****As of 12/16/2024 we are still actively recruiting for 2 open positions****

General supervision (Water Treatment Plant Operator 2), or direction (Water Treatment Plant Operator 3-4), performs a variety of duties essential to the operation of the class 4 water treatment plant, water distribution system, and laboratory in accordance with Washington Department of Health and Washington Department of Ecology regulations; and operates a major water treatment facility in order to treat raw and finished water to ensure customers are provided with high quality drinking water and water is delivered in a quantity and at adequate pressure for domestic and firefighting use while utilizing safe work practices. Performs on call status when assigned.

Distinguishing Characteristics:

Water Treatment Plant Operator 2 – This is the journey level class in the Water Treatment Plant Operator series. Positions at this level require demonstrated ability to perform the full range of complex water treatment plant maintenance and repair duties as well as to learn the full range of complex plant operational duties. Positions allocated to the Water Treatment Plant Operator 2 level may act as a relief shift operator. Positions in this class series are flexibly staffed and positions at the Water Treatment Plant Operator 2 level are normally filled by advancement from the Water Treatment Plant Operator 1 level.

Water Treatment Plant Operator 3 – This is an advanced journey level class in Water Treatment Plant Operator series. Positions at this level require demonstrated ability to perform the most advanced functions related to the operation, maintenance, and repair of equipment at all City water treatment facilities. Positions allocated to this class level function as a Shift Operator, performing complex analysis of the Water Treatment Plant operations and having direct charge of the operation of a water treatment facility. Positions at this level provide instruction and assistance to lower-level Water Treatment Plant Operators. Positions in this class may act as the assigned shift operator during an assigned shift under the general supervision of the plant supervisor and may be responsible for all lead shift operator duties. Positions in this class series are flexibly staffed and positions at the Water Treatment Plant Operator 3 level are normally filled by advancement from the Water Treatment Plant Operator 2 level.

Water Treatment Plant Operator 4 – This is the most advanced journey level class in Water Treatment Plant Operator series. Positions at this level require demonstrated ability to perform advanced functions related to the operation, maintenance, and repair of equipment at all City water treatment facilities. Positions allocated to this class level function as a Shift Operator, performing complex analysis of the Water Treatment Plant operations and having direct charge of the operation of a water treatment facility. Additional duties include data quality control and assembling regulatory reports. Positions at this level provide instruction and assistance to lower-level Water Treatment Plant Operators. Positions in this class may act as the lead shift operator or operator in responsible charge during an assigned shift under the general supervision of the plant supervisor and may be responsible for operator in responsible charge duties including on call. Positions in this class series positions at the Water Treatment Plant Operator 4 level are normally filled by advancement from the Water Treatment Plant Operator 3 level.

1. Operates the water treatment plant including related subsystems and instrumentation.
2. Monitors the treatment process from the control board/computer screen; monitors various treatment processes including coagulant feed, rapid mix, flocculation, sedimentation, filtration, and disinfection; monitors the addition of chemicals added for corrosion control and fluoridation.
3. Collects, samples, and performs regulatory analysis.
4. Monitors water quality by performing laboratory tests at various stages in the treatment process including tests for chlorine residual, fluoride residual, pH, turbidity, color, hardness, alkalinity, microbiology, and other tests as necessary to maintain water quality; calibrates laboratory equipment; maintains laboratory records; ensures laboratory quality control protocol is maintained.
5. Determines chemical dosage and adjusts plant processes as necessary including for aluminum sulfate, coagulant polymer, caustic soda, micro-sand, filter aid polymer, chlorine, soda-ash, and other chemicals.
6. Reads gauges and meters; interprets data to maintain the proper treatment process, proper distribution operation, security, and alarm status; makes flow adjustments.
7. Operates pumps and valves utilizing a SCADA system; operates power plant utilizing computer interface; monitors systems for alarms and adjust controls to provide appropriate response; notifies stand-by operator or other personnel as necessary to respond to problems.
8. Operates mechanical equipment including pumps and motors, chemical feed pumps and systems, air compressors, and manual, electrical, and pneumatically operated valves; operates hand and power tools; operates a light truck, lift trucks and other small equipment.
9. Operates chlorination equipment related to the chlorine feed system; performs maintenance on chlorine system including chemical piping system; participates in calibration of chemical feed equipment.
10. Orders chemicals; takes delivery of bulk chlorine, aluminum sulfate, caustic soda,
11. Maintains operational logs and records.
12. Makes visual inspections; monitors facilities to ensure adequate security.
13. Performs preventative and predictive maintenance on treatment plant equipment and related facilities; assists specialized trades personnel in making major and/or specialized repairs to equipment; coordinates work of contractors and of other departments.
14. Operates the City’s water distribution system including reservoirs and pump stations; ensures adequate availability and pressure to all service connections; delivers required flow rate to regional customers.
15. Provides appropriate response to emergencies and spills including those involving hazardous materials; wears respirators as required.
16. Responds to inquiries from the vendors, suppliers, and public; answers questions from customers pertaining to water quality, low pressure, and leak reports.
17. May serve as plant safety representative.
18. May assist in training new operators.
19. Performs related duties as required.
20. Punctual, regular, and reliable attendance is essential for successful job performance.

