Water Filtration Plant Operator/Relief Operator

Position:                               Water Filtration Plant Operator/Relief Operator
Grade:                                   8
Department:                        Water Utility
FLSA:                                    Non-Exempt
Reporting Supervisor:     Water Treatment Manager
Date:                                      January 2025

The City of Neenah is an Equal Opportunity Employer.  In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, the City will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities and encourages both prospective and current employees to discuss potential accommodations with the employer.

JOB SUMMARY:

This is a skilled technical position responsible for successful continuous, real-time operations of integrated water pumping, transmission, treatment, and distribution systems in accordance with local, state, and federal water quality and operations standards.  This employee must know how to interpret and apply applicable rules and regulations from the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR), Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services (DSPS), Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade, and Consumer Protection (DATCP), and local codes and ordinances.

This employee exercises independent judgment and demonstrates an intermediate to advanced level of water treatment operations with expertise in the ability to resolve complex or unique water treatment problems. The employee also understands the interrelationship among mechanical, hydraulic, electrical, and instrumentation sub-systems for proper and sustained function of water treatment and pumping processes. This work is performed under the general direction of the Water Treatment Manager.

This position works independently due to the specialization of the work, but may occasionally work with small teams. The employee is required to have a high level of knowledge, skills, and abilities, including the ability to troubleshoot related water treatment issues quickly and occasionally under duress.

ESSENTIAL JOB DUTIES:

This position performs a wide variety of skilled operational tasks in the operation, maintenance, and optimization of the water treatment plant including, but not limited to:

• Retrieves samples and performs required laboratory analyses to comply with regulatory monitoring and process control guidelines including but not limited to chlorine residual, fluoride residual, alkalinity, pH, hardness, turbidity, and odor. Water quality results are required to be entered daily and reported to the State of Wisconsin.
• Determines, adjusts, and monitors dosage and feed rates for treatment chemicals including but not limited to lime, sodium hypochlorite, carbon dioxide, sodium hydroxide, ferric sulfate, aqua ammonia, fluoride, polymer, phosphates, potassium permanganate, activated carbon, and other chemicals necessary for water treatment.
• Performs laboratory scale process simulation tests to optimize treatment.
• Determines, adjusts, and monitors unit process subsystems to optimize treatment process performance and efficiency including but not limited to mixer speeds, pump speeds, backwash rates and duration.
• Determines the percent transmittance of finished water using a UV spectrophotometer.
• Monitors and records  temperatures on the incubator and refrigerator and adjust them to meet state requirements.
• Performs quality control testing and verification of lab equipment and reagents for standards set by the EPA, DATCP, and State of Wisconsin.
• Monitors and controls plant processes via a SCADA system and checks the operation of testing and recording systems.
• Determines, adjusts, and monitors flow rates for pumping, treatment, and distribution processes to satisfy system demand and storage targets.
• Identifies equipment malfunctions and unusual operating or mechanical conditions. Initiates repair and maintenance processes based on identified malfunctions and conditions.
• Makes process observations and maintains accurate records and reports.
• Completes log sheets and communicates relevant information to co-workers and supervisor.
• Compiles and enters computer data from system monitoring activities using standard and process specific software.
• Monitors and responds to security system alerts as appropriate.
• Serves as a point of contact and assists during unusual or emergency conditions.
• Performs proficiency tests as required by the state to maintain lab certification.
• Accepts and monitor deliveries of chemicals and use the forklift when needed.

Relief Operators perform the additional tasks, in addition to the Operator tasks:

• Provides primary backup operations for water treatment duties. Fills non-emergency vacancies within operations department upon adequate notice. Perform all short-term and long-term duties and responsibilities of the Water Filtration Plant Operator when needed.
• Performs specific plant maintenance tasks with regards to treatment water clarifiers, basins, channels and intake structures.
• Performs general building maintenance, including grounds care, carpentry, plumbing and electrical work.
• Performs regular inspections of all plant maintenance and safety equipment.
• Assists Filter Plant Electrical Technician and Filter Plant Mechanical Technician as needed to perform maintenance-related tasks.
• Assists in the maintenance of all water plant and water storage facility equipment.
• Inspects, repairs, and maintains water plant equipment, structures and property.
• Maintains, repairs, and calibrates ultraviolet light (UV) disinfection systems.
• Participates in on-call list for snow removal on plant property.

EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE/LICENSING:

To perform this job successfully, an individual must possess the following level of education, licensure, and experience.  Waterworks Operator licenses must be obtained within one year of employment.

• Associate degree from a water treatment program or related field.
• Two years of experience operating a surface water treatment plant including laboratory experience.
• Strong ability to communicate calmly and accurately with employees and the general public.
• Excellent record keeping skills and communicating in written form.
• Five or more years of experience in the operation of water or wastewater systems in a plant environment; or any equivalent combination of education, experience, and training. .
• Valid Wisconsin driver’s license.
• Wisconsin Municipal Waterworks Operator License with Subclasses S, D, and L.

