Water Treatment Plant - Plant Operator

Job Title: Plant Operator
Department: Water Treatment Plant
Union: Pittsburgh Joint Collective Bargaining Committee (PJCBC); Local 95
Rate: $40.028
FLSA Status: Non-Exempt
Under the supervision of the Water Production Manager, the Plant Operator will work as a member of the team that is responsible for treating, filtering, disinfecting, and distributing clean and safe drinking water to Pittsburgh Water’s service area. Additionally, the Plant Operator will maintain ample pressures and supply of stored water within our service area.
RESPONSIBILITIES

• Monitor SCADA to ensure that all chemicals are feeding properly, and plant operations are running as they should.
• Operate and monitor water treatment equipment and processes to ensure the delivery of clean and safe drinking water to the community.
• Operate all associated supporting and controlled equipment, such as pumps, compressors, flocculator drives, aerators, etc. at satellite facilities, water treatment plant, water storage tanks and reservoirs.
• Analyze data and trends to identify issues or potential improvements in the water treatment process and implement necessary corrective actions.
• Maintain accurate records of water treatment plant operations, including daily logs, test results, chemical usage, and maintenance activities.
• Monitor and control the operation of remote pumping stations, filters, backwash and chemical feed center.
• Perform essential plant maintenance procedures such as cleaning, inspections, lubrication, minor mechanical repairs to equipment associated with the work.
• Visit reservoirs and pump stations to monitor and operate booster chlorination feed systems.
• Ensure compliance with all applicable regulations and guidelines, such as those set by the EPA, PA DEP and any local or agencies.
• Monitor river and plant conditions.
• Respond to emergencies or equipment malfunctions in a timely manner to minimize disruption to the water treatment process and prevent any impact on public health.
• Collect water samples, take readings, and run water-related tests, such as qualitative colorimetric samples as requested or required.
• Collaborate with other operators and maintenance staff to coordinate plant operations and maintenance activities.
• Perform activities and functions of related lower-level personnel.
• Perform other tasks as assigned or required.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES

• Considerable knowledge of water purification, pumping station operations, related equipment, and tools, as well as safety hazards and the precautions of work.
• Some knowledge of physical sciences such as chemistry and physics, basic engineering, and mathematics.
• Ability to operate all associated supporting and control equipment like flocculator drives, mixers, and others.
• Monitor and control the operation of remote pumping stations, rapid sand filters, backwash, and chemical feed center utilizing Pittsburgh Water’s Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition system.
• Examine taste and odor conditions and to report problems to supervisors.
• Maintain accurate and legible records and logs pertaining to all phases of the work.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with supervisors, associates, outside agencies, and the public.
• Some computer skills and some knowledge of the SCADA system are preferred.

EDUCATION / EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS
The following requirements list the minimum education/training/experience required to qualify for this job. An equivalent combination of education and/or experience may be accepted.

• One (1) year of experience working on water purification or water supply.
• Within twenty-four (24) months of hire date, you must take and pass all of the training courses necessary to obtain and continue to maintain Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) Water Certifications throughout employment; State Certification for Water Treatment Plant Operator is preferred.

GENERAL REQUIREMENTS
Applicant must present a current, valid Class C (Class 1) PA Motor Vehicle Operator’s License at the time of application or prior to appointment. A valid driver’s license must be maintained throughout employment.
SUPERVISION EXERCISED / RECEIVED
No direct reports / Will receive supervision directly from the Water Production Manager.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to operate a pickup truck, van, forklift, and other related equipment; sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms; see, talk and hear; stand, walk, stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl on even and uneven surfaces. The employee will perform heavy work including lifting and/or moving up to 100 pounds and work in loud conditions with vibrations, traffic, mechanical, chemical, fire, and explosive risks.
CONDITIONS
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly exposed to a loud or moderate noise level in the work environment. May perform work outdoors under extreme weather. The employee may be exposed to confined, high spaces, like erect scaffolding; loud conditions with vibrations, traffic, mechanical, chemical, fire, and explosive risks; and odors, dusts, fumes, mists, poor ventilation, and gases which may require a respirator.
Availability to work all three shifts, as well as weekends, and holidays. Subject to remain on duty beyond normal hours and/or recalled during emergency situations or other extensive periods.
MEDICAL EXAMINATION
Employment may be contingent upon the results of a post-offer (initial employment or promotion) physical examination performed by the Authority's examining physician.
DRUG TESTING
Employment may be contingent upon the results of a post-offer (initial employment or promotion) drug screening. Continued employment may be subject to randomized drug and alcohol testing conducted without advance notice and for reasonable suspicion.
PRE-EMPLOYMENT BACKGROUND INVESTIGATION
Ability to successfully pass a thorough investigation consisting of a criminal history check, verification of prior employment and performance, reference, and credentials checks, and in some cases credit history.
Applicants are subject to a System for Award Management (SAM) or any successor system search as maintained by the General Services Administration (GSA) to ensure compliance with federal procurement and non-procurement programs.
Applications: You may be considered for other available positions based on qualifications provide on your employment application. If you have questions regarding your application, please contact the Human Resources Department at:

Pittsburgh Water Human Resources Department
1200 Penn Avenue
Pittsburgh, PA 15222
412-255-8800
[email protected]
An Equal Opportunity Employer: Pittsburgh Water is proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer. We do not discriminate based on any legally protected statuses, including, but not limited to race, color, ancestry, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, age, marital or family status, disability, gender, gender identity or expression, pregnancy status, or veteran status. Pittsburgh Water is committed to providing candidates with reasonable accommodations for those with disabilities during our recruiting process; if you need assistance, please contact us at [email protected] or 412-255-8800.