QUALIFICATIONS: Any combination of education and experience that would likely provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying. Must be a high school graduate or equivalent, and a minimum of two (2) years of college-level coursework or equivalent technical training in chemistry, biology, engineering, environmental science, or related field. Relevant work experience may substitute for the college-level education requirements. A Bachelor of Science degree in chemistry, biology, engineering, environmental science, or related field is highly desirable. A typical way to obtain the knowledge and abilities are listed below.

Water Treatment Plant Operator 2

Two years of experience comparable to a Water Treatment Plant Operator 1.

Licenses and other requirements: Possession of a Water Treatment Plant Operator 2 Certificate issued by the Washington Department of Health. Possession of appropriate certification in Hazardous Waste Operations and Emergency Response Training. Valid Washington State driver's license.

Water Treatment Plant Operator 3

Two years of experience comparable to a Water Treatment Plant Operator 2.

Licenses and other requirements: Possession of a Water Treatment Plant Operator 3 Certificate issued by the Washington Department of Health. Possession of appropriate certification in Hazardous Waste Operations and Emergency Response Training. Valid Washington State driver's license.

Water Treatment Plant Operator 4

Two years of experience comparable to a Water Treatment Plant Operator 3.

Licenses and other requirements: Possession of a Water Treatment Plant Operator 4 Certificate issued by the Washington Department of Health. Possession of appropriate certification in Hazardous Waste Operations and Emergency Response Training. Valid Washington State driver's license.

KNOWLEDGE AND ABILITIES:

The following generally describes the knowledge and ability required to enter the job and/or be learned within a short period of time in order to successfully perform the assigned duties.

Knowledge of:

• Operations, services, and activities of a water treatment program.
• Principles, practices, materials, chemicals, and operating procedures related to the operation and maintenance of a water treatment plant.
• Operating principles of plant equipment including valves, pumps, and motors.
• Methods and techniques of reading and interpreting gauges, recording devices, and related monitoring systems.
• Tools and equipment used in the operation and maintenance of water treatment plant facilities.
• Maintenance and repair principles and practices including preventative maintenance procedures.
• Emergency maintenance and repair procedures related to water treatment facilities.
• Methods and techniques of conducting laboratory tests and procedures related to water treatment analysis.
• Basic principles of chemistry and microbiology.
• Mathematical calculations used in the water treatment operations.
• Hydraulic and distribution principles.
• Pertinent federal, state, and local laws, codes, and regulations.
• Operational and safety regulations pertaining to water treatment plant operations.
• Occupational hazards and standard safety precautions.
• Principles and procedures used in the proper handling of chemicals.
• Principles and practices of customer service.
• Office procedures, methods, and equipment including computers and applicable software applications.
• Principles and practices of record keeping.
• Principles of training.

