THE REGIONAL MUNICIPALITY OF WATERLOO POSITION DESCRIPTION POSITION: PROCESS/SCADA OPERATOR REFERENCE NO: (WATER) DEPARTMENT: TRANSPORTATION & DIVISION: WATER SERVICES ENVIRONMENTAL SERVICES REPORTS TO: SUPERVISOR, PROCESS/SCADA UNION: CUPE LOCAL 1656 & WATER QUALITY REVISED: October 29, 2004 GENERAL PURPOSE: To be certified operator and operator-in-charge for the Region of Waterloo in accordance with all Regulation requirements as defined in O Reg 128/04. To operate, monitor, and control the Region's water treatment and distribution systems, including all water treatment plants, wells, pumping stations, reservoirs, and transmission and distribution mains, by use of the Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) system; to operate, inspect, sample, analyze, test, investigate, service and respond to emergency and adverse conditions for the Region's water supply system, water distribution and associated UV, ozone, chlorine, chemical and control equipment; and to perform process control functions at all Regional water supply and distribution systems. MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES: Operates, monitors, verifies, and controls the Region-wide water supply, treatment and distribution system using a computerized SCADA system. Operates and responds to alarms/adverse conditions, monitors and verifies set points, system trends and process control issues which indicate changes or problems in the system, by verifying and notifying, as necessary, appropriate Water Services operations staff, the Ministry of the Environment and/or the Medical Officer of Health in accordance with the Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA). Performs daily inspections, sampling, operations, service, and lab tests, using portable testing equipment, to ensure an adequate and safe water supply. Operates treatment system and distribution supply by turning pumps and equipment on/off, opening/closing valves, and/or adjusting chemical dosages at water treatment plants, wells, pumping stations, and reservoirs, as required. Reviews, checks records, and updates various plant logs and other records to remain informed of plant conditions and to assess process and equipment operation on a regular basis. In the case of malfunctions, takes necessary action, which may include minor repairs, dispatching appropriate Water Operations and Maintenance staff to correct problems, and/or relaying information to appropriate Regional divisions, cities or townships, in accordance with established procedures. Monitors water treatment plants, wells, pumping stations, reservoirs, transmission and distribution mains performance by recording chemical dosage, flow, ph, temperature, pressure, levels, lab test results, equipment operating time and other process variables. Operates clarifiers, plate settlers, pressure filters, ultra filtration and gravity filters and associated equipment, monitoring flow, loss of head, turbidity, filter run, wash water used, number of filters backwashed. Ensures that all filter backwashing takes place at appropriate times. Reports adverse water results to MOE and Public Health (PH), as per the SDWA. Operates ultraviolet, ozone, chlorine gas, anhydrous ammonia, liquid oxygen, ammonia sulphate, fluoridation,
2 and sodium hypochlorite systems for treating water, disinfection of water, and secondary disinfection. Follows standard operating procedures, best management practices, SDWA, and all associated regulations which are based on size of treatment system. Collects daily, weekly and monthly water samples, as required by the SDWA and related regulations. Transports and handles samples as per regulation standards. Calculates disinfection criteria and CT (concentration multiplied by time) for Mannheim WTP and all Regional water treatment facilities to ensure adherence to MOE primary disinfection requirements. Responds to adverse conditions, including taking corrective action, notifying appropriate water services supervisor. Maintains a daily log of important system events, reporting to Supervisor, Process/SCADA & Water Quality any breakdowns, equipment requiring service, or other unusual operational conditions encountered on the shift such as main breaks, system pressure problems and dirty water complaints in accordance with O Reg 128/04. Uses a computerized filing system to retrieve water system historical data as required. Maintains site logs and work orders on operating, maintenance failures and servicing. Completes written work order forms and inventory control cards. Produces written test results and activity reports. Maintains up-to-date documentation of maintenance activities and records, manuals, and work records for the Computerized Maintenance Management System (CMMS). Operates the residual waste management plant. Obtains samples where necessary, cleans filter press, and adjusts chemical feed rates. Arranges disposal of residuals or notifies supervisor to arrange same. Operates, monitors, inspects, and samples the Wellesley and North Dumfries water distribution systems. Provides recommendations into operating, maintenance and safety procedures, equipment testing, inspections, frequency and setpoint/control points. Responds to customer complaints and emergency situations by providing appropriate responses to inquiries from, and communications between, fire, police, public, and Municipal operations; documents all responses. Follows emergency procedures for floods, power failure, fire, chemical leaks, major weather occurrences, and bomb threats. During emergency or urgent situations, provides necessary information, coordinates activities of the Maintenance Operators, Maintenance Mechanics/ Millwrights, Maintenance Electricians, and/or Senior Technicians, Instrumentation, and/or participates in corrective action. Receives bulk chemical deliveries, as required. Cleans and maintains lab equipment, exterior of process equipment, booster and pumping stations. Carries out janitorial duties such as cleaning and maintaining washroom supplies, and shovelling snow. Participates in the commissioning and optimization of water treatment plants. Performs other