Water Plant Operator IV

Classification Summary
Under general supervision, performs advanced water treatment process operations and water quality checks to provide a supply of safe drinking water for the Village of Ruidoso.  Non-exempt FLSA. 
 
Job Title Summary
The Water Plant Operator is expected to apply a greater degree of technical knowledge to problem solve and situational responses, and emergency situation as related to water treatment.  This position treats non-potable water to meet safe drinking standards as required under current regulations. 

Essential Job Functions 

• Operates and monitors water treatment plant processes by checking gauges and reports, adjusts treatment processes to maintain safe drinking water standards, and samples water at various locations throughout the treatment process
• Performs tests for various water quality factors such as bacteria, iron, manganese, chlorine, alkalinity, and hardness using a variety of laboratory equipment including spectrophotometers and pH meters  
• Monitors and maintains booster stations, wells, reservoirs, headworks, and pressure reducing valves following prescribed safety measures  
• Assists with cleaning and maintaining water treatment plant, laboratory, restrooms, and grounds
• Keeps up to date daily, weekly, monthly and quarterly records for department, state, and federal reports
• Attends safety meetings and assists employees on safety practices and procedures
• Monitors water treatment plant processes by checking gauges, and reports, and adjusts treatment processes to maintain desired water quality
• Monitors and performs routine O&M on the Grindstone and Alto Dam structures
• Performs operation and maintenance on all surface water diversions, and takes daily readings on diversion meters
• Samples water at various treatment stages
• Samples and performs testing for regulatory and permit requirements 
• Ability to clean and calibrate NTU meters and lab equipment as needed
• Repairs and maintains chlorine systems at the water treatment plants and in the distribution system
• Check and maintain proper chlorine residuals throughout the distribution system and make chlorine adjustments as needed
• Assist the Chief Plant Operator with the operation and maintenance of the SCADA system 
• Checks, repairs and performs preventive maintenance on pressure reducing/pressure sustaining valves
• Utilizes the digital work order system (Cityworks) for entering maintenance and repair data.
• Follows water pollution standards set for in the Clean Water Act and the Safe Drinking Water Act
• Has a clear understanding of Safe Drinking   Water Regulations: 40CFR 141 & 142   

 
Other Responsibilities or Job Requirements

• Sometimes works in adverse weather conditions and confined spaces 
• Shares on-call responsibilities for after-hours problems 
• Responsible for maintenance of assigned vehicle
• Serves as a rotating emergency stand-by
• Completes personal timesheet accurately and timely  
• Ensures that any on-the job injury is reported immediately and followed up with appropriate forms and actions
• Ensures any reports of harassment are immediately reported and appropriate actions are taken
• The above statements are not a complete list of all responsibilities and duties performed by employees in this job, and as a condition of employment employees are required to perform other related duties and special projects as assigned

Qualifications

• High School Education or Equivalent required
• New Mexico Water Level III certification required, but must obtain a New Mexico Water Level IV certification within one year from the date of hire.
• Knowledge of American Water Works Association manual, New Mexico Safe Drinking Water manual, and other industry standards, guides, and manuals for water treatment preferred 
• Knowledge of water treatment processes, methods and equipment, including reading gauges and reports, sampling and testing water quality, and adjusting plant processes to achieve optimum water quality. 
• Knowledge of the principles, methods, materials and tools employed in the repair and maintenance of pumps, motors, generators and related equipment
• Knowledge of confined space entry
• Knowledge of plumbing and electrical principles
• Skill in reading and understanding water system maps and blue prints
• Skill in utilizing water treatment plant equipment and tools including spectrophotometers, ph turbidimeter, and chlorine, meters, jar testing equipment, and ladders
• Ability to balance a variety of duties, prioritizes, and meets deadlines
• Possess demonstrated ability of personal computer operations within a Windows Microsoft environment, including Word, Excel, and Outlook
• Ability to understand complex statutes, regulations, guidelines, and procedures
• Skill in communicating effectively in person and in writing
• Ability to establish and maintain routine working relationships with citizens, contractors, and employees 
• Must be able to pass criminal history checks
• Must be willing to take and pass a drug/alcohol test and comply with agency “Drug Free” Policy
• Must possess and maintain valid New Mexico motor vehicle operator’s permit of appropriate classification and endorsement as required, must agree to maintain a satisfactory MVR and minimum requirement of insurability as required by law, and MVR background checks will be conducted by the Village of Ruidoso

Physical Demands

• Ability to maintain physical condition and stamina appropriate to the performance of assigned duties and responsibilities which may include sitting, standing, or walking for extended periods of time, driving or riding in vehicles, and perform other duties as assigned
• Occasional pushing, pulling, lifting and/or moving up to 25 pounds
• Occasional squatting or bending required
• Exposure to mechanical hazards, chemicals, noise, dust, electrical hazards, and chlorine gas
• Ability to use a self contained breathing apparatus (SCBA)
• Ability to work in confined spaces

 
Work Environment

• Possess ability to adapt to inclement weather conditions and/or situations
• Ability to drive long distances
• May work a fairly irregular schedule, long hours, weekends, and holidays
• Ability to perform duties and adapt to flexible work schedules as established by management
• May be called when needed
• Noise level could be moderate to loud in work environment
• Ability to work in stressful environment and deal effectively with stress

 
Travel Requirements

• Normal travel - ability to travel for activities such as meetings, classes, and workshops in and out of the area
• Overnight travel as required