Description

Position Summary:
Under the general direction of the Lead Operator, the Water Treatment Plant Operator performs skilled technical work in the operation and routine maintenance of the BWA water treatment plant and related facilities. This position is responsible for monitoring, adjusting, and documenting treatment processes to ensure the production and distribution of safe, reliable, and high-quality potable water in compliance with all applicable local, state, and federal laws, rules, regulations, and BWA policies and procedures.

The Water Treatment Plant Operator retrieves and analyzes samples, performs process control testing, assists with chemical dosing and equipment operation, enters accurate data into logs and records, and helps maintain a safe and clean work environment. The Operator participates in ongoing training to obtain and maintain required licenses and certifications.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:         

• Monitor water treatment processes and make operational adjustments to chemical dosages, feed rates, and other process control parameters within established guidelines.
• Collect water samples and perform routine laboratory and field tests at required intervals; record and report results in accordance with regulatory and BWA requirements.
• Assist with maintaining adequate potable water flow, pressure, and chemical treatment throughout the plant and distribution system to ensure compliance with all applicable drinking water standards.
• Perform routine preventive maintenance on plant equipment (e.g., pumps, valves, motors, chemical feed systems, instrumentation) and make minor repairs or adjustments as assigned.
• Assist maintenance staff and contractors with more complex repairs, improvements, and projects as needed.
• Maintain accurate operating logs, checklists, and records (manual and electronic) related to plant operations, water quality, chemical usage, maintenance, and unusual conditions or incidents.
• Receive and verify deliveries of chemicals, equipment, and materials; follow proper storage, labeling, and handling procedures in accordance with safety data sheets (SDS) and BWA policies.
• Follow and actively support BWA safety policies, procedures, and programs; use required personal protective equipment (PPE); promptly report unsafe conditions, near misses, and incidents.
• Maintain work areas, buildings, and grounds in a clean, orderly, and safe condition.
• Participate in required training to obtain and maintain appropriate licenses and certifications, including TCEQ operator licensing and safety training.
• Respond to plant and system alarms, emergencies, and abnormal operating conditions; take appropriate corrective actions within established guidelines and promptly notify supervision.
• Work cooperatively with other BWA employees, member city or customer personnel, contractors, regulators, and the public in a professional and respectful manner.
• Perform other related duties as assigned to support the safe and efficient operation of the BWA water system.

Requirements

Minimum Requirements:
Education and Experience

• High school diploma or equivalent (GED) required.
• Minimum of two (2) years of experience in water treatment plant operations or a closely related field is preferred. An equivalent combination of education, training, and experience may be considered.

Licenses and Certifications

• Valid Texas Class C Motor Vehicle Operator’s License and an acceptable driving record in accordance with BWA policy and must be eligible for coverage under the Authority’s vehicle insurance policy.
•  Possession of a current TCEQ Class “C” or higher Water Operator License (or applicable water treatment license) preferred at time of hire.
• Candidates who do not possess the required TCEQ license at hire must be able to obtain a Class “D” Water Operator License within 90 days of employment, as a condition of continued employment.
• Must maintain all required licenses and certifications as a condition of continued employment.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Basic knowledge of water treatment principles, practices, and processes, including coagulation, filtration, disinfection, and distribution system operation.
• Ability to read, interpret, and follow written and oral instructions, standard operating procedures (SOPs), safety procedures, and regulatory requirements.
• Ability to learn and apply BWA-specific plant processes, SCADA systems, and recordkeeping requirements.
• Skill in safely operating tools, equipment, and machinery commonly used in water treatment plant operations and light maintenance.
• Ability to accurately perform basic mathematical calculations used in process control, chemical dosage, flow rates, and unit conversions.
• Ability to use computers and software applications for data entry, basic reporting, email, and training modules.
• Ability to work effectively both independently and as part of a team, establish and maintain effective working relationships, and communicate clearly and professionally.

Other Requirements

• Must maintain a working telephone or reliable communication method at all times for contact and emergency purposes, in accordance with BWA policy.
• Must adhere to all BWA personnel, security, and safety policies, procedures, rules, and regulations, as well as all applicable local, state, and federal laws and regulations.
• Subject to pre-employment and, where applicable, random or reasonable suspicion drug and alcohol testing and background checks in accordance with BWA policy and applicable law.
• Must be available and willing to work rotating shifts, weekends, holidays, overtime, and on-call duty as assigned.
• Must be available to respond to emergency or disaster situations (e.g. severe weather, power outages, plant or distribution emergencies) as needed.

Physical and Mental Requirements (With or Without Reasonable Accommodation)
The physical and mental requirements described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. BWA will provide reasonable accommodation in accordance with applicable law.

        Physical Activity: Frequent standing, walking (including on uneven surfaces), climbing stairs and ladders, bending, stooping, kneeling, and reaching above shoulder level. Occasional crawling, twisting, and working in confined spaces. Must be able to work safely and comfortably at heights (ladders, platforms, elevated structures, tanks).

        Lifting/Carrying: Ability to lift, carry, push, and pull objects typically up to 50 pounds on an occasional basis and lighter weights on a frequent basis.

        Manual Dexterity: Ability to grasp, handle, and operate hand tools, power tools, valves, controls, keyboards, and other equipment required for plant operations and maintenance.

        Sensory Requirements: Sufficient vision (with or without correction) to read instruments, gauges, labels, safety information, and computer screens; ability to distinguish colors used in indicators, alarms, and test results; sufficient hearing to perceive alarms, radio and verbal communications; ability to speak clearly and be understood in person and over communication devices.

        Cognitive Requirements: Ability to read, write, count, analyze data, follow multi-step procedures, prioritize tasks, respond appropriately under stress, and exercise sound judgment in routine and emergency situations.

Work Environment
Work is performed in both indoor and outdoor environments at water treatment and related facilities. The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job.

•  Exposure to loud or intermittent noise, moving mechanical parts, rotating equipment, and pressurized systems.
•  Exposure to water hazards, wet and slippery surfaces, and open water or basins.
•  Exposure to hazardous chemicals, fumes, dust, odors, and gases; required use of appropriate PPE, including but not limited to gloves, eye protection, respiratory protection (when required), hard hats, and safety footwear.
•  Exposure to varying and sometimes extreme weather conditions, including heat, cold, rain, wind, and humidity.
•  Work at heights above ground level and occasionally below ground level (e.g., pits, vaults, confined spaces), following all applicable safety and confined-space entry procedures.
•  Work may involve working alone at times and working closely with others at other times.
•  Work may require travel between BWA facilities and other locations by motor vehicle.