Lead Water Plant Operator
Town Of Palisade
Palisade, CO
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JOB DETAILS
SALARY
$70,000–$80,000 Per Year
LOCATION
Palisade, CO
POSTED
30+ days ago
Department: Public Works
Reports To: Public Works Director
Class A Water Treatment License $70,000-$80,000 per year (dependent on previous experience, certifications, and qualifications). Class B Water Treatment License $60,000-$70,000 per year (dependent on previous experience, certifications, and qualifications). Full benefits include 100% health/dental/vision for employees (50% for dependents), 5% retirement match, 8 hours per month paid vacation accrual, 8 hours per month sick time accrual, plus thirteen paid holidays per year.
Effective Date: 7/23/25
Qualifications:
• 4-year degree or High School Diploma or GED with equivalent experience.
• Valid driver's license with a clean driving record.
• Colorado Class A or B Water Treatment License or ability to attain in 6 months.
• Colorado licenses in Water Distribution, Wastewater Collections, or Wastewater Treatment is preferred.
• 5 Years of experience in Water Treatment
Overview:
Works with the Water Treatment ORC to operate and maintain the Town of Palisade microfiltration membrane water treatment facility. Manage the Town of Palisade watershed and source water infrastructure, and assist with Distribution system maintenance.
This position will also involve assisting other department employees in areas such as water distribution, wastewater collection, wastewater treatment, and street maintenance.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
*The following duty statements are illustrative of the essential functions of the job and do not include other non-essential duties that may be required or assigned. The Town reserves the right to modify policy, procedures, or change the duties or essential functions of this job at any time.*
• Assists the ORC in the daily operation of the water treatment facility.
• Data collection from plant analyzers, pumps, and compressors.
• Operation and maintenance of an on-site sodium hypochlorite generator.
• Calibration of in-line and laboratory benchtop analyzers.
• Under the supervision of the Water ORC, adjusts chemical feed rates and plant flows to optimize treatment process while maintaining all CDPHE and USEPA regulations.
• Maintenance and repair of raw water infrastructure, including pipes, valves, air-relief valves, pressure reducing valves, and spring boxes.
• Manage raw water valving and diversions to meet production demand and maintain storage reservoir level.
• Monthly watershed data collection (dam piezometers, raw water meters).
• Maintenance and inspection of water storage reservoirs.
• Conducts routine laboratory analysis following approved methods.
• Collection of monthly bacteriological samples, quarterly DBP samples, and other samples as required.
• Ability to respond to emergencies at any time and work rotating on-call shifts, including weekends.
• Effective organization of data and documents related to regulatory compliance.
• Daily record keeping and maintenance of the treatment facility.
Other Duties:
• Assists in water distribution duties, including but not limited to water main repair, water main replacement, hydrant flushing, water meter replacement, water main locating, and emergency situations.
• Assists in wastewater collections duties, including but not limited to collection system repairs and line jetting.
• Assists in streets maintenance operations, including but not limited to street sweeping, road grading, pothole repairs, leaf removal, storm drain cleaning, and snow removal.
• On occasion, assists the Parks and Events department with Town-sponsored events and festivals, including street closures, traffic flagging, and event set-up/tear-down.
Required Knowledge and Skills:
• In-depth knowledge of the State of Color do and federal regulations regarding the treatment and distribution of water.
• Ability to communicate effectively verbally and in written communications.
• Ability to maintain and establish effective working relationships with co-workers, government agencies, contractors, and customers.
• Use interpersonal communications to resolve customer service complaints and problems.
• Knowledge of correct safety practices used in confined space entry, trenching, and shoring.
• Knowledge of Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA).
Physical Requirements:
• Ability to conduct activities requiring extensive walking and standing, and moderate sitting.
• Ability to lift, carry, push, or pull burdens up to 50 lbs. frequently and up to 100 pounds on a daily basis.
• Ability to perform activities requiring climbing, balancing, stooping, kneeling/bending, crouching, crawling, and reaching daily.
• Ability to hear and respond to routine telephone and interpersonal communication, two-way radios, and pager signals. Ability to hear and respond to alarms, signals, and machinery noises associated with a work environment.
• Ability to utilize the full scope of visual capacity in performing duties.
• Physical ability to operate a motorized vehicle and light/medium equipment.
Equipment Used:
Town-owned vehicles (Pick-up and Dump Truck), Skid Steer, Backhoe, Trenchers, Valve
Maintenance Equipment, Compactor, Cut-off Saw, Jack Hammer, Water Meters, Hand and Power Tools, Testing Equipment, Air Compressors, Meter Reading Equipment, Software, and all equipment normally used in the repair and maintenance of the Town's infrastructure.
Environment Conditions:
Many of this position's duties are performed in an outdoor environment. The incumbent may experience exposure to a variety of weather conditions and hazards associated with water and plant operations, such as weather/temperature changes, chemical, mechanical, and electrical hazards, working at heights and below ground level, fumes, gases, and odors associated with the environment and work environment.
Please apply in person at 175 E 3^rd^ Street, Palisade, CO 81526, or email application and resume to the Town of Palisade Public Works Director,
Bflenniken@townofpalisade.org
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