Treatment Plant Operator - WaterCITY OF IOWA CITY - Job Description
Job Class #10-07 FLSA Non-Exempt
Civil Service
Identification
Position Title: Treatment Plant Operator - Water
Department: Public Works
Division: Water
Supervisor: Assistant Superintendent – Water / Water Superintendent
Job Summary
Under general direction, operates and monitors City water treatment plant, machines and equipment to
purify and lime soften water for human consumption and industrial use.
Essential Job Duties and Responsibilities
Operates, monitors, inspects and maintains water treatment plant machines and equipment
including remote reservoirs, pumps, motors, chlorinators, filters, chemical feeders, clarifiers and
laboratory equipment.
Calibrates chemical feeders for accuracy, checks levels and makes adjustments; calibrates and
maintains laboratory equipment.
Monitors computer control system for treatment plant operations, alarms and enters changes.
Monitors, reads and interprets gauges, dials and other plant instrumentation to regulate flow rates,
system pressure, water elevation and distribution of water; calculates plant flow rates based on water
stored and immediate flow demands; adjusts pressures such as plant, GSR and system.
Reports any defects and dispatches maintenance to correct defects if necessary.
Records information on paper log sheets and in electronic logs; prepares reports and papers.
Collects water samples and conducts numerous lab tests to ensure compliance with federal and
state regulations; determines levels of alkalinity, hardness, turbidity, pH, Cl2 and fluoride.
Assists in performing water quality studies and reports for watershed, wellhead protection and
regulatory projects and programs.
Performs scheduled and emergency relief operations for water purification plant operators.
Receives and responds to public inquiries regarding plant operations; assists in training new plant
personnel.
Performs building and grounds maintenance.
Assists in providing public tours and informational programs.
Job Class #10-07 Water
Page 2 Updated 10/03/2019
Inspects plant for repairs and relays maintenance requests to appropriate personnel.
Performs preventive maintenance to mechanical and on-line and laboratory analytical equipment.
Requests chemical orders for the laboratory.
Provides safe quality water the public.
Monitors SCADA system (plant computer control system).
Takes calls from the public regarding water repairs or main breaks.
Responds to Iowa ONE calls, dispatches personnel for water line locations and other general
requests from City departments or contractors as applicable.
Monitors plant security systems and cameras.
Maintains a clean facility, washes filters, cleans laboratory and fills lab chemicals.
Monitors weather warnings and informs staff of conditions.
Ensures security of operational staff and departmental operations; follows protocol in emergency
situations.
Conducts self in a manner which promotes and supports diversity and inclusivity in the workplace
and community.
Performs all other related duties as assigned.
Physical and Environmental Conditions
The physical demands and work environment conditions described here are representative of those
that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job and are
encountered while performing those essential functions. 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 use hands to finger,
handle or feel; reach with hands and arms; and talk and hear. The employee frequently is required to
sit. The employee is occasionally required to stand, walk, climb, balance, stoop, kneel, crouch, crawl,
taste or smell. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds. Specific vision
abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth
perception and ability to adjust focus.
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is occasionally exposed to moving mechanical
parts, fumes or airborne particles, toxic or caustic chemicals, risk of electrical shock, confined space
and communicable diseases.
The noise level in the work environment is usually loud.
Job Class #10-07 Water
Page 3 Updated 10/03/2019
Minimum Education, Experience and Certification
High school diploma or equivalent required. Two years of experience and/or education in water
systems required. Iowa DNR Grade I Treatment Plant Operator Certification required within 6 months
of hire. Iowa DNR Grade II Treatment Plant Operator Certification required within three years of
appointment. Must live within 17 miles of the corporate limits of Iowa City, Iowa within one year of
appointment to the position. Valid driver’s license with satisfactory driving record required. Must be 18
years of age per Iowa Code 92.8. Must pass criminal background check.
Preferred Education, Experience and Certification
Associate degree or equivalent in a related field from an educational institution accredited by a DOE
recognized accreditation body preferred. Iowa DNR Grade II Treatment Plant Operator Certification at
hire preferred. Four years’ experience in water treatment preferred.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
Knowledge of micro-computer control systems. Knowledge of occupational safety health regulations
concerning water treatment. Knowledge of water treatment processes. Skills in operating equipment
and instrumentation at water treatment plant. Skills in collecting water samples and conducting
laboratory tests. Ability to evaluate treatment processes and make necessary adjustments. Ability to
read and understand technical manuals and regulations. Ability to perform basic mathematical
calculations and calculate flow rate, chemical dose and feed rate, and laboratory formulas. Ability to
prepare written log sheets and reports.
The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by
individuals assigned to this job. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties,
and skills required of personnel so classified in this position.