Chemical Systems Technician (Water Treatment Plant Operator)

SUMMARY: Under general supervision Chemical Systems Supervisor, the Chemical Systems Technician is responsible for maintaining correct water chemistry of boiler and associated water systems; collecting and evaluating coal samples; sampling and analyzing all liquid and solid plant discharges and maintaining proper records of all laboratory data and activities. The incumbent is responsible for controlling water treatment plant equipment to clarify and purify water for station needs.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: Includes the following: other duties may be assigned. Takes samples and performs analysis of all assigned plant water systems, such as boiler feedwater, condensate, bearing cooling water, condenser cooling water, demineralized water, and potable water. Samples and analyzes plant water systems to determine actions necessary to maintain or regain proper chemical balance. Communicates to the Operations Department corrective action necessary to maintain plant availability. Operates the demineralizer and condensate polisher and regenerates both systems based on manufacturer's requirements. Controls water flow through treatment plant to meet station demands at all times. Monitors pumps, motors, and controls for proper operation by monitoring control board and visual inspections. Performs outage inspections of heat exchangers, boiler equipment, air heaters, and cooling tower equipment. Records all required data, test results, and activities on proper forms, logs, and computer automated systems. Performs preventive and corrective maintenance on equipment such as chemical feed systems and instrumentation. Isolates and tags out equipment as outlined in the Hugo Plant Lockout/Tagout procedure. Adds chemicals to holding vessels as required, such as boiler water treatment, condensate treatment, potable water, service water, and cooling water treatment. Operates chemical feed systems and monitors results for proper chemical levels. Makes recommendation, based on analysis, to keep the plant in compliance with all state and federal permits. Collects and evaluates required oil samples and makes recommendations for corrective actions. Collects coal samples and ships to appropriate facility to determine plant heat rates to monitor emission levels. Performs Environmental Protection Agency water certification tests on a semi-annual basis. Provides training and instruction to others as required. Maintains clean and orderly work areas.

COMPETENCIES: To perform the job successfully, an individual should demonstrate the following competencies:

Technical Skills: Displays technical knowledge equal to job requirements; Pursues training and development opportunities; Strives to continuously build knowledge and skills; Shares expertise with others.

Quantity: Meets productivity goals; Completes work in timely manner; Strives to increase productivity.

Quality: Demonstrates accuracy and thoroughness; Applies feedback to improve performance; Monitors own work to ensure quality.

Problem Solving: Identifies and resolves problems in a timely manner; Gathers and analyzes information skillfully.

Attendance/Punctuality: Is consistently at work and on time; Uses paid leave within policy requirements; Informs supervisor about necessary absences in a timely manner.

Organizational Support: Follows policies and procedures; Completes administrative tasks correctly and on time; Supports organization's goals and values.

Dependability: Follows instructions and responds to management direction; Takes responsibility for own actions; Commits to long hours of work when necessary to reach goals; Completes tasks on time or notifies appropriate person with an alternate plan.

Safety and Security: Observes safety and security procedures; Determines appropriate action beyond guidelines; Reports potentially unsafe conditions; Uses equipment and materials properly.

Customer Service: Manages difficult or emotional customer situations; Responds promptly to customer needs; Solicits customer feedback to improve service; Responds to requests for service and assistance; Meets commitments to customers.

Cost Consciousness: Works within approved budget; Develops and implements cost saving measures; Conserves organizational resources.

QUALIFICATIONS: To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the education, experience, knowledge, skills, abilities and behaviors required.

Chemical Systems Technician: ($35.86 - $37.52) Requires twelve or more hours of college level chemistry and six or more hours of college level mathematics, or the equivalent in directly related courses, plus five years laboratory experience in a power plant or industrial environment. Related education may be substituted for experience at a rate of one year of educations for two years of experience. Satisfactory completion of level IV of the Chemical Systems Technician Training Program meets the experience requirements for this position.

Apprentice Chemical Systems Technician: ($20.28 - $32.83) Graduation from High School with completion of a course in chemistry and algebra. One year of directly related experience in a power plant or manufacturing environment, or two years of progressively responsible work experience in required. Education beyond the high school level may be substituted for the experience requirement.

Under the direct supervision of the Chemical Systems Supervisor, Apprentice Chemical Systems Technician I-IV participates in the apprentice training program which includes extensive on-the-job training, formal training, on-line training, and written study, some of which may be completed outside of work hours. Satisfactory performance and continuous progress toward completion of the program is required for continuous step progressions. Under close supervision, the apprentice performs laboratory and water treatment plant duties and assists the Chemical Systems Technicians. The apprentice training program requires a minimum of five years to complete if begun at the entry level.

Language Skills: Ability to read and interpret documents such as safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, and procedure manuals. Ability to write routine reports and correspondence. Ability to speak effectively with other employees.

Mathematical Skills: Ability to apply the concepts of basic algebra.

Reasoning Ability: Ability to apply common sense understanding to carry out instructions furnished in written, oral, or diagram form. Ability to deal with problems involving several concrete variables in standardized situations.

Computer Skills: Ability to use a personal computer to access the intranet and Microsoft Office software as required.

CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS: A current driver's license is required. A minimum of a valid, Class D, Oklahoma Department of Environmental Quality (ODEQ) Waterworks Operator's License is required and must be kept current while employed in the position. Those who do not possess the license or are seeking reciprocity from another state, may also be considered for the position, providing if selected they obtain it within six months of employment, after meeting the State of Oklahoma requirements for obtaining a temporary license.

WORK SCHEDULE REQUIREMENTS: Incumbent works a rotating day schedule and required to work overtime, weekends, holidays, and be available for call in on short notice. Incumbent will be required to travel on short notice if needed.

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 the essential functions. Requires climbing ladders and stairs and working on elevated platforms or scaffolding; walking and/or standing for extended periods of time; kneeling, crawling, stooping, bending, or twisting for extended periods of time; pushing, pulling, and reaching above the shoulders; wearing personal safety equipment including breathing apparatus; manual and detailed hand work using both hands and may require repetitive manual tasks. Requires lifting, pushing, pulling, or carrying of weights equal to 50 pounds or more. Requires quick, calm action in response to emergency situations. Requires vision within normal range. Corrective lens are permitted. Requires hearing within normal range. Hearing aids are permitted.

WORK ENVIRONMENT: The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Requires working in varying weather conditions outside and temperature extremes inside with extreme ranges of humidity and dryness; working in confined spaces for extended periods of time; walking or standing on inclined, uneven, or slippery surfaces; working with or near hazardous chemicals, materials, fumes, dust, or smoke; and working in areas of constant high noise and vibration levels. Requires working with and near high voltage; working at night inside or outside in all weather conditions; and working inside in a controlled environment. In accordance with WFEC Administrative Procedure 805-Alcohol and Drug-Free Workplace this position is classified as "safety sensitive".