Operator (Simsbury/Mystic)

Job Summary

A position is available in the Mystic Territory (Simsbury and/or Mystic) for a Treatment and Distribution Operator, reporting to Mystic Territory Operations Manager, and as assigned. This position works under general supervisory direction in the operation, maintenance, troubleshooting, and calibration of a variety of equipment and facilities that supply, treat, pump, store, and distribute drinking water. Application of knowledge and abilities in water treatment and distribution processes, PLC-based control systems, and mechanical concepts is imperative to ensure a high-quality product while establishing and maintaining economic efficiencies.

Principal Responsibilities

• Strong problem solving, organizational ability, both oral and written communication skills.

• Applicant must be able to diagnose problems and make necessary repairs and corrections with minimal supervision.

• Organizes work schedules and projects and cooperates with other operators in daily activities.

• Inspects machinery and equipment while in operation, diagnosing faulty operation, if any, lubricating it, and making such adjustments or repairs as are necessary to keep the equipment in operation.

• Conduct facility rounds including monitoring of chemical usage and supply, and assessment of equipment for proper operation.

• Maintains, inspects, lubricates, and performs simple repairs as necessary the following plant systems: compressed air system, including compressors, valves, filters, separators, and controls; HVAC systems, including units, filters, washers, vaporizers, and fans; gas and propane systems, plant drainage and sewage disposal systems.

• Maintain, operate, and adjust water treatment plant pumps, motors, chemical feed systems and other equipment and schedule maintenance on these systems to ensure optimum plant performance.

• Collect water samples and perform chemical and physical laboratory testing such as turbidity, pH, and UV254; review and interpret information and data to ensure water quality and resolve process control issues.

• Train and transfer knowledge of water treatment processes, including coagulation, clarification, filtration, oxidation, and disinfection to less experienced operators.

• Interface with Process Engineer to review plant process functioning and participate in long term process evaluations.

• Monitor and operate treatment plant and distribution facilities using PLC-based control and data acquisition system. Understand, troubleshoot, and implement plant flow and process control strategies.

• Operate and troubleshoot electrical and electronic equipment such as controllers, automatic monitors, recorders, and standby power systems.

Principal Responsibilities (Continued)

• Assist in operating and capital budget preparation, review, and control at assigned facility.

• Plan and coordinate maintenance activities on all equipment associated with Treatment facilities and Distribution systems through SAP.

• Review and validate maintenance documentation, plant log and various quality reports.

• Operate a diverse assortment of mechanical and electrical hand and power tools, including test and calibration equipment, electrical and pneumatic tools, for cutting and grinding.

• Enter, review, and validate treatment plant data in HACH WIMMS.

• Perform work to trouble-shoot and supervise work to repair or replace customer service lines and make periodic water meter replacements.

• Ensures all activities are in compliance with company and regulator mandated procedures, rules, regulations, and guidelines.

• Must participate on a standby roster, and work rotating, evening, and weekend shifts, including holidays.

• Experience with the operation of personal computers, with emphasis on (but not limited to) SAP, HachWims & Microsoft Office.

• Possess ability to lift 100 pounds and ability to use respirator and SCBA equipment.

• Perform other various duties as assigned.

Additional Responsibilities (for Licensed Electricians)

• Assembles and installs all types of new or repaired electrical circuits, systems, instrumentation, and equipment, including but not limited to motors, regulators, controllers, generators, switches.

• Inspects electrical equipment and machinery, diagnoses faulty operation, determines proper corrective action, document in SAP maintenance scheduling program, and makes indicated repairs.

• Makes meggar, voltmeter, ammeter, ground locating and other electrical tests. Possesses working knowledge of electrical distribution systems and switchgear. Must know underwriter codes, national codes, state and local codes, company rules and regulations and comply with them.

• Keeps familiar with latest types of electrical control, motor AC/DC Drive, (VFD) Variable Frequency Drives.

• Configure, Commission, Troubleshoot & Startup any AC/DC Drive, any (HMI) Human Machine Interface current, (PLC) Programmable Logic Controller or (DCS) Distributive Control System current and future installed based with assistance from the Control System Services Group (SCADA).

• Document all electrical changes by red-line plant drawings and notify the Control System Services Group with a copy of said changes. Ensure that all wires and devices in / outside panels are labeled. Assist maintenance personnel with proper electrical symbols & check drawings marked up for accuracy. Ensure electrical panels have up to date drawings and are accurate.

Preferred Requirements

• Understanding of raw water quality parameters and the resultant implications for applicable treatment process strategies.

• Must possess a working knowledge and understanding of mechanical and/or electrical systems.

• High School diploma with appropriate technical training.

• Experience with the operation of personal computers

• Problem Solving: (Situations are identical; similar; differing; variable; non-recurring). Can identify recurring and non-recurring operating conditions and maintenance needs requiring adjustment.

• Accountability: (Assist others, share responsibility, fully responsible, direct others. Also, if applicable, state dollar volume of assets controlled, and number of people supervised, directly and indirectly). 

Education/Certifications

• Connecticut Class I Water Treatment Operator certification, and a minimum of six (6) years in the operation and maintenance of supply, pumping, and treatment facilities, OR a current Connecticut Electrician’s License and a minimum of six (6) years’ experience diagnosing problems and repairing/maintaining electrical and PLC-based control systems.

• Valid Connecticut driver’s license is required.

• License & Certifications: Successful candidate shall obtain a CT DI/TI Certification within 24 months; then shall obtain a CT DII/TII Operator certification within 36 months; then shall obtain a CT DIII/TIII Operator certification within 54 months. Upon receiving a DIII/TIII certification, candidate will be eligible for a pay upgrade.

Salary

• This position is classified as a Non-Union Hourly Grade 8 position with a rate range that has a training wage of $38.69/hour.

• Successful candidate will move through Step 1 through 8 of the range with satisfactory performance to the maximum salary.

• Upon attainment of a DIII/TIII certification, employee will progress to Grade 9 wage range. To carry the title of Senior Operator, candidate must possess required licenses.  

• Successful candidate with a current Connecticut Electrician’s License will receive a Grade 10 wage range.

• This position is broken into 8-hour shifts, Monday through Friday, with a 30-minute non-paid lunch period.
• This position can report to an office in the Mystic territory, either in Simsbury, CT or Stonington, CT.