Water Plant Operator/ Senior Water Plant Operator - Santa Clara Valley Water District

 
We are seeking a Water Plant Operator or Senior Water Plant Operator to join Valley Water’s South Treatment Operations Unit.  This position will perform the duties of a state-designated shift operator in the monitoring and operation of a water treatment plant, to provide relief operations shift coverage and, as necessary, to perform the duties of an Assistant Water Plant Operator. The Water Plant Operator will use the Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) system to monitor and control plant operations. They will be responsible for analyzing data to ensure compliance with all State and Federal drinking water standards and performing administrative procedures. The Water Plant Operator will train and sign-off training checklists for lower-level operations staff. They will perform scheduled and emergency plant shut downs and start-ups. Additionally, they will complete safety trainings and follow safety protocols.
 
We are seeking to fill a position, for which the incumbent would be hired as either a Water Plant Operator or Senior Water Plant Operator. There are multiple ways a candidate may develop the skills and experience required to be successful in this role. Depending on the background and experience of the selected candidate, the exact classification will be determined at point of hire.
 
Key Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• As the state-designated shift operator, oversee all plant activities on an assigned shift; maintain situational awareness of, or assist in, maintenance, engineering, and construction work, special projects, contractors, non-plant Valley Water employees, and all plant visitors; represent the treatment plant with personnel located offsite such as retailers, regulators, other Valley Water plants and support units, and other water agencies; direct the activities of the operator on shift; and formulate production and quality related decisions.
• Use the plant's computer based Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) system to monitor and control plant operations; investigate and respond to alarms; scan multiple computer monitors simultaneously; navigate a multitude of program screens to observe, track, and retrieve on-line instrument readings for water, chemicals, and equipment.
• Perform various administrative tasks such as data entry into spreadsheets and database programs, initiate and follow up on work orders for preventative and corrective maintenance; create and revise standard operating procedures; order chemicals; maintain, compile, and review plant operations data; complete entries into the plant's logbook.
• Serve in the role of Relief Operator on as needed/rotational basis.
• Train lower-level operator staff; sign off on training checklists.

Ideal Candidate's Background Includes:
Applicants whose experience and background best match the ideal experience, knowledge, skills, abilities, and education are considered ideal candidates for the position. To determine the top candidates, each applicant will be assessed based on the ideal candidate criteria as listed below.
 
Ideal Experience:
Water Plant Operator Experience: Three (3) years of experience performing work as a licensed operator at a water treatment plant that is rated as a T-4 or higher facility.
Senior Water Plant Operator Experience: Five (5) years of experience as a licensed operator at a water treatment plant. Two (2) of the five (5) years must have been working as a state-designated shift operator while holding a valid T3 operator certificate at a facility rated at a T4 level or higher.
 
Ideal Skills and Abilities:

• Working experience/expertise in operating and troubleshooting standard and advanced water treatment plant equipment
• Proficient in water treatment math and chemistry
• Proficient in MS Office (Word, Excel, Outlook), SCADA, Maximo

Ideal Knowledge:

• Understanding of key regulations, reporting procedures and requirements of drinking water
• Knowledge of safe work practices around water treatment plant chemicals and equipment
• Knowledge of practices and responsibilities of leading the work of assigned staff
• Understanding and familiarity with new or pending regulations such as algal toxicity

Ideal Training and Education:
Water Plant Operator/ Senior Water Plant Operator
Equivalent to the completion of the twelfth grade supplemented by six (6) quarter units in chemistry and six (6) quarter units in math from an accredited college.