Career Opportunities

Water Treatment Operator

The Leavenworth Waterworks Board, a municipally-owned and independently-operated water utility in Leavenworth Kansas, is seeking applicants for the position of Water Treatment Operator.

This position is responsible for controlling treatment plant machines and equipment to purify and clarify water for human consumption and for industrial use. Applicant must posses a High School diploma or equivalent.

Job Description
Definition
Controls treatment plant machines and equipment to purify and clarify water for human consumption and for industrial use.

Job Duties
The list below is intended as illustrations of the various types of work performed. These examples of work performed are neither restricted to nor all-encompassing of the duties to be performed under this job title.

  • Collecting water samples and conducting tests to determine water quality meets the standards and regulations of the Leavenworth Waterworks and KDHE.
  • Monitor gauges and meters; record necessary data.
  • Operates to the best possible standards to provide an uninterrupted water supply.
  • Annual and daily cleaning of water plants.
  • General water plant and grounds maintenance.
  • Records data, such as residual content of chemicals, water turbidity, water pressure, plant and distribution storage and flow levels.
  • Repairs and lubricates machines and equipment, using hand tools and power tools.

Qualifications

Knowledge of:

  • The chemical and physical processes used to treat potable water.
  • Basic algebra and chemistry and being able to apply the knowledge to the water treatment process.
  • Standard water treatment operating procedures.
  • Knowledge of disinfection concepts and procedures (e.g., chlorine contact time, residual, demand, dosage)
  • Skill to replace chlorine containers and adjust gas chlorinators.
  • Knowledge of water-borne diseases
  • Knowledge of the chlorine disinfection process, including free/ combined chlorine and chloramines
  • Knowledge of the difference between disinfection and sterilization.
  • Basic knowledge of computer HMI’s
  • Basic knowledge of Microsoft software; excel and word

Ability to:

  • Determine processing and treatment requirements.
  • Collect and analyze samples at stages of processing to determine the effectiveness of the treatment process and make any adjustments that are necessary.
  • Utilize specialized equipment, chemical feed systems, and various types of pumps, electronic equipment, and laboratory equipment.
  • Utilize computer workstations for data entry, data interpretation, KDHE reporting and on-line calibration monitoring equipment.
  • Identify problems and provide solutions to ensure proper and efficient operation of the treatment plant.
  • Maintain effective working relationships with management, coworkers, and the general public.
  • Understand basic algebra and chemistry and being able to apply the knowledge to the water treatment process.
  • Obtain the knowledge and training to procure a Class II water certification.

Experience
1 year experience in water treatment operations

Education
High School Diploma or GED
Associate degree preferred in Chemistry, Biology, or other related field

Necessary Special Requirements

  • Possession of a valid Kansas driver’s license
  • Possession of a valid Grade I Kansas Water Certificate.
  • Ability to attend continuing education classes every two years – 10 hours of water related courses necessary to keep license valid.
  • Work in extreme heat and cold environments
  • While performing the duties of this job, the employee is occasionally required to use hands to finger; handle, or reach with hands or arms, stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl. The employee is frequently required to stand, walk, sit, climb, or balance.
  • The employee must lift and/or move materials up to and over 100 pounds; frequently lift 25 and 55 pounds; and regularly lift 10 pounds.
  • Drug testing and physical fitness test
  • Must be able to work varying shifts, as assigned.
  • Must be available for emergency situations.

Job Description PDF: Water Treatment Operator

Water Treatment Operator Class III/IV

The Leavenworth Waterworks Board, a municipally owned and independently operated water utility in Leavenworth Kansas, is seeking applicants for the position of Water Treatment Operator III/IV. This position is responsible for controlling the treatment of plant machines and equipment to purify and clarify water for human consumption and for industrial use. Applicants must possess a High School diploma or equivalent. Preferred Associate or BS degree in Chemistry, Biology, or related field. Possession of a valid Grade III or IV Kansas Water Certificate required.

This position operates, monitors, and maintains water treatment facility

Job Description

DEFINITION:
Controls treatment plant machines and equipment to purify and clarify water for human consumption and for industrial use. Opportunity for advancement.

JOB DUTIES:
The list below is intended as illustrations of the various types of work performed. These examples of work performed are neither restricted to nor all-encompassing of the duties to be performed under this job title.

  • General water plant and grounds maintenance. Repairs and lubricates machines and equipment, using hand tools and power tools. Inspect equipment for proper operations and calibrations.
  • Collecting water samples and conducting tests to determine water quality meets the standards and regulations of Leavenworth Waterworks and KDHE.
  • Monitor gauges and meters; record necessary data.
  • Operates to the best possible standards to provide an uninterrupted water supply.
  • Annual and daily cleaning of water plants.
  • Records data, such as residual content of chemicals, water turbidity, water pressure, plant and distribution storage and flow levels.
  • Be available for on-call duties.

QUALIFICATIONS:
Knowledge of:

  • The chemical and physical processes used to treat potable water.
  • Basic algebra and chemistry and being able to apply the knowledge to the water treatment process.
  • Standard water treatment operating procedures.
  • Knowledge of disinfection concepts and procedures (e.g., chlorine contact time, residual, demand, dosage)
  • Skill to replace chlorine containers and adjust gas chlorinators.
  • Knowledge of water-borne diseases
    • Knowledge of the chlorine disinfection process, including free/ combined chlorine and chloramines
  • Knowledge of the difference between disinfection and sterilization.
  • Complete understanding of the Water Treatment process and be prepared for diversified maintenance on equipment, facilities and grounds.
  • Working knowledge of computer HMI’s.
  • Proficient with Microsoft software; excel, word and outlook.

Ability to:

  • Determine processing and treatment requirements.
  • Collect and analyze samples at stages of processing to determine the effectiveness of the treatment process and make any adjustments that are necessary.
  • Utilize specialized equipment, chemical feed systems, and various types of pumps, electronic equipment, and laboratory equipment.
  • Utilize computer workstations for data entry, data interpretation, KDHE reporting and on-line calibration monitoring equipment.
  • Identify problems and provide solutions to ensure proper and efficient operation of the treatment plant.
  • Maintain effective working relationships with management, coworkers, and the public.
  • Understand basic algebra and chemistry and being able to apply the knowledge to the water treatment process.

EXPERIENCE:
3+ years’ experience in water operations

EDUCATION:
High School Diploma or GED
Preferred Associate or BS degree in Chemistry, Biology, or related field

NECESSARY SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:

  • Possession of a valid Kansas driver’s license
  • Possession of a valid Grade III or IV Kansas Water Certificate.
  • Ability to attend continuing education classes every two years – 10 hours of water related courses necessary to keep license valid.
  • Work in extreme heat and cold environments
  • While performing the duties of this job, the employee is occasionally required to use hands to finger; handle, or reach with hands or arms, stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl. The employee is frequently required to stand, walk, sit, climb or balance.
  • The employee must lift and/or move materials up to over 100 pounds; frequently lift 25 and 55 pounds; and regularly lift up to 10 pounds.
  • Drug testing and physical fitness test.
  • Must be able to work varying shifts, as assigned.
  • Must be able to respond to emergency situations.

Job Description PDF: Water Treatment Operator