Description

****All interested job seekers must apply directly with HWWS: https://www.hwws.com/jobs/

POSITION SUMMARY

Under the direction of the Water Services Director/Assistant Water services Director, this position is directly responsible for the production and delivery of safe, reliable drinking water to the citizens of Harlingen and surrounding communities. The employee provides professional and technical guidance to subordinate personnel and assists in overseeing the operation, maintenance and repair of two water treatment facilities. This position is responsible for ensuring that treatment facilities are operated safely, efficiently and are following all applicable TCEQ regulatory requirements, while maintaining the highest standards of water quality and public health. The employee assists the Water Treatment Plant Maintenance Supervisor in planning, organizing and inspecting the maintenance of the water treatment plants. Responsibilities include coordinating maintenance activities, ensuring preventive and corrective maintenance is completed in accordance with established maintenance schedules, plant procedures, manufacturer recommendations and Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) regulations. This position keeps the Water Services Director, Assistant Water Services Director and the Water Treatment Plant Maintenance Supervisor informed of plant operations, maintenance activities, equipment performance, water quality concerns, chemical treatment processes and any issues that could impact plant reliability or productivity. Independent judgment, initiative and sound technical decision-making are essential in carrying out assigned responsibilities. Innovative problem-solving is expected to address changing operational conditions, regulatory requirements and budgetary constraints. The employee assists in developing and implementing operational procedures and water quality monitoring practices that provide early detection of treatment process issues, allowing timely operational adjustments and chemical treatment corrections to maintain regulatory compliance and optimize plant performance. This position performs semi-skilled to highly skilled technical work involving the operation, inspection, maintenance, repair, and installation of water treatment equipment, structures, machinery, instrumentation, and related systems. Duties include troubleshooting mechanical equipment and assisting with the maintenance of pumps, motors, valves, piping systems, treatment process equipment, and other critical infrastructure to ensure continuous plant operations. The employee must possess working knowledge and practical experience in SCADA systems, mechanical maintenance, basic electrical systems, welding, carpentry, masonry, plumbing, pipe fitting, and general facility maintenance. The position requires the ability to diagnose equipment failures, coordinate repairs, and ensure all maintenance work is performed safely and in accordance with established procedures and regulatory standards. Goals and objectives are established by the Water Services Director and Assistant Water Services Director. The employee is expected to exercise independent judgment in applying established policies, procedures, and best practices while working under limited supervision. Performance is evaluated through observation, compliance with regulatory requirements, the effectiveness of plant operations and maintenance activities, equipment reliability, water quality performance, and the overall efficiency of the water treatment facilities.

Requirements

ESSENTIAL JOB REQUIREMENTS

 EDUCATION:                 

• Must Have High School Diploma or GED
• B.S. Degree in from an accredited college or university with course work in water production, environmental engineering or related field, or an equivalent combination of work experience and training.

EXPERIENCE:                  

• Minimum of 5-7 years of experience in the area of Water Plant Operation
• 2-5 years Supervisory experience

LICENSES AND CERTIFICATIONS:

• Valid Texas Driver's License required
• Must possess “A” Water Treatment Plant Operator License

REQUIRED SKILLS: 

• Must have extensive working knowledge of the operating principles/practices and the maintenance requirements of water treatment plant equipment and machinery.
• Extensive knowledge of TCEQ Safe Drinking Water regulations, EPA drinking water regulation, state and local laws relating to water treatment. 
• Must have extensive knowledge and experience in the operation of conventional water treatment plants and Actiflo Plants.
• Must have extensive knowledge and experience in water treatment, chemicals, water chemistry, microbiology, hydraulics, and treatment optimization. 
• Must have extensive knowledge and experience in potable water disinfection with the understanding of ratios, THM formation and nitrification.
• Must have extensive working knowledge of engineering, chemical, and bacteriological principles and practices related to water treatment operations including the ability to optimize the efficiency and effectiveness of the water treatment process and facilities.
• Must have extensive knowledge in the operating principles/practices and maintenance requirements of the equipment and machinery utilized in a water treatment facility.
• Must have extensive working knowledge of the current literature, trends, and developments in the field of water treatment with a proven track record of innovative thinking concerning process evaluation.
• Must have extensive working knowledge of the principles of supervision, leadership, organization, administration and decision-making skills. 
• Must possess extensive knowledge and work experience in plant operations and mechanical requirements. 
• Ability to understand and follow specified plant operations and recording procedures to ensure that accurate records and reports are prepared.
• Ability to plan, coordinate and supervise the work of subordinates. 
• Ability to delegate assignments through oral and written instructions.
• Ability to communicate and follow instructions both written and orally. 
• Ability to manage resources and develop employees professionally to increase their worth to the HWWS.
• Ability to exercise sound judgment.
• Ability to analyze data and prepare reliable records and reports.
• Ability to write reports using established charts and logs.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships as necessitated by work assignments.
• Ability to understand and communicate policies, procedures and services of the HWWS to make decisions in accordance with the fore mentioned.
• Computer skills required.
• Must be able to work varying weather conditions daily. 
• Knowledge of the standard practices, methods, tools, and equipment of the mechanical maintenance trades. 
• Clear understanding of the occupational hazards and safety precautions involved in the work.
• Ability to detect malfunctions in the operation of mechanical equipment and determine proper remedial measures.
• Ability to understand and follow operating characteristics of equipment and processes to institute remedial action.  
• Knowledge in the use of various computer programs and or automated control systems used in the operation of water treatment facilities such as SCADA, Actiflo and Filter Magic.
• Knowledge of SCADA systems, process control, instrumentation, and automation. 
• Ability to interpret engineering plans, technical specifications, and regulatory requirements. 
• Ability to analyze operational data and implement corrective actions. 
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills. 
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and computerized maintenance management systems. 
• Ability to prepare technical reports, budgets, and regulatory documentation.