Summary/Objective

The purpose of this position is to be responsible for the operation of a highly technical water treatment and distribution process. The Technician shall endeavor to meet or exceed all state and federal water quality standards and regulations; meet or exceed Board policies, goals and expectations; promote the security of WaterOne's water system; make routine decisions concerning process chemistry, chemical dosage, mechanical equipment operations and distribution system operation; balance flows to basins and reservoirs and maintains system water storage requirements. The Technician shall endeavor to promote safety, environmental stewardship, and cost efficiency.

The pay range for the Operations Technician position starts at $26.83/hr to $36.89/hr. Compensation for the selected candidate will depend on candidate qualifications and experience as related to the position requirements.

The schedule for this role is Friday and Saturday, 5:30pm-7am, and Sunday 6pm - Monday 7am.

Essential Functions

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• With oversight, is responsible for the daily operation of a highly technical water treatment and distribution process. Handles routine decisions concerning chemical dosage and pump selection. Balances flow to basins and reservoirs and maintain system water storage requirements. Must be able to communicate effectively and follow written and oral instructions.
• Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) and PC-based computer system operator. Prepares computer-generated reports for management. Calculates flows, chemical dosages, and chemical solutions. Monitors and responds to all aspects of water quality prior to distribution. Maintains pressures, flows, and reservoirs in the distribution system. Responsible for the accurate entry of operational data and reports.
• Troubleshoots problems with chemical treatment, complex instrumentation, mechanical equipment, and microprocessor-based controllers and generates work orders when necessary.
• Operates and monitors the ozone generation system to ensure effective treatment processes and compliance with water quality standards.
• Operates and performs occasional testing of natural gas generators to ensure reliable backup power during outages, peak shaving, and inclement weather.
• Responds to emergencies, such as main breaks or equipment malfunctions/outages, by contacting the appropriate personnel and coordinating necessary actions to restore operations and ensure system safety.
• Responsible for the safe utilization of hazardous chemicals and gases. Must demonstrate proper use of safety equipment, including respirator and self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA), and participate in required safety training. Correctly wear personal protective equipment for appropriate situations.
• Operates complex High Voltage electrical equipment and high-pressure systems.
• Performs routine process chemical laboratory analyses. Operates and troubleshoots complex chemical analyzers.
• Maintains production laboratory, reagent inventories, and quality. Responsible for laboratory quality control and assures accurate result reporting.
• Assists in the installation, calibration, startup, and training of new processes and equipment.
• Availability to work extended hours, nights and weekends as needed.
• Availability to participate in and be available during a designated on-call week rotation to ensure uninterrupted water treatment operations.
• Performs routine maintenance and clean-up.
• Perform all duties pertaining to hazardous waste operations in accordance with all applicable requirements.

Other Duties

• Performs other job duties as assigned.

Customer Service Commitment

WaterOne employees shall continuously strive to meet or exceed the expectations of both their internal and external customers. Questions and concerns shall be acknowledged on the same day whenever possible, but no later than the next business day. Issues shall be resolved as promptly as possible, with the goal of maximizing customer satisfaction.

Competencies

Required Education & Experience

• High School Diploma or GED.
• Valid Class I Kansas Water Supply System Operator Certificate (Class 1 or higher) OR acquire one within eighteen months of employment.
• Must possess a valid driver's license and continuously meet WaterOne driving standards.
• Ability to successfully complete a pre-employment drug screening and background verification in accordance with WaterOne standards.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Ability to comprehend and learn the use of PLC-based microprocessors.
• Knowledge of hazardous chemicals handling.
• Ability to comprehend and learn to troubleshoot and calibrate chemical feed machines.
• Ability to read and interpret technical operations manuals.
• Ability to work with and as part of a team of skilled employees.
• Ability to make decisions under high-stress situations and to continuously show good judgment in routine decisions.
• Experience with or have the ability to learn and apply all applicable requirements pertaining to hazardous waste operations.
• Ability to communicate effectively, orally and written.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience operating ozone generation systems and natural gas generators preferred.
• Knowledge of electrical and mechanical systems related to backup power generation and ozone treatment processes.
• Ability to read and interpret blueprints and schematics.
• Any work experience or education related to water treatment or a related discipline.
• Mechanical operating abilities and basic plumbing skills.
• Knowledge of electrical control systems, operation, and troubleshooting.

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.

An employee in this position may be required to lift or move up to:

• 5 lbs. constantly; 10 lbs. frequently; 20 lbs. occasionally; and 40 lbs. rarely

This position requires:

1. Work in outdoor weather conditions: (Frequently);
2. Work inside and outside WaterOne facilities and structures. Outside working conditions are dependent on the weather, which involves extreme heat (above 90 degrees) in the summer and cold in the winter (below freezing). Some work may be in non-heated and non-air-conditioned structures:(Occasionally)
3. Perform field assignments in poor weather and driving conditions and deal with other hazards of field work:(Occasionally)
4. Work at varying heights up to 15 feet above the floor:(Rarely) and
5. Toleration of noise levels that are generally minimal but may be excessive for brief periods of time (hearing protection is provided):(Occasionally)

This following checked items are additional physical requirements for this position:

• Must be able to remain in a stationary, standing and/or sitting position for up to several hours a day.
• Must be able to position self to stoop, kneel, or crouch.
• Must be able to constantly operate a computer and other office productivity machinery, such as a copy machine, telephone, and computer.
• Must be able to position and move through elevators, stairways, ramps and rough terrain.
• Must be able to ascend and descend ladders to work on equipment, including climbing water towers and other structures.
• Must be able to move from one location to another.
• Must be able to wear personal protective equipment and navigate construction sites.
• Must be able to wear and use air purifying and air supplied respiratory protection.
• Must be able to ascend and descend ladders and stand or work on elevated surfaces.
• Must possess specific vision abilities required for this job including close vision, distance vision, color vision, depth perception, ability to distinguish colors, and ability to adjust focus.

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.

Necessary personal protective equipment and tools are provided to perform job duties effectively and safely and must be used when required. Employees may be exposed to various environmental factors such as chemicals, noise from machinery, and fluctuating temperatures. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate to maximal.