Water Treatment Technician

Job Description

Water Treatment Technician (908)

Education and Experience

Minimum Qualifications:

Graduation from high school or possession of a GED, and
Two (2) years of construction, operations, or maintenance experience in a water or wastewater utility agency

Desirable Qualifications:

Formal specialized training in water treatment systems or plant operations and maintenance

License & Certification

The following are required at time of application and for the duration of employment:

A valid Water Distribution System Operator Certificate (Grade D-2 or above) issued by the California Department of Health Services
A valid California Class A or B commercial driver’s license with endorsements for air brakes and tank vehicles

The following is required within one (1) year of appointment and for the duration of employment:

A valid Water Treatment Plant Operator Certificate (Grade T-2 or above) issued by the California Department of Health Services

Distinguishing Characteristics

The Water Treatment Technician is a technical classification responsible for the efficient operation of the City’s water treatment facilities. An incumbent in this classification must possess a thorough understanding of potable water treatment and water distribution and exercise independent judgment in the performance of duties to ensure compliance with federal and state drinking water quality standards.

Typical Duties

Each position in this classification may not include all the duties listed below, nor do the examples cover all duties that may be performed. Under supervision:

Operates potable water treatment systems and disinfection treatment equipment and facilities; works with hazardous materials related to water treatment
Performs process control water analysis using test kits and established procedures
Performs regular inspections of water treatment facilities and equipment to ensure functionality, safety, and compliance with policies and regulations
Performs maintenance as required, including changing and interpreting flow recorder charts, computing chemical dosages and adjusting chemical feeders, recording water and electric meter readings, and painting control panels
Makes minor repairs to equipment such as chemical dosage pumps, filters, pumps, and process controls
Makes recommendations regarding maintenance requirements or facility operations
Maintains logs and develops reports pertaining to the operation and maintenance of water treatment and water distribution facilities
Maintains inventory of departmental operating supplies and chemicals; assists in the safe unloading and storage of chemicals
Drives a commercial vehicle in the performance of assigned duties, including hauling incidental hazardous materials
May perform minor electrical work pertaining to pump controls
Performs other related duties as assigned

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Knowledge of:

Principles and practices of water treatment and hydraulics
Procedures, practices, and equipment used in the operation and maintenance of water treatment and water distribution facilities
Pertinent federal, state, and local laws, codes, and regulations
Occupational hazards and standard safety precautions
Fundamentals of electrical theory

Ability to:

Perform heavy physical labor
Walk or stand for extended periods of time and bend, stoop, crawl, climb, and lift as necessary to perform assigned duties
Effectively operate assigned tools and equipment
Communicate clearly and effectively, both verbally and in writing, by using correct English grammar, spelling, and punctuation
Maintain accurate and precise written documents including records, forms, and correspondence
Evaluate situations, identify problems, and exercise initiative and sound independent judgment within established guidelines
Interpret, apply, and explain established policies and procedures
Perform arithmetic computations with accuracy
Establish and maintain tactful, courteous, and effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work
Work effectively as part of a group or team to achieve common goals
Take direction and follow established policies and procedures
Operate a personal computer and related software such as SCADA systems

Supervision Received

Receives general supervision from a Water Superintendent, Assistant Water Superintendent, Utility Crew Supervisor, or other employees as assigned.

Supervision Exercised

May act as Utility Crew Supervisor or supervise the work of maintenance employees as assigned.

Other Requirements

May be subject to drug and/or alcohol testing, as mandated by federal regulations
Must be able to perform the essential functions of the job assignment

Special Conditions

May be required to work nights, weekends, or unusual hours in emergency situations and to be available on an "on-call" basis

Approved September 2005