Ability to:

• Operate, monitor, and maintain a variety of water treatment plant equipment, facilities, and systems.
• Perform complex inspections and preventive maintenance of treatment plant facilities and equipment.
• Read and interpret gauges, meters, and other instrument readings and take effective course of action.
• Diagnose complex operational problems and perform effective maintenance on equipment.
• Respond to changing demands on water flow, water quality, and equipment requirements.
• Monitor and adjust plant processes.
• Collect a variety of water samples and conduct appropriate tests in accordance with state and federal regulations and requirements.
• Compile and record complex data and material.
• Maintain accurate and detailed logs and records of work and laboratory tests performed.
• Complete emergency response training and perform in emergency situations.
• Work well with others in a team environment.
• Complete work within an assigned time frame.
• Perform math calculations related to water works.
• Operate assigned equipment and tools in a safe and effective manner.
• Operate office equipment including computers and applicable software applications.
• Work independently in the absence of supervision.
• Demonstrate an awareness and appreciation of the cultural diversity of the community.
• Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.

WORK ENVIRONMENT: Exposure to noise of plant machinery and other equipment; mechanical and electrical hazards of operating equipment; fumes and odors of chemicals and gases; toxic substances such as chemicals, cleaners, solvents, and gases; all types of weather and temperature conditions. Work and/or walk for long periods of time on various types of surfaces including slippery or uneven surfaces and rough terrain. Subject to 24-hour emergency callbacks and requires working varying hours, overtime, weekends, and holidays. Work environment is informal, team-oriented, having both routine and variable tasks with variable pace and pressure. Work is performed in both indoors in plant area and outdoors in field and collateral facilities.

PHYSICAL: Primary functions require sufficient physical ability to work in a plant and field setting and operate assigned equipment. Continuous walking, balancing, bending, stooping, kneeling, crouching, lifting of objects weighing up to 10 lbs. from below waist level to above shoulder level and transporting for distances up to 100 yards, fine finger dexterity to operate tools and controls, firm grasp to lift and carry objects; frequent sitting, standing, reaching, twisting at waist, upward and downward flexion of neck, side-to-side turning of neck, lifting of objects weighing 11-25 lbs. from below waist level to above shoulder level and transporting up to 100 yards; occasional climbing, pushing/pulling, lifting of objects weighing from 26-50 lbs. from below waist level to above shoulder level and transporting for distances up to 10 yards; infrequent crawling, lifting of objects weighing from 51-100 lbs. below and at waist level, with assistance, and transporting for distances up to 10 feet with assistance.

Vision: See in the normal visual range with or without correction; vision sufficient to read computer screens, printed documents, meter-reading equipment, dials, and gauges and to operate vehicles and equipment; color vision acuity.

Hearing: Hear in the normal audio range with or without correction.

OTHER: The statements contained herein reflect general details as necessary to describe the principal functions of this job, the level of knowledge and skill typically required and the scope of responsibility; but should not be considered an all-inclusive listing of work requirements. Individual may perform other duties as assigned including work in other functional areas to cover absences or relief, to equalize peak work periods or otherwise to balance the workload. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related or is a logical assignment to the position. Individuals may perform other duties as assigned.

Following an offer of employment, and prior to starting work, individuals may be required to have a pre-employment physical examination by a physician designated by the City of Anacortes. The City will pay for the examination. Satisfactory clearance to perform essential job functions will be required for employment. As an absolute condition of employment, employees are required upon hire to sign a drug-free workplace agreement and an agreement not to use tobacco products in any form while on the job.

The City of Anacortes is an equal opportunity employer. All applicants will be considered regardless of race, color, national origin, citizenship or immigration status, creed, sex (including pregnancy), age (over 40), marital status, families with children, the presence of any sensory, mental, or physical disability or the use of a trained dog guide or service animal by a person with a disability, genetic information, sexual orientation including gender identity, or status as an honorably discharged veteran or military status, or any other class protected by federal, state, or local law. Accommodations for people with disabilities are provided on request.

Applications will be reviewed on job posting close date.