Water Treatment Operator

What We Offer

• Hourly Rate: Level 2 $43.43, Level 3 $48.28, Level 4 $49.24
• Paid Time Off and Holidays: Starting at 18 days annually and 11 paid company holidays
• Benefits: Access to union health, dental, and vision benefits.
• Retirement Plan: Pension Plan with employer contribution.
• Grow with us: Professional development opportunities through training and professional certifications
• Employee Resource Groups (ERG): ERGs are voluntary employee groups that form based on shared characteristics or backgrounds and are sponsored by the organization.

Overview

Fairbanks Sewer and Water has an opportunity for a Golden Heart Utilities for a Water Treatment Operator Level 2, 3, or 4. The positions of this class perform a variety of manual, monitoring, testing, and reporting functions.  Work is performed in a class IV water treatment plant to produce, store, and distribute water that meets Federal and State standards. Work includes maintenance of equipment and buildings and housekeeping duties. Cleanliness is a must.

While much of the work is routine, Operators must be constantly alert to, and aware of, the running conditions of various equipment such as pumps, motors, chemical feeders, instruments, valves, etc. Work is performed with considerable independence of judgment, with the operator often working alone.  The Foreman and others in a supervisory capacity are available to provide assistance in case of unusual problems. Experienced operators will provide guidance to new operators during a period of familiarization and on-the-job training.

Work Hours and Schedule

This position will be based in Fairbanks, AK. Schedule is Monday through Friday. After-hour and weekend on-call support may be required. Must be available to work shift work; weekend scheduling may be required.

What You'll Do

Assignments include, but are not limited to, performing a variety of frequent monitoring tasks which involve:

• Start-up and stopping of pumps.
• Adjustments to chemical feeders.
• Preparing chemical solutions.
• Adjusting valves.
• Backwashing filters.
• Responding to water needs of fire departments.
• Maintenance of equipment.
• Maintaining operating records.
• Mopping and dusting.
• Chemical testing of the water for pH, hardness, alkalinity, iron, chlorine residual, etc.
• Performing related tasks as assigned.

The preceding examples are representative of assignments performed by this class and are not intended to be inclusive.

What You'll Bring

Experience

• Possess a minimum of one year’s experience as an operator in a water treatment plant rated at least a Class II by the State of Alaska, or equivalent class, if from another state.

Education

• Graduation from an accredited high school or equivalent.

Certification and Licenses

• Possession of a valid Level II or higher Water Treatment System Operator Certificate as issued by the State of Alaska.

Knowledge and Skills

These factors will be the basis for selecting the most qualified candidates to be interviewed. Candidates selected for employment must satisfactorily demonstrate possession of these factors during a prescribed probationary period for continued employment.

Demonstrate

• Mechanically inclined with a basic understanding of pumps, motors and valves.
• An educational or work background giving an understanding of chemistry and bacteriology.
• Ability to make arithmetic calculations to determine dose and feed rates for chemicals.
• Ability to accurately read and record meter readings and perform and record chemical tests.
• Ability to inspect operating equipment and correct malfunctions.
• Ability to react calmly and take proper remedial action in an operational emergency.
• Must have initiative and be able to work alone.
• Must follow safety rules and regulations.
• Ability to perform chemical analysis and interpret the results.
• Must be willing to dust, mop, sweep and keep the plant in a clean condition.
• Must be able to climb ladders.
• Must be able to enter and work in tanks

Physical Requirements

• Capable of lifting a minimum of 50 pounds above waist height (3 feet or higher)
• Able to work in cramped, uncomfortable spaces with low light conditions.
• Exhibit physical dexterity to work in awkward positions for up to one hour at a time.
• Able to lift, pull or push for a significant portion of a workday.
• Able to perform duties while standing, stooping, twisting, bending, kneeling or from prone position for up to an hour at a time.
• Capable of extending arms overhead for extended periods of time while performing duties.

Work Environment

• Extreme physical demands, including lifting (75 lbs.), walking, climbing and mechanical repair. You will be expected to work in all weather conditions: rain, snow, extreme heat and cold, etc; you may encounter various potential hazards in the field