Operator (Mystic)

Job Summary

A position is available in Stonington 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.
• 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, test and calibration equipment, electrical and pneumatic tools, for cutting and grinding.

Principal Responsibilities Continued

• 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.
• Perform fire flow tests on distribution system fire hydrants.
• Perform fire hydrant inspections and complete hydrant maintenance activities.
• Perform water distribution system valve inspections and maintenance.
• Perform water main flushing, and document use of water.
• Locate water leaks and breaks in water mains and supervise contractor repair of breaks and leaks, properly completing documentation of work performed for billing and payment of contractors.
• Locating and marking underground water lines as part of the Call Before You Dig system to prevent water line damage during excavation activities by others.
• Perform disinfection, flushing, and sampling of new water mains and distribution system equipment for placement in-service.
• 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 and software including (but not limited to) SAP, HachWims, Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) systems, and Microsoft Office.
• Possess ability to lift 100 pounds and ability to use respirator and SCBA equipment.
• Perform other various duties as assigned.

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 normally encountered will be variable; must be able to identify recurring and non-recurring operating conditions and maintenance needs requiring adjustment.
• Accountability: Must be able to assist others, share responsibility, be fully responsible for own actions.

Education/Certifications

• High School Diploma required.  Water System Technical training desired.
• Valid Connecticut driver’s license is required.
• License & Certifications: Successful candidate, if not already certified, shall obtain a CT DI Certification within 24 months; and a CT TI Certification within 24 months, then shall obtain a minimum 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 $39.85/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.  
• This role reports out of Stonington, CT.