Under general supervision, The Water Treatment Plant Operator I and II performs responsible technical work in the operation and minor maintenance of equipment at a water treatment plant on an assigned shift. Depending upon qualifications work involves:  collecting and testing water samples from the conventional treatment plant and electro-dialysis reversal (EDR) system, and controlling mechanical, electrical, and chemical equipment involved in pumping and/or treating water; periodically checking the water pumps, feed systems and tank levels, making changes as necessary; adjusting chemical feed as required, monitoring lake levels; responding to after-hours water and sewage emergencies and responding to inquiries or complaints from the general public.

Under general supervision, The Senior Water Treatment Plant Operator performs responsible supervisory and technical work in the operation of the City's water treatment plant (electro-dialysis reversal (EDR) and conventional treatment) equipment to ensure distribution of safe, potable drinking water to the City. Work involves operating the assigned water treatment plant on a daily basis, periodically checking the water pumps, feed systems and tank levels, and making changes as necessary; calculating chemical feed dosages; and reading various charts, graphs, gauges and meters to ensure water quality and water flow. Employee is also responsible for handling calls for water and sewer emergencies after hours as well as supervising and training plant operators.

The Water Treatment Plant Operator I and II reports to the Senior Water Treatment Plant Operator.  The Senior Water Treatment Plant Operator reports to the Operations Supervisor.

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform the essential job functions satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the primary job functions herein described. Since every duty associated with this position may not be described herein, employees may be required to perform duties not specifically spelled out in the job description, but which may be reasonably considered to be incidental in the performing of their duties just as though they were actually written out in this job description.

The City of Suffolk is an Equal Opportunity Employer and a Drug Free Workplace

The selected candidate will be hired into one of the positions below depending on qualifications:

Water Treatment Plant Operator I - Must possess a high school diploma or equivalent; any equivalent combination of training and experience which provides the required skills, knowledge and abilities. Requires a valid driver's license.

Certification as a Class IV Operator by the Commonwealth of Virginia Board of Waterworks and Waste Waterworks Operators required within 2 years of initial employment. Certification as a Class III Operator by the Commonwealth of Virginia Board of Waterworks and Waste Waterworks Operators must be obtained within three years of employment as a Water Treatment Plant Operator I. Certification as a Class II Operator by the Commonwealth of Virginia Board of Waterworks and Waste Waterworks must be obtained within five years of employment as a Water Treatment Plant Operator I and upon certification as a Class II Operator, employee will be reclassified to a Water Treatment Plant Operator II. Employees hired as a Water Treatment Plant Operator I prior to revision date of job description are not subject to the time requirements set for receipt of certifications noted. Salary: $49,466
Water Treatment Plant Operator II - Must possess a high school or equivalent as well as valid Virginia Waterworks Operators Class 2 license; any equivalent combination of training and experience which provides the required skills, knowledge and abilities. Requires a valid driver's license.

Certification as a Class II Operator by the Commonwealth of Virginia Board of Waterworks and Waste Waterworks Operators required for initial employment. Certification as a Class I Operator by the Commonwealth of Virginia Board of Waterworks and Waste Waterworks must be obtained within three years of employment as a Water Treatment Plant Operator II and upon certification as a Class I Operator, employee will be reclassified to a Senior Water Treatment Plant Operator. Employees hired as a Water Treatment Plant Operator II prior to revision date of job description are not subject to the time requirements set for receipt of certifications noted. Salary: $54,535

Senior Water Treatment Plant Operator - Must possess a high school diploma or equivalent and Certification as a Class I Waterworks Operator by the Commonwealth of Virginia Board of Waterworks Operators; any equivalent combination of training and experience which provides the required skills, knowledge and abilities. Requires a valid driver's license.  Salary: $63,823.00 - $90,072.00