Job Description
Under the supervision of the Water Production Manager, the Plant Operator will work as a member of the team that is responsible for treating, filtering, disinfecting, and distributing clean and safe drinking water to PWSA’s service area. Additionally, the Plant Operator will maintain ample pressures and supply of stored water within our service area.
RESPONSIBILITIES
- Monitors SCADA to ensure that all chemicals are feeding properly, and plant operations are running as they should.
- Operates and monitors all phases of pumping, treatment, filtration, and distribution reservoirs to ensure sufficient quantities of potable water and adequate water pressure in service area
- Operate all associated supporting and controlled equipment, like pumps, compressors, flocculator drives, or mixers at the water pumping stations, water treatment plant, water storage tanks and reservoirs
- Monitors visual displays and readouts to ensure an adequate supply of potable water
- Maintains accurate logs, including water quantity, water conditions, quantity of chemicals used, machinery running time and status of equipment, pumping station operation, among others
- Monitors and controls the operation of remote pumping stations, rapid sand filters, backwash and chemical feed center utilizing PWSA’s automated processing system
- Performs essential plant maintenance procedures, like cleaning, inspections, lubrication, minor mechanical repairs to equipment associated with the work
- Adds corrective chemicals as requested or required
- Visits reservoirs and pump stations to monitor and operate booster chlorination feed systems
- Monitors river and plant conditions
- Responds to unexpected changes in conditions, for example: Shutting down plant operations or informing crews of possible leaks
- Collects water sample, takes readings, and runs water-related tests, like qualitative colorimetric as requested or required
- Performs activities and functions of related lower-level personnel
- Performs other tasks as assigned or required
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES
- Considerable knowledge of water purification, pumping station operations, related equipment, and tools, as well as safety hazards and the precautions of work
- Some knowledge of physical sciences such as chemistry and physics, basic engineering, and mathematics
- Ability to operate all associated supporting and control equipment like flocculator drive, mixers, and others
- Monitor and control the operation of remote pumping stations rapid sand filters, backwash and chemical feed center utilizing PWSA’s automated processing systems
- Examine taste and odor conditions and to report problems to supervisors
- Maintain accurate and legible records and logs pertaining to all phases of the work
- Establish and maintain effective working relationships with supervisors, associates, outside agencies, and the public
- Some computer skills and some knowledge of the SCADA system are preferred
MEDICAL EXAMINATIONEDUCATION / EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS
The following requirements list the minimum education/training/experience required to qualify for this job. An equivalent combination of education and/or experience may be accepted.
- One (1) year of experience working on water purification or water supply.
- Within twenty-four (24) months of hire date, you must take and pass all of the training courses necessary to obtain and continue to maintain Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) Water Certifications throughout employment; State Certification for Water Treatment Plant Operator is preferred.
GENERAL REQUIREMENTS
Applicant must present a current, valid Class C (Class 1) Motor Vehicle Operator’s License at the time of application or prior to appointment. A valid driver’s license must be maintained throughout employment.
Applicant must have permanent residency in Allegheny County at time of appointment and remain a permanent resident throughout employment with the PWSA. Verification of Allegheny County residence is required at time of filing application.
SUPERVISION EXERCISED / RECEIVED
No direct reports / Will receive supervision directly from the Water Production Manager.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS
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 operate a pickup truck, van and forklift, and related equipment. The employee will perform heavy work including lifting and carrying up to 100 pounds, and work in loud conditions with vibrations, traffic, mechanical, chemical, fire and explosive risks.
CONDITIONS
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly exposed to a loud or moderate noise level within the work environment. May perform work outdoors under extreme weather. The employee may be exposed to confined, high spaces, like erect scaffolding; loud conditions with vibrations, traffic, mechanical, chemical, fire, and explosive risks; and odors, dusts, fumes, mists, poor ventilation, and gases which may require a respirator.
Required to work rotating shifts, available to work all three shifts, weekends, and holidays. Subject to remain on duty beyond normal hours and/or recalled during emergency situations or other extensive periods.
Employment may be contingent upon the results of a post-offer (initial employment or promotion) physical examination performed by the Authority's examining physician.
DRUG TESTING
Employment may be contingent upon the results of a post-offer (initial employment or promotion) drug screening. Continued employment may be subject to drug and alcohol testing conducted without advance notice and without individualized suspicion.
PRE-EMPLOYMENT BACKGROUND INVESTIGATION
Ability to successfully pass a thorough investigation consisting of a criminal history check, verification of prior employment and performance, reference, and credentials checks, and in some cases credit history.
Applicants are subject to a System for Award Management (SAM) or any successor system search as maintained by the General Services Administration (GSA) to ensure compliance with federal procurement and non-procurement programs.
Applications: You may be considered for other available positions based on qualifications provided on your employment application. If you have questions regarding your application, please contact the Human Resources Department at:
PWSA Human Resources Department
1200 Penn Avenue
Pittsburgh, PA 15222
412-255-8800
[email protected] An Equal Opportunity Employer: The Pittsburgh Water and Sewer Authority (PWSA) is proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer. We do not discriminate based on any legally protected statuses, including, but not limited to race, color, ancestry, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, age, marital or family status, disability, gender, gender identity or expression, pregnancy status, or veteran status. PWSA is committed to providing candidates with reasonable accommodations for those with disabilities during our recruiting process; if you need assistance, please contact us at
[email protected] or 412-255-8800.
Position: Plant Operator
Division: Water Treatment Plant
Rate: $36.662
Union: Pittsburgh Joint Collective Bargaining Committee (PJCBC) Local 95
FLSA: Non-Exempt
Application Deadline: Until Filled
Job Tags
Holiday work, Permanent employment, Full time, Local area, Remote job, Outdoor, Shift work, Rotating shift, Weekend work, All shifts,