Waterworks Plant Operator I
- Type:Full Time
- Salary/Pay Rate:Starting at $22.97 Hourly
- Posted Date:August 27, 2026
Position Summary:
The Plant Operator I works under the supervision of the Water Quality Specialist and is responsible for inspecting, testing, sampling, and monitoring the plant treatment system to ensure compliance with federal and state requirements.
Essential duties are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills. They are intended to be accurate summaries of what the job classification involves and what is required to perform it. The omission of specific statements or duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related or a logical assignment to the position. To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential duties and responsibilities of this job.
The Plant Operator I position is a position that includes internal advancement opportunities. The Plant Operator I position can advance to a Plant Operator II position if requirements set forth by the Department of Waterworks are successfully met.
Duties/Responsibilities:
Maintains appropriate water storage levels while monitoring customer water demand and adjusting flow of incoming water accordingly.
Investigates and solves routine problems with production, treatment, and storage operations, water quality, sanitation, safety, and cost efficiency.
Analyzes operational data to identify patterns/issues and reports operational problems to the Water Quality Specialist.
Works with EOC during severe weather during spills and natural disasters.
Uses various hazardous chemicals in the treatment process in compliance with safe handling techniques and controls those substances to prevent exposure and releases.
Operates large, complex mechanical treatment systems and performs water sampling and analysis in accordance with standard procedures.
Collects and runs various analyses including chlorine, trihalomethanes, haa5, lead, copper, nitrates, turbidity, bacteriological sampling, fluoride, pH, total hardness and alkalinity to identify potentially hazardous levels in drinking water; Implements corrective measures to resolve potential water quality problems.
Controls numerous pumps, valves, and chemical feed systems and adjusts treatment chemicals based on the water flow of the raw water supply.
Enters all data collected into the IFIX SCADA system while maintaining compliance documentation such as chain-of-custody sheets, compliance data logs, and/or internal tracking forms.
Answers phone and radio calls after office hours; calls out work crews when required
Performs maintenance and cleaning as required on equipment and facility; uses a variety of specialized tools, instruments, and equipment.
Perform additional duties as needed.
Competencies:
Knowledge of basic water treatment plant operations.
Knowledge of the operating characteristics of water treatment plants.
Knowledge of the occupational hazards and the safety precautions associated with a water treatment plant.
Knowledge of standard and accepted safety regulations and standards for safe working practices.
Ability to collect and analyze data to identify needs and evaluate program effectiveness.
Skilled in performing basic laboratory analyses or examinations.
Strong computer skills and software management with proficiency in the use of Microsoft office and other software platforms necessary for the department.
Excellent communication skills through email, phone, in-person, and virtually with both internal and external customers.
Education and Experience:
High school diploma or GED.
Licenses and Certifications:
Must be able to obtain Louisiana Department of Health (LDH) Certification Licenses Water Treatment IV and Water Production IV within thirty-two (36) months of hire date. To obtain this license requirement must be able to obtain LDH Water Treatment I and Water Production I certification within nine (9) months; obtain LDH Water Treatment II and Water Production II within eighteen (18) months; obtain LDH Water Treatment III and Water Production III within twenty-seven (27) months; obtain LDH Water Treatment III and Water Production III within thirty-six (36) months. Must have or be able to obtain sixty (60) credit hours of college education or fifty-four (54) continuing education units (CEU) from the Office of Water Programs CSU Sacramento to obtain the previously listed licenses.
Internal Advancement:
This position is eligible for internal advancement opportunity.
A current St. Charles Parish employee can advance from Waterworks Plant Operator I to Waterworks Plant Operator II if the requirements as outlined in the Waterworks Plant Operator II job description are met.
Work Environment:
The primary duties of this position are performed outdoors and indoors. May work in controlled temperature conditions, cold and hot temperatures, or inclement weather conditions. Exposure to chemicals, mechanical and electrical hazards, and hazardous physical substances and fumes. Potential exposure to risk of electrical shock, vibration, fumes, airborne particles, and infectious diseases. Reports to work during severe weather.
Physical Requirements:
This position requires lifting and carrying of objects up to 100 pounds with frequent reaching, standing, kneeling, crouching, walking, talking, seeing, hearing, smelling, and touching; work is typically performed in both standard office and outdoor environments, with potential exposure to adverse weather conditions.
St. Charles Parish is committed to providing equal employment opportunities. We will not discriminate against employees or applicants for employment on any legally recognized basis including, but not limited to: veteran status, race, color, religion, sex, marital status, national origin, physical or mental disability, age, political affiliation, or any other category protected by federal, state, or local law or ordinance.
Acknowledgement:
This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change or evolve, and employees may be asked to perform additional duties as necessary. This position is a classified civil service position and is subject to the provisions of the Civil Service Rules and Regulations and all applicable St. Charles Parish Policies.
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