Title:  Water Treatment Operator I

Description

Under supervision performs duties related to the safe operation of a water treatment process and/or facility at a skilled level.

• Take and test water samples at various sampling locations to monitor water treatment process and different chemical levels therein; make adjustments as needed
• Inspect and monitor well pumps, booster pumps, water storage tanks and other machinery and processes of the Water Treatment System
• Record and document operation of plant during assigned shift in log books, electronically and/or on forms; calculate and record water production and chemical usage
• Maintain chemical inventory for water treatment process
• Maintain elevations on all water pools
• May operate a sludge densification plant: run clarifiers, monitoring neutralization tanks, adding chemicals as needed
• May calibrate pH and turbidity instruments
• Operate computer and/or manual controlled equipment starts and stops
• Ensure proper operations of automated pumps and motors
• Operate manual pumps, motors and valves
• May operate sodium hydroxide, sulfuric acid and (possibly) chlorine gas monitoring and safety equipment
• Adjust the flow of water and chemicals through the plant as needed
• Communicate equipment deficiencies to maintenance department
• May assist with, or perform emergency repair and maintenance of treatment equipment, pumps, motors, sensing devices, instrumentation, and other equipment
• Perform other duties as required

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications

• Six (6) months of experience in Water Treatment Plant operations, Water Distribution Systems and related equipment 
• Must have completed academic and practical competencies required (this includes Line of Progression requirements for internal employees where LOP Exists) and have experience demonstrating the required aptitude. The selected candidate shall demonstrate the ability to apply knowledge and skills while also passing a written assessment where required. This exam is based on skills/abilities and/or academic knowledge; as well as safety.
• May be required to attend training and obtain a water treatment or related licenses for the state in which the site is located 
• Knowledge of proper emergency notification procedures 
• Knowledge of pH and turbidity and calibrating pH and turbidity instruments 
• Knowledge of chemicals associated with water treatment process, depending on site location these may include: lime, sulfuric acid, polymer, etc.

Preferred Qualifications

• High School diploma or GED 
• Current/previous plant operations experience
• Understanding of pumping and dosing systems
• Working a non-standard schedule which includes shift work

Criteria/Conditions

• Ability to understand and apply verbal and written work and safety-related instructions and procedures given in English 
• Ability to communicate in English with respect to job assignments, job procedures, and applicable safety standards 
• Must be able to work in a potentially stressful environment 
• Employee may be required to work in environments that may include exposure to extreme temperatures, humidity, dust, noise, fumes, and gasses 
• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is required to stand, sit, demonstrate manual dexterity, climb stairs and ladders, work on uneven work surfaces and work on elevated platforms 
• Frequently may be required to lift up to fifty (50) pounds during the course of the work day 
• May be required to work a non-standard schedule which may include shift work (other than day shift) in a 24/7/365 operation 
• Personal protective equipment is required when performing work in a mine, outdoor, manufacturing or plant environment, including hard hat, hearing protection, safety glasses, safety footwear, and as needed, respirator, rubber steel-toe boots, protective clothing, gloves and any other protective equipment as required 
• Freeport-McMoRan promotes a drug/alcohol-free work environment through the use of mandatory pre-employment drug testing and on-going random drug testing as allowed by applicable state laws