Power Plant Operator jobs in Brownsville, TX

Physical Demands:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

• Work is performed under extreme weather conditions including hot and cold ambient temperatures. The employee must be able to work in varying weather conditions on a daily basis.
• Tasks involve bending, lifting, walking, carrying or using a force equal to lifting 50 to 100 pounds.
• The employee must be able to withstand prolonged periods of walking while checking treatment equipment and taking required readings.
• The employee must have the ability to open and close valves of various sizes manually by turning difficult-to-operate valve wheels.
• The employee is regularly required to use hands, to finger, handle, feel or operate objects, tools, or controls and reach with hands and arms.
• The employee frequently is required to stand, talk, listen, walk, sit, climb (ladders and steps) or balance, stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl and smell.
• The employee must have the ability to routinely lift objects weighing as much as 50 pounds, occasionally lift objects weighing as much as 100 pounds or assist in lifting objects in excess of 100 pounds.
• The employee frequently is required to drive a vehicle and operate heavy machinery.
• Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, and ability to adjust focus.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Certification at least a "C" level in surface water plant operations. Candidates who have experience with reverse osmosis water treatment and/or a “C” level wastewater operator license are preferred.
• High School Diploma or GED is required.
• Must possess a valid TX Driver's License.
• Must have the skills and ability necessary to use the tools, and equipment associated with the job such as, lab equipment, sampling equipment, heavy equipment, hand tools, and lawn equipment.
• The employee must be able to follow oral and written instructions English and should be able to give oral and written instruction in both English and Spanish.
• The employee must be able to work independently and with little supervision.
• The employee must be knowledgeable of the occupational hazards and safety precautions associated with water plant chemicals and related activities.
• The employee must be knowledge of chemicals as applied to water treatment, standard laboratory principles, techniques, terminology, and equipment.
• The employee must be ability to detect problems in the operation of water treatment equipment chemical feeds machines and other related equipment.
• The employee must have working knowledge of applicable traffic laws, ordinances, and regulations involved in maintenance and repair of utility lines.
• Ability to communicate in English using industry technical terms.

• Ability to comprehend technical courses in water plant operations as required by Texas Water Code and Chapter 290 of Title 30 of the Texas Administrative Code.
• Ability to understand basic mathematics and general mechanical concepts.
• Knowledge of principles, methods, materials, and equipment used in the operation and maintenance of a water treatment plant, water distribution system, and water supply facilities (water wells and water supply reservoirs).
• Basic knowledge of mechanical and electrical characteristics of pumps, motors, valves, control panels, telemetry systems, and other water measuring devices.
• Basic computer knowledge including software such as SCADA software, Word, Excel, and Outlook.
• Knowledge of applicable safety rules of water treatment plant operations, water distribution systems and water supply facilities.
• Knowledge of the chemical processes which occur in water treatment plants, distribution systems, water supply reservoirs, and water quality laboratory procedures.
• Ability to perform simple physical, chemical and bacteriological tests as related to water and treatment plant and distribution system operations.

Responsibilities:

The Water Plant Operator is responsible for maintaining the water plant in a clean and safe manner according to all applicable State and Federal laws and regulations. The Water Plant Operator is responsible for the day to day plant operations, maintenance, and water quality compliance. The Water Plant Operator is responsible for coordinating the takeover of the plant by other Operators in his absence.

• Operates pumps, motors, valves, gates, meters and instrumentation/computer equipment to regulate and document the quality and quantity of drinking water being treated in surface water treatment plants and distributed through distribution systems.
• Uses a wide variety of hand and power tools and appropriate safety equipment in performing system operation, maintenance and repair work.
• Maintains facilities, grounds and equipment, records facility operations and hydrologic data.
• Collects water samples for laboratory and field water quality analysis; performs simple physical and chemical water quality analysis and performs jar tests as necessary in coordination with the Chief Operator.
• Mentor and train other Operators and personnel.
• Performs other duties as assigned by the General Manager, Operations Manager, or Chief Operator.

OTHER CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT:

• Must be willing and able to work alternating shifts and weekend work to provide coverage after normal workday or irregular and on-call emergency requests on nights, weekends, and holidays.
• May be subject to formal standby or around-the-clock operations as situations warrant.
• Must successfully pass initial and recurring self-contained breathing apparatus fitness test or full face respiratory test as appropriate.
• Must keep hair and any facial hair consistent with the ability to ensure proper use of safety equipment.
• Must pass drug and alcohol screening test as required.
• Normal work hours of 8am to 5pm apply to this position. However, the plant runs 24 hours a day, 7 days per week. The Water Treatment Plant Operator is responsible for monitoring the plant outside of normal work hours via SCADA. Operators typically work on a weekend rotation for half days on Saturday and Sunday. After a weekend shift, the Operator is allowed to take a day off during the week, as approved by the Chief Operator.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $16.00 - $23.00 per hour

Benefits:

• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Retirement plan

Schedule:

• 8 hour shift
• Weekends as needed

Work Location: In person