related duties as assigned. RESPONSIBILITY FOR MATERIAL/FINANCIAL RESOURCES: Ensures that computers, operator terminals, tools, equipment, water treatment and distribution systems, and HVAC equipment in all buildings are operating effectively by checking routinely and reporting any discrepancies. Ensures all processes and equipment, such as pumps, motors, valves, filters, UV systems, ozone, chemical systems, instrumentation, and SCADA, are in good working order and reports any discrepancies. Ensures that cell phone, portable turbidity meter, portable iron kit, portable chlorine kit, pager, hand tools and a well level meter used for own work are maintained in good working condition. Tags unsafe items and follows up with supervisor. Checks and monitors the security systems for Mannheim WTP, including man down alarm and building alarm system, and alarm systems on wells and treatment plants throughout the Region. Ensures that a Regional vehicle used for own work is operated safely and maintained in good working
condition. 3 NATURE & IMPACT OF ERROR: Error in judgment, in process, documenting, or failure to act or to effectively coordinate activities as necessary in an emergency, could result in equipment failure or disruption to water supply, adverse water, reduction of fire protection capability, non compliance with regulations and SDWA, BWA/BWO, MOE fine and order, and embarrassment to the Region. Failure to follow proper installation, and operational, safety and/or maintenance procedures and to ensure expeditious repair or service could result in premature equipment failure, staff injury, increased maintenance costs, excessive equipment downtime, non-compliance, disruption to water supply, adverse water, and reduced fire protection, which could result in significant financial loss to the Region, loss of confidence in the services provided by Water Services, and/or MOE fines. Failure to maintain proper chemical levels and/or operate/maintain equipment, ultraviolet treatment, ozone treatment functionality could result in adverse water, which could negatively impact the health and well-being of the public and/or result in BWA/BWO, extensive damage to units, loss of confidence in the services provided by Water Services, MOE non-compliance, fine, or order (zero tolerance for error). Failure to maintain adequate disinfection could result in potentially dangerous effects to human health, which could result in suspension, fines, or jail time for the operator, as per Bill C65. Inappropriate commissioning for capital or replacement projects which involve SCADA system, process control, or new operations, could result in severe equipment damage, reduced or substandard supply while interfacing with new system, financial loss and/or loss of public confidence. RESPONSIBILITY FOR SUPERVISION OF STAFF & OTHERS: SCADA Operator coordinates the on-call staff during non-office hours, through the on-call supervisor. Provides technical guidance to and monitors the work of other operations and maintenance staff. Coordinates and oversees the work of contractors and external trades as required. CONTACTS & HUMAN RELATIONS: a) Internal: Receives direction and assignments from, and exchanges information with Supervisor, Process/ SCADA and Water Quality; Supervisor, Operations and Maintenance (Water); Supervisor, Systems (Water); and/or Leadhand, Process/SCADA, on a daily basis. Coordinates own work with that of other Process/SCADA Operators. Exchanges information and has continuous contact with supervisor and other Water Operations & Maintenance supervisors on scheduled and emergency shutdowns of water supply facilities or equipment. Regularly contacts the lab for start or stop of processes for water samples. Provides information to Water Operations &Maintenance staff regarding all operation, maintenance, and process issues. Responds to inquiries regarding water supply operations from various levels of staff in Water Services and Public Health. Has contact with Waste Management staff to exchange information regarding the pumping station at the Waterloo site and/or to arrange disposal of residuals. Exchanges information regarding work being performed at water facilities with Facilities Management staff. Has contact with Fleet Services regarding vehicle servicing. b) External: Has frequent contact with Bell Telephone and hydro utilities to exchange information regarding disturbances and/or problems. Has daily contact with Area Municipal staff regarding main breaks, system disturbances, public complaints, to exchange information and coordinate or be aware of scheduled or emergency maintenance
4 activities. Reports adverse water quality to Ministry of Environment (MOE). Responds to inquiries from and facilitates communications between fire, police, public, Municipal operations, MOE, Grand River Conservation Authority, and Ontario Clean Water Agency during emergencies. Has contact with contractors and external trades to exchange information and coordinate work to be completed. Has contact with the facility security provider (Counterforce) in response to problems, alarms. Has contact with the public while taking daily residential chlorine samples; responds to inquiries and complaints. EFFORT (Mental, Physical): Work is performed in accordance with trade standards, the industrial and construction sections of the Occupational Health and Safety Act (OH&SA), Ontario Drinking Water Protection Regulation 165/04, SDWA, as well as the policies and procedures of Transportation and Environmental Services. Incumbent may refuse to perform work which is deemed to be unsafe, and provide direct input into the development of safety related procedures and policies for the Operations and Maintenance section. Plans own work activities, based on a work schedule prepared in consultation with supervisor and lead hand. Maintains constant attention to the various, ongoing activities, dealing with multiple issues or projects simultaneously, some critical, due to the complexity and activity level of Operations & Maintenance. Reacts quickly in the case of equipment, process, or control failure to avoid major problems or non