Principal Water Plant Operator
OCWA - Central New York's Water Authority is currently seeking candidates for a Principal Water Plant Operator (Type A) - Otisco Water Treatment Plant to join the Otisco Lake Water Treatment Plant team.
The work involves responsibility for performing advanced level technical work in the operation and maintenance of a water treatment plant. Under the general supervision of the Water Plant Manager (Type A Plant), an employee in this class functions as a plant operator and supervises the activities of the water treatment plant personnel, which includes operators, maintenance, laboratory, office clerical and custodial staff. This involves coordinating the scheduling of maintenance activities with the operation of the water treatment facility as well as assigning and reviewing work performed by subordinate employees; training of subordinate employees is also a function of this position. Greater emphasis is placed on this employee's function as Principal Water Plant Operator; however, assisting the Water Plant Manager (Type A Plant) and acting as Manager in his/her absence is a key element of this position. Does related work as required.
OCWA continually strives to provide our customers with clean, reliable water in an efficient and affordable manner. As a result, we have earned top rankings in national performance benchmarks for labor efficiency, debt per customer, and affordability. These competitive rankings illustrate our dedication to providing you with the highest quality water at the lowest possible price. OCWA employees work as a team to ensure that our customers and community consistently get the highest quality of service. OCWA employees are proud of where they work and the communities they serve.
Position is Monday - Friday 7:00 am - 3:30 pm
Performs Water Treatment Plant Operator duties when subordinate operator personnel are not assigned to a shift or unavailable. These duties include: starting and stopping pumps, chemical feed equipment, compressors, generators and motors; opening and closing valves; backwashing filters; unloading chemicals and monitoring systems operations; collects and analyzes water samples and makes security rounds as required; operates motor vehicles including trucks and tractors. Supervises the activities of the water treatment plant personnel including the operators, maintenance, laboratory, office clerical and custodial staff by assigning work and reviewing assignments in progress or upon completion. Performs some training of subordinate plant personnel. Assumes responsibility for the operation of the water treatment plant, pre-treatment facilities and pump stations including 24 hour per day on call duty in the absence of the Water Plant Manager (Type A Plant). Schedules subordinate personnel when necessary. Prepares various reports on system operation as directed by the Water Plant Manager. Reviews reports and accumulated data on system operation. Prepares the work schedule for operator personnel. Maintains the water treatment plant chemical inventory. May assist other personnel in the inspection and treatment of open reservoirs.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
Promotion:
Two (2) years of permanent competitive class status in the title of Water Plant Operator I (Type A Plant).
Open Competitive:
A. Graduation from a regionally accredited college or university or one accredited by the New York State Board of Regents to grant degrees with a baccalaureate degree in engineering or a natural or physical science and one (1) year of work experience, or its part time equivalent, in the actual operation of a water treatment plant with facilities for filtration with pretreatment and application of chemicals to the water, such as carbon, chlorine or chlorine compounds, coagulants, polymers, fluoride compounds, pH adjusting chemicals or the process of corrosion control; or,
B. Graduation from a regionally accredited college or university or one accredited by the New York State Board of Regents to grant degrees with an associates in applied science degree in natural or physical science or in environmental health technology or public health technology and three (3) years of work experience, or its part time equivalent, in the actual operation of a water treatment plant with facilities for filtration pretreatment and application of chemicals to the water, such as carbon, chlorine or chlorine compounds, coagulants, polymers, fluoride compounds, pH adjusting chemicals or the process of corrosion control; or,
C. Graduation from high school or possession of a high school equivalency diploma and five (5) years of work experience, or its part time equivalent, in the actual operation of a water treatment plant with facilities for filtration with pretreatment and application of chemicals to the water, such as carbon, chlorine or chlorine compounds, coagulants, polymers, fluoride compounds, pH adjusting chemicals or the process of corrosion control; or,
D. Possession of a New York State Professional Engineer's license.
SPECIAL NECESSARY REQUIREMENT
Possession of, within one (1) year of appointment, a New York State Grade II-A Community Water Systems Operator Certificate.
Possession of a valid New York State Class D Driver's License at time of appointment.
The Onondaga County Water Authority is a civil service agency under the jurisdiction of the Onondaga County Department of Personnel. Hiring is in accordance with Onondaga County and New York State civil service regulations. Many of the positions at OCWA are "competitive," which means that the applicant must have successfully completed a competitive examination given by the Onondaga County Department of Personnel and appear on an eligibility list derived from the examination. Notices of upcoming exams and eligibility requirements can be found on Onondaga County's web site or by contacting the Personnel Office directly.
