7E51
PAY RANGE: 13
GENERAL DEFINITION
This is pumping station operator work for the Water Department, with responsibility for the operation, inspection and maintenance of water pumping stations, raw water intakes, water storage facilities and remote operated control valves in a distribution system. Employees in this class perform work independently on a rotating shift and are required to travel to remote sites to ensure the proper operation of water pumps, electrical switchgear, auxiliary equipment valves and rotating screen equipment. Communicating and coordinating with other Water Department units and outside utility agencies is a significant aspect of the work. Work is performed under the supervision of a technical superior.
ALLOCATING FACTORS: (The following conditions must be met for a position to be allocated to this class.)
1. Employees in this class must operate, inspect and maintain water pumping stations, raw water intakes, water storage facilities and remote operated control valves in a distribution system.
2. Positions must be located in the Water Department.
TYPICAL EXAMPLES OF WORK (ILLUSTRATIVE ONLY)
Travels to remote-controlled water pumping stations, intakes and storage facilities; checks and records bearing temperatures and/or vibration levels on pumps and motors; checks oil on pumps and motors for proper level and adds oil if needed; checks motor brushes for arcing and wear; touches exterior of pump packing glands for temperature; observes flow of seal water and may adjust flow using a wrench; observes sight glass for proper water level; checks suction and discharge valves for overheating and leakage; reports discrepancies to supervisor or maintenance personnel for follow-up; Inspects and operated emergency stand by generators following proper written procedures; records all data required by Air Management permits and operational histories
Responds to requests from Load Control to investigate equipment failures or system deficiencies; communicates emergency situations to supervisors, other department units and outside agencies as necessary; records conditions and activities during shift in a log book for reference; utilizes the Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) system to control and monitor the components of the water distribution system; verifies correct operation parameters and collects data; accesses and utilizes a Computerized Maintenance Management System (CMMS) to enter track and update maintenance activities.
Inspects auxiliary equipment for proper operation; starts priming pumps, sump, and air compressors if required; bleeds moisture from vacuum tanks; checks hydraulic oil system and heating boiler condensation pump; checks storage batteries for proper water level, voltage and amperage while charging; checks transformers for overheating, leaks, and oil level and reports if needed; starts station heating unit to determine operating conditions; tests the safety devices and cleans the oil strainer when needed; tests operation of ventilating fans or blowers, adjusts thermostat, and determines adequacy of fuel oil supply.
Cleans raw water intake bays by operating gantry crane to remove leaves and debris; removes leaves and debris from intake trash bars manually; removes accumulated tree branches and debris from revolving intake screens in screen house or other intake structures after switching controls from automatic to manual; operates intake valves manually or via portable motorized operator.
Reads flow and electric meters, pressure gauges, revolving charts, and other indicators, and records readings on water operations log; interprets readings to determine proper operation of pumps and related equipment.
Operates electrical equipment and communicates with outside utility to switch loads as requested; racks out 480v to 13200v breakers; inspects switchgear and equipment for alarms or visual clues indicating faults; removes breakers from cubicles and pulls pilot potential fuses; changes pump operation to alternate power line by switching to manual control and closing bus tie; restores power to lines by following proper operating procedures for each switchgear location.
Determines station security by checking grounds, windows, doors, and alarm switches for tampering or vandalism; locks doors and gates on departure; follows written procedures for reporting security discrepancies.
Makes minor repairs and adjustments to equipment; oils and greases pumps, motors, and auxiliary equipment.
Inspects floating covers on water storage reservoirs; performs security inspection; operates cover pump drainage system; participates in installation, relocation, removal and cleaning of pumps.
Performs related work as required.
REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES
KNOWLEDGE OF:
• the operation of a variety of control equipment
• the principles governing the operation and maintenance of large machinery and motors powered by electricity
• the hazards and safety precautions involved in the automatic and remote operation of rotating machinery powered by electricity
• the principles governing the operation of a variety of small pumps, vacuum and hydraulic oil systems, storage battery chargers, and low-pressure heating units.
• computer data entry and retrieval
ABILITY TO:
• learn the operation of large pumps, valves, and motors in a water pumping station
• learn to evaluate pump system data to detect malfunctions in water pumping equipment
• learn to inspect and operate stand by generators and follow written procedures pertaining to each operation
• learn the operation of high voltage switchgear and interpret and follow written procedures pertaining to each operation
• learn to navigate and use a computerized maintenance management system (CMMS)
• learn the operating characteristics of a raw water intake along with a gantry crane and rotating trash screens
• understand and follow oral and written instructions
• read and interpret meter, gauge, and chart readings, and to prepare routine reports of water operations
• detect malfunctions in water pumping equipment
• learn to access SCADA system database to obtain information regarding pumping station operation
MINIMUM ACCEPTABLE TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE (The following statement represents the minimum training and experience standards which will be used to admit or reject applicants for tests. Applications submitted by candidates for this class will be reviewed based on training and experience requirements as approved on 12/15.)
EDUCATION:
Education equivalent to completion of the twelfth school grade.
EXPERIENCE:
Two years of experience in the operation, maintenance, or repair of pumping, filtration, treatment or heavy industrial equipment or machinery powered by electricity such as milling equipment, conveyors, elevators or cranes.
OR
Two years of experience performing skilled treatment plant operation work with responsibility for operating or maintaining mechanical and electrical machinery and equipment.
Any equivalent combination of education and experience determined to be acceptable by the Office of Human Resources.
City of Philadelphia class that typically meets the experience requirement:
Water Treatment Plant Operator (7E45)
PHYSICAL AND MEDICAL REQUIREMENTS
Ability to physically perform the duties and to work in the environmental conditions required of a position in this class.
LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS AND/OR CERTIFICATES
Possession of a valid proper class motor vehicle operator's license as issued by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania prior to appointment and during tenure of employment as a Pumping Station Operator.
Spec. Revised 11/72; 9/97
CW