, recommends improvements on processes and procedures, investigates new process treatment technologies and makes recommendations based on findings. May implement improvements.  Performs daily evaluation of process control results, and makes operational changes as necessary for efficiency, safety, and quality control.
• Performs other duties as required, including operating, testing, maintenance and repair tasks. May be called upon to assist other divisions within the Infrastructure Division, or to assist inspections by regulatory agencies.

Education and Experience

• Work requires knowledge of a specific vocational, administrative, or technical nature which may be obtained with two years of advanced study or training past the high school equivalency.  Junior college, vocational, business, technical or correspondence schools are likely sources.  Appropriate certification may be awarded upon satisfactory completion of advanced study or training.
• Experience in plumbing, water treatment and/or water distribution preferred.
• Valid Arkansas Driver’s License Class D or a CDL is preferred. Arkansas Department of Health Water Operator License (Grade III Treatment or Grade III Distribution) or ability to obtain within 12 months of hire.  Certification must be kept current throughout employment.
• Work requires the ability to read schematics, blueprints, technical specifications, regulations, permits, MSDS information, and operations, procedure, and repair manuals. Must have a working knownledge of  Standards and Methods Labatory work for water operators.
• Work requires the ability to perform general math calculations such as addition, subtraction, multiplication and division.
• Work requires the ability to write daily logs, reports, work orders, budget justifications, process control changes, wasting calculations, technical specifications, reviews, performance evaluations, training standards, and general correspondence.
• Planning responsibilities include scheduling labatory process work, work assignments and process orders, making recommendations regarding long-range process control operations, and assisting in planning various projects.
• The incumbent prepares supporting documents asigned by his supervisor, and may be required to recommend budget allocations.
• Work requires supervising, training, and monitoring performance for a regular group of employees in a self-directed teams, including providing input on hiring/disciplinary actions, work objectives/effectiveness, and realigning work as needed.
• Work is governed by broad instructions, objectives, and policies.  Work requires the exercise of considerable initiative and independent analytical and evaluative judgment.
• The incumbents in this position contact others within the organization.  These contacts may involve similar work units or divisions of the Company which may be involved in decision making or providing approval or decision making authority for purchases or projects.  In addition, these incumbents work with individuals outside the Company who may belong to professional or peer organizations.  Working with various state and federal agencies may also be required of the employee.  Vendors and suppliers may also be called upon for information on purchases, supplies or products.  Meetings and discussions may be conducted with customers, brokers and sales representatives.  Must have positive, team-oriented, leadership skills.