Utility Process Control Specialist - City of Wichita - Syndeo : Job Details

Syndeo Staffing has opportunity with the City of Wichita Public Works and Utilities Department as a Utility Process Control Specialist. We are seeking an individual who can work 2nd or 3rd shift but will train on 1st shift. A Kansas Class IV Water Operator Certification is required (or equivalent certification from another state). This position exercises a high degree of decision-making regarding water treatment, flows, and pressures, based on independent judgement on how to maintain multiple water quality parameters within regulatory limits. Work includes supervising other staff when the Shift Supervisor is not present.

Employees will be required to wear level D PPE (long pants, steel toed boots) and City will provide hardhat, safety glasses, and earplugs if needed.

Position Physical Requirements: Stairs, walking, bending, twisting, reaching, and able to carry 40 lbs unassisted, exposure to noise, chemicals and weather.

Pay: $32.58/hour

Examples of Work Performed:

• Operates and monitors production, pumping, and distribution systems from a control center utilizing data from the Supervisory, Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) system and the Geographic Information System (GIS).
• Monitors and maintains flows and pressures within all systems, including making independent decisions regarding how to balance flows to basins and reservoirs to maintain water storage requirements.
• Monitors water levels in reservoirs and towers and makes appropriate pump changes.
• Collects water samples and performs basic chemical tests. Utilizes results to make process change decisions.
• Operates chemical feed equipment and controls feed rates, determines chemical dosage needs for varying conditions, and makes appropriate changes in chemical feed rates as required to maintain water quality.
• Troubleshoots treatment problems associated with pH, solids level, mixing intensity, chemical dosage, and biological processes.
• Monitors weather and forecasts daily water consumption and production requirements.
• Operates and maintains a water treatment plant, including maintenance of equipment.
• Records information about plant performance on log sheets or computer databases.

Requirements of Work:

• Must have achieved Level 5 on the City of Wichita Water Utility Competency Scale, or must be capable of achieving this within three years of hire, including:
  • Knowledge of federal and state regulations pertaining to producing and distributing safe drinking water
  • Thorough knowledge of the principles of specialized water treatment operations
  • Knowledge of the functions and mechanics of pumps, chemical analyzers, and other equipment used in a water treatment plant, and ability to perform basic preventive maintenance on equipment.
  • Ability to calculate flows and solution strengths.
  • Ability to collect data and make decisions based on data from on-line analyzers.
  • Ability to monitor, evaluate, and make decisions about SCADA information.
  • Ability to utilize GIS data for decision making.
  • Ability to interpret, validate, and analyze complex data.
  • Basic understanding of the principals of biology and chemistry as they relate to water treatment.
  • Ability to use a computer to access, interpret and record information.
  • Ability to tolerate exposure to airborne environmental nuisances associated with open grounds, exposure to chemicals used in water treatment, and equipment and machinery noise (with the use of earplugs).
• Ability to walk variable distances multiple times per shift, climb stairs, and to bend, twist, push, pull and reach as necessary to evaluate equipment/instrumentation function.
• Ability to lift and carry up to 40 pounds.
• Ability to exert up to 40 pounds of pressure to operate valves and fire hydrants.
• Ability to work outdoors in inclement weather.
• Ability to read and interpret technical manuals.
• Ability to develop and maintain effective working relationships with associates, employees of other departments and representatives of outside agencies
• Ability to communicate clearly and effectively, both orally and in writing
• Ability to acquire and maintain a valid Kansas driver's license
• Ability to drive at night.
• Ability to be available for after-hour emergencies including on-call duties.
• An employee shall not pose a direct threat to the health or safety of other individuals in the workplace.

Required Experience and Training:

• High school diploma.
• Kansas Class IV Water Supply System Operator certification or equivalent certification from another state (large water utility / surface water treatment). The applicant must complete the reciprocal process within the first six (6) months of hire.
• Must be legally authorized to work in the United States without the need of a sponsorship.

Offers of employment are contingent upon passing a pre-employment physical which includes drug screening, and criminal record check.