compliance. Makes technical, regulatory and safety related decisions for self and others, in accordance with established protocols, in response to SCADA system alarms, operational trends, adverse conditions or chemical hazards. Unusual situations or emergencies, including fires, storms, power failure, are resolved in consultation with and/or referred to supervisor. Detailed knowledge of entire water treatment and supply system, including chemical, electrical, control, mechanical, instrumentation, control systems, in order to prioritize response to all situations. Uses judgment and experience to provide solutions for work order completion, inspection of equipment, and water treatment and distribution processes. Regularly makes technical and safety related decisions for self and others. Recommends possible solutions to supervisor when cost of the work, downtime, or time required to complete are greater than originally anticipated. Refers to manuals or calls vendors/manufacturers when solutions are not readily available. Completion of specialized training courses are required for highly technical equipment. Constant mental and visual concentration, periods of prolonged sitting, and prolonged focus on video display terminals is required to simultaneously monitor 65 video screens and sub screens for alarms, answer phones, monitor gate, and operate system. Uses a computer 50% of the time. Inspection, maintenance, and repair work frequently requires standing, walking, climbing, reaching, bending, crouching, and working in awkward positions. Frequently lifts objects, including parts and power tools, which usually weigh 25 Kgs and occasionally weigh up to 50 Kgs, using lifting devices as appropriate. WORKING CONDITIONS: When performing SCADA duties, work is performed from a central control room at the Mannheim WTP; when performing process duties, work is performed at all Water Services sites, including pumping stations, wells, water storage facilities, treatment plants, valve and flow regulator chambers, and water mains. Travels to remote sites for operations, maintenance and emergency activities in all weather conditions. Work exposes incumbent to various temperature and extreme weather conditions, dirt, dust, ultraviolet light, hydrofluosilicic acid, sodium hypochlorite, caustic soda, acidified alum, sulfuric acid, polyaluminum chloride, sodium bisulphite, ammonium sulphate, liquid oxygen, ozone, and mercury; uses airguns and sharp tools to perform work. Extreme safety measures are required when repairs or maintenance are performed in areas where high voltage, ozone, UV, chlorine, oxygen, and ammonia gases/liquids could be present. Wears safety boots and standard uniform plus coveralls, safety goggles, and ear protection on a regular basis; rain gear, gloves, and kneepads, as required. Work is performed from ladders, scaffolds, storage tanks (at high elevations) and confined spaces.
SKILL: 5 Work is performed on the basis of rotating 12 hour shifts. When working outside standard office hours, works alone, having access only to an on-call supervisor. Overtime work is required approximately 20% of the time to provide shift coverage, facilitate repairs, or in emergency situations. a) Knowledge: Basic knowledge of water treatment and water chemistry normally acquired through the attainment of a three year Community College Diploma in Chemical or Environmental Technology, plus four years directly related experience in water treatment. Must possess Class IV Water Treatment and Distribution Certificate from the OWWCO, or be able to attain certification within four years. **Operators in Training up to Class IV Operators will be considered. Must possess Transportation of Dangerous Goods Certificate (can be attained post-hire). Must be able to attend an average annual of 50 hours of job specific/process training, as per O Reg 128/04. Detailed knowledge of First Aid, Anhydrous Ammonia, Gas Chlorination, Working in Confined Spaces, Workplace Hazardous Material Information System (WHMIS), Ontario Hydro safety code, and related safety procedures. Knowledge and understanding of the Safe Drinking Water Act and accompanying regulations. Familiarity with Ontario Occupational Health and Safety Act and knowledge of Regional policies and procedures relating to occupational health and safety. Analytical, problem solving, and decision making skills in order to assist in the resolution of unusual situations or emergencies and organize priorities. Ability to understand and operate ozone and UV systems; skill in the use of precision tools, including power tools; and ability to dismantle, measure, and repair machine parts. Proficiency in math. Skill in the operation of a personal computer using such systems and/or software as CMMS, Word, Excel, Lotus Notes, and DOCS. Skill in the operation of laboratory equipment for the analysis of water quality. Communication skills in order to exchange information, receive and comprehend instructions, and participate as an effective team member. Ability and aptitude to work a rotating 12 hour shift, including the flexibility to work in an environment with minimum direct supervision. A valid Class G drivers licence and acceptable driving record in order to operate a Regional vehicle. Ability to support and project values compatible with the organization. b) Language Communication (Written & Verbal): Ability to enter data, and maintain comprehensive, precise daily logs; to complete work orders and inventory requisitions; as well as to write mechanical status reports on water equipment. Ability to communicate technical information with co-workers and senior staff; to communicate equipment locations; to participate in technical and operations review meeting; and to respond effectively to public inquiries regarding water supply operations and communicate technical information with co-workers and senior staff. Ability to read and understand technical and P&ID drawings, blueprints and operation maintenance and repair manuals.
Position Incumbent: 6 Supervisor Director, Employee Services & Systems Department Head Assistant Chief Administrative Officer, Human Resources