Neenah Water Utility may consider any equivalent amount of credentials, licensure, training, or experience that provides the necessary knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform the duties and responsibilities of this position.

KNOWLEDGE/SKILLS/ABILITIES:

This position requires the knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform and the following tasks:

• Knowledge of water treatment and distribution systems, including pumping, storage, and chemical feed operations.
• Knowledge of hydraulics as it applies to water utility operations.
• Knowledge of SCADA systems and their role in plant monitoring and control.
• Knowledge of chemistry, biology, and laboratory procedures related to water quality.
• Knowledge of preventative and predictive maintenance programs and planning.
• Knowledge of water quality parameters and the impact of weather patterns on operations.
• Knowledge of safety policies and procedures including lockout/tagout and confined space protocols.

• Skilled in performing water quality analyses and using the results to make operational adjustments.
• Skilled in operating treatment plants independently during all hours, including holidays and weekends.
• Skilled in making adjustments to feed systems when chemical or feed pumps fail.
• Skilled in communicating clearly and effectively with internal staff, vendors, and citizens.
• Skilled in maintaining accurate records such as doses, treatment changes, and lab results.
• Skilled in monitoring SCADA, tank levels, and recognizing abnormalities such as sudden water loss from main breaks.
• Skilled in intermediate computer applications including SCADA, Word, and Excel.
• Skilled in providing manual plant operation in the event of SCADA or communication failure.
• Skilled in monitoring and managing plant access for security purposes, including nights and weekends.
• Skilled in taking after-hours calls, resolving concerns, and dispatching distribution crews when necessary.

• Ability to calculate percentages, fractions, decimals, dosages, volumes, ratios, and spatial relationships accurately.
• Ability to work independently during all operational periods, including nights, weekends, and holidays.
• Ability to respond calmly and decisively to complex or urgent issues, including emergencies.
• Ability to identify and solve complex problems involving limited variables, occasionally under pressure.
• Ability to accept full responsibility for after-hours water plant operations.
• Ability to maintain regular, punctual, and predictable attendance.
• Ability to use standard office equipment (e.g., personal computer, calculator, phone, fax, copier).
• Ability to operate fixed and portable emergency power generation and pumping equipment as needed.
• Ability to operate the plant day or night, making critical treatment decisions in real time.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

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:

• Stand, walk, sit, crawl, bend, twist, squat, kneel, reach, push, pull, and complete other repetitive movements associated with moving bulk chemicals, liquids, equipment, and tools.
• Use hands to finger, grasp, hold or feel and for fine manipulation purposes.
• Reach with hands and arms with a coordinated movement of more than one limb simultaneously.
• Ability to alternate between sitting and standing as needed.
• Ability to have close visual acuity to perform activity such as: preparing and analyzing data and figures; transcribing, viewing a computer terminal; extensive reading.
• Ability to operate standard office equipment and keyboards.
• Ability to lift and carry more than 50 pounds regularly.
• Relief Operators must be able to work in confined spaces and at elevations of up to 150’ above ground level.

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing 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 may be exposed to dirt, grit, dampness, fumes or airborne particles, and wide temperature extremes.
• The workplace contains hazards such as moving mechanical parts; flashing lights; sounds in excess of 90 dB; slippery surfaces; hazardous, toxic or caustic chemicals; various adverse environmental conditions for extended periods of time; risk of electrical shock or arc flash; and vibration.
• The Water Plant and Water Towers present hazards such as confined spaces, fall hazards, and elevations of up to 150’ above ground level.
• The noise level in the work environment is a combination of moderate and loud.

DEPARTMENT AND PUBLIC IMPACT:

• This position requires a high level of aptitude and attentiveness due to the critical nature of the operation and .
• This position must possess the knowledge, skills, and abilities to make critical adjustments to the Water Plant with very little oversight or supervision.
• Failure to adhere to established safety protocols can result in severe injuries or death to the employee and/or coworkers along with jeopardizing the health and welfare of the citizens of Neenah.
• Failure to follow operational protocols along with DNR and EPA codes and regulations can result in significant negative impacts to the Water Utility and the entire city, including significant monetary penalties, significant negative financial impacts to the city, and risks to health and welfare.

SUPERVISORY AND MANAGEMENT RESPONSIBILITY:

• The Operator is responsible for the operation of the Treatment Plant, but must be able to give instructions to Distribution staff responding to external issues and Treatment staff while they are participating in maintenance activities.
• In addition, the Relief Operator role is responsible for participating in maintenance activities with personnel while in a maintenance role (Filter Plant Mechanical Technician and Filter Plant Electrical Technician).

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential job function satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential job functions herein described. Since every duty connected with this position may not be described herein, employees may be required to perform duties not specifically spelled out in the job description, but which may be reasonably considered to be incidental in the performing of their duties just as though they were written out in the job description sheet.