Human Resources

Chief - Water Treatment Plant Operator B

CHIEF WATER TREATMENT PLANT OPERATOR B

DISTINGUISHING FEATURES OF THE CLASS:  This is a supervisory and technical position involving responsibility for the safe and efficient operation and maintenance of a Type B Water Treatment Plant without facilities for filtration and involving the application of chemicals to the water, such as, chlorine or chlorine compounds, chlorine-dioxide, chlorine-ammonia, fluoride compounds, or the process of de-chlorination.  With required certification, the Chief Water Treatment Plant Operator may also be assigned responsibility for operation and maintenance of the distribution system associated with the treatment plant.  General direction is received from the appointing authority but wide leeway is allowed for planning work methods and dealing with emergency conditions.  Supervision is exercised over operators, trainees, laboratory personnel and mechanical and maintenance assistants.   Does related work, as required.

TYPICAL WORK ACTIVITIES:
Supervises the operation of the plant to assure the most efficient and economical use of equipment, supplies and manpower;
Makes daily inspection of plant and plant machinery;
Makes or supervises necessary tests for control of plant operation;
Issues instructions for the regulation of chlorinators and chemical feeders;
Supervises and instructs operators, trainees and other subordinate employees;
Conducts periodic examinations of plant equipment and directs necessary repairs and maintenance;
Conducts special studies for improvement of water quality and plant operations;
Maintains inventory of supplies, chemicals and equipment;
Requisitions materials required for continuous plant operation;
Maintains records and prepares periodic reports on the operation of the plant;
May be assigned responsibility for operating and maintaining the distribution system associated with the treatment plant.

The above examples of duties are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work performed.  The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related or a logical assignment to the position.

FULL PERFORMANCE KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, ABILITIES AND/OR PERSONAL CHARACTERISTICS:  Thorough knowledge of the practices used and equipment required in the operation and maintenance of a Type B Water Treatment plant without facilities for filtration and for the application of chemicals to the water, such as chlorine or chlorine compounds, chlorine-dioxide, chlorine-ammonia, fluoride compounds, or the
process of de-chlorination; good knowledge of the operations of a modern water treatment plant; good knowledge of the principles and applications of physics, chemistry and bacteriology as they relate to water purification; ability to supervise the operation and repaid of pumps, valves, and related mechanical and electrical equipment; ability to make routines laboratory and field tests for control of plant operation; ability to plan and supervise the work of subordinates; mechanical aptitude; alertness and dependability.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

I.     Type B Plant without facilities for filtration which treats over 2.5 million gallons per day:

Graduation from high school or possession of an appropriate equivalency diploma, recognized by the NYS Dept. of Education, successful completion of appropriate level water treatment operator courses and 10 years* of acceptable operating experience at a water treatment plant at least one year of which must have been at a plant with a level of complexity equivalent to a Grade I-B plant.

*NOTEEducation Substitutions:

A.     A New York State Professional Engineer's License or a Bachelor's Degree in Engineering, Natural Science, or related field from a regionally accredited or New York State registered college or university may be substituted for 8 years of experience.

B.     An Associate Degree in Applied Science with major emphasis in Public Health or Environmental Health, including a course in water operations, from a regionally accredited or New York State registered college may be substituted for 6 years of experience.

C.     An Associate Degree in Applied Science from a regionally accredited or New York State registered college may be substituted for 4 years of experience.

D.     Other college level study in a related field at a regionally accredited or New York State registered college or university may be substituted for experience at the rate of one year of college work being equivalent to two years of experience upon approval of the New York State Health Department, Bureau of Public Water Supply.  In no case may such study substitute for more than eight years of the required experience.

II.     Type B Plant without facilities for filtration which treats 2.5 million gallons per day or less and serves more than 1,000 people:

Graduation from high school or possession of a New York State high school equivalency diploma, successful completion of appropriate level water treatment operator courses of instruction approved by the State Department of Health, and one year of acceptable operating experience at a water treatment plant.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS FOR ACCEPTANCE OF APPLICATIONS:

I.     Type B Plant without facilities for filtration which treats over 2.5 million gallons per day:

Eligibility for a Grade I-B Water Treatment Operator certificate issued under the provisions of the New York State Sanitary Code at time of application.  Possession of the certificate at time of appointment.

II.     Type B Plant without facilities for filtration which treats 2.5 million gallons per day or less and serves more than 1,000 people:

Eligibility for a Grade II-B Water Treatment Operator certificate issued under the provisions of the New York State Sanitary Code at time of application.  Possession of the certificate at time of appointment.

NOTE:  If the position involves responsibility for operation and maintenance of the water distribution system, possession of a Distribution System Operator certificate issued under provisions of the New York State Sanitary Code is required at time of appointment.

Competitive Class