Plant Operator

Position Summary

This is a limited-term position with an expected end date of December, 2026. This date may be extended.

Under general supervision, perform a variety of duties essential to the operation and maintenance of water treatment plants (potable and recycled). Use physical, biological, and chemical water treatment techniques to produce finished water that meets Federal and State regulatory requirements and Denver Water’s water quality goals. May fill in or cross train for asset management as needed.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities-Both Levels

• Operate multiple treatment plants including related subsystems. Monitor the treatment process from the SCADA operating network; monitor various treatment processes including, but not limited to coagulant feed, rapid mix, flocculation, sedimentation, filtration, disinfection, and corrosion control treatment. Monitor raw water and downstream finished water quality. Capable of making all process decisions for facility operations to maintain compliance with Federal and State regulations and maintaining all Denver Water Quality Goals and Targets.
• Additionally, monitor water quality by performing laboratory tests at various stages in the treatment process, calibrate laboratory equipment, compare to on-line instrumentation readings, and maintain records.
• May serve as shift ORC at a single treatment plant.
• Monitor systems for alarms, adjust, and provide appropriate response.
• Operate and maintain chlorination equipment for pre-treatment, filtration, and disinfection systems. Maintain Risk Management Program (RMP) compliance through training, proper use of PPE and annual mandatory inspection, repair and replacement of chlorination equipment and instrumentation. Must complete initial 40-hour RMP training and meet annual 8-hour RMP training requirements.
• Perform calibration of chemical feed equipment. Order chemicals and take delivery of bulk chemicals.
• Perform facility inspections of treatment processes, equipment, instrumentation, storage tanks and grounds. Make visual inspections of facility processes, equipment, instrumentation, and facility grounds.
• Perform complex plant start-ups and shutdowns, including emergency shutdowns.
• Assess project risks and develop job hazard analysis (JHA) and adhere to Denver Water’s safety practices and policies.
• May assist in training new technicians. May create and/or update SOPs and other training documents.
• Must be able to perform safety sensitive functions.
• Perform related duties as required.
• May be required to perform on-call duty, work shifts, weekends, holidays, and overtime as directed, and work outdoors in a variety of weather conditions.
• Operate and maintain solids handling systems.
• Provide appropriate first response to emergencies and spills including those involving hazardous materials. Wear respirators including self-contained breathing apparatus as required.

The following disciplines fall under this job description:

• CLASS A Plant Operator: Under general supervision, performs a variety of duties necessary to operate treatment facilities and related structures. Uses physical, chemical, and biological conventional and advanced treatment techniques in combination with SCADA operating technology to provide an adequate supply of safe, high-quality water that meets regulatory requirements and Denver Water internal water quality goals. Performs process control laboratory analyses. Provides routine metrics and data analytics. Comply with safety practices and policies.
• CLASS B Plant Operator: Under general supervision, performs a variety of duties necessary to operate treatment facilities and related structures. Uses physical, chemical, and biological conventional and advanced treatment techniques in combination with SCADA operating technology to provide an adequate supply of safe, high-quality water that meets regulatory requirements and Denver Water internal water quality goals. Performs process control laboratory analyses. Provides routine metrics and data analytics. Comply with safety practices and policies.

This Limited-term appointment is within the competitive service. Limited-term regular employees have the same rights and privileges and are subject to the same requirements under the Personnel Policies as regular employees. Limited-term appointments are used to fill positions for projects that are expected to take two or more years for completion, but which are clearly not continuing in nature and will terminate upon completion of the work. Denver Water also reserves the right to terminate the position if the Limited-term employee's role on the project is completed or it is determined that there is no longer a need for the position on the project.

Individuals who are selected for Limited-term employment with Denver Water will be appointed for a pre-determined period of time depending on project needs, but that period may be shortened or extended depending on project needs. A limited-term appointment will end when the employee's role on a project is completed or it is determined there is no longer a need for the limited-term position on the project.

The first six months of employment for a Limited-term employee is an introductory period. During this period, your employment can be terminated at any time, and are entitled to the same limited protection and procedures provided to introductory employees.

Eligibility for Benefits: Limited-term employees are eligible to participate in Denver Water Employees Health, Dental and Vision Benefits, as well as Paid Time Off, and after the six months introductory period, are eligible for Denver Water benefits that include a pension plan, 401K Plan with 3% match, 457 Deferred Compensation Plan, and Life Insurance.

Compensation: Limited-term employees are eligible for within-grade increases through Denver Water's annual merit program. Limited-term employees are able to compete for other Limited-term or Regular status positions if seeking other opportunities.

Minimum Requirements - Both Levels

Education and Experience

• High School Diploma or GED.
• Minimum of two years of related work experience.
• Any equivalent combination of certifications, education, or experience that provides the required skills, knowledge, and abilities for the position.

Licenses, Registration, and Certifications

o At time of hire: must possess a valid State of Colorado Water Operator Class A

certification.-Class A

o Will be required to obtain 40 Hour HAZWOPER certification within 6 months of hire.- Both Levels

o Must be able to possess and maintain a valid Class ‘R’ Colorado driver’s license and have a satisfactory driving record at time of hire.-Both Levels

Safety Sensitive Requirements• This is a safety sensitive job where an employee’s direct action/inaction may lead to immediate harm to self, team, or the public and/or will have significant risk to the mission of Denver Water. To promote the safety, employees in this job must possess English proficiency adequate to effectively communicate with customers and coworkers, including proficiency in listening, speaking, reading, and writing.

Respiratory Protection Testing

• This position is subject to respiratory protection testing as directed per Denver Water Physician.

Posting Close Date

Jan 24, 2025

Pay Range

Hiring Range: $38.00 - $42.00 hourly (Plant Operator A)
Hiring Range: $30.57 - $34.65 hourly (Plant Operator B)
Pay Range: $28.87 – $45.91 hourly (Plant Operator A)
Pay Range: $26.32 – $41.62 hourly (Plant Operator B)