Water Systems Operator

Company:	Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority Company Profile \| Current Opportunities (7)
Job Location(s):	Washington
Employment Term:	Regular
Employment Type	Full Time
Start Date:	As soon as possible
Starting Salary Range:	Not Provided
Required Experience:	Open
Related Categories:	Facilities and Site Services

Position Description

Job Type:	F/T Permanent
Location:	Dulles Airport, VA
Last Updated:	10/02/2009

Job Description:

Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority - Commitment Service Diversity - Join Our Team!

Water Systems Operator ANNOUNCEMENT NUMBER: MWAA-09-10378
T19 (Series 5410) $23.48 to $30.53 OPENING DATE: 10/02/09
CLOSING DATE: 10/19/09

LOCATION: Washington Dulles International Airport, Engineering and Maintenance Department, Utilities Division, Utilities Section, MA-223A.

AREA OF CONSIDERATION: Airports Authority Employees and Outside Candidates.

WHY CHOOSE THE AIRPORTS AUTHORITY? While finding a job that meets your career goals and pays you well is important, remember that the employer’s benefits may make all the difference. The Airports Authority programs - health and life insurance, retirement and retirement savings, long term disability, leave programs, flexible spending accounts, tuition assistance, metropool subsidies and other miscellaneous benefits add up to a comprehensive and generous benefits package. Please visit our website www.mwaa.com for more information.

DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES: Plans and carries out the airport’s water testing and treatment program by developing procedures for complying with environmental and health regulatory and statutory requirements, monitoring water distribution systems and equipment, adjusting the chemical levels of water and preparing/maintaining related reports. Frequently moves objects weighing up to 70 pounds. Subject to holdover and recall on a 24-hour basis for essential services and emergencies such as snow removal.

Maintains current knowledge of regulatory and statutory requirements regarding domestic water through notices (e.g., from state waterworks authority and county health department), seminars and training classes. Discusses chemical testing and equipment with manufactures’ representatives and advises supervisor or leader of kind and amount of supplies required. Selects test sites, develops schedules and prepares forms for reporting inspections; retains reports for specified periods of time. Is advised by supervisor or leader of any changes in procedures for sampling or treating water flowing through HVAC equipment (high-temperature hot-water boilers, chillers and cooling tower) and related distribution lines.

Monitors quality of domestic water by preparing samples for laboratory testing or performing tests using required procedures, e.g., sample form each main water line and each branch once a month. For bacteriological analysis tests, assures sample is not contaminated by removing aerator from faucet, sterilizing the faucet using a propane torch and letting the water run to remove impurities inside the pipe; for lead tests, the sample is taken from the first draw when water is not being used.

Inspects the pump station daily. Tests reservoir water and, as indicated by chlorine test, requests pipefitter section to flush fire hydrant until reading is normal. Checks the water level in the pressure tank and activates air compressor to add air if necessary. Makes visual inspection of pipes and related equipment for leaks. Operates controls to switch from reservoir to county-supplied water and vice versa.

Is responsible for carrying out functions related to the cross-connection program, e.g., identification of sites for installation of back-flow preventers; planning of procedures, schedules and forms for inspections; and review of conditions which might contaminate domestic water. Uses pressure differential gauge in testing installed back-flow preventers. Follows up after water line break and other situations which might cause back siphoning. Reports violations by tenants (e.g., booster pump of higher pressure than airport water mains) which might adversely affect domestic water.

Conducts tests of water in HVAC equipment such as ice plant, cooling tower, boilers, softener, condenser, etc., for sulfite, iron, corrosion inhibitor, pH level, solids, etc., and takes corrective action as required by adding chemicals. Calibrates pH meter. Monitors microprocessor which senses and automatically adjusts pH, conductivity and temperature; changes set points as required.

Reads gas and water meters on a monthly basis; advises supervisor when a meter is not operating properly. Uses tools and equipment such as wrenches, propane torch, differential pressures gauge, pH meter, conductivity meter, chlorine analyzer and field chemical kit.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS: Candidates must have a Level IV, Water Operator’s License in Virginia OR obtain one within six (6) months of employment. In addition, the position requires five (5) years of experience monitoring water distribution systems and equipment (domestic water, water flowing through HVAC equipment and related distribution lines), preparing samples for laboratory testing or performing tests, reviewing conditions which might contaminate domestic water and testing back-flow preventers, adjusting the chemical levels of water and preparing/maintaining reports related to the work. Candidates must also have a valid State driver’s license, and be able to obtain an AOA license within 90 days.

The information you provide on your application determines if you are qualified for this position. If you do not provide sufficient information you may be rated not qualified. Applicants who meet the minimum qualifications described above will be further evaluated to determine the best-qualified candidates. The evaluation will be based upon the total information contained in the application forms and will consider all minimum qualifications including job-related experience, training, education, certificates and licenses. Only the best-qualified candidates may be interviewed.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS: Possession of a Virginia certified Level IV, Water Operator’s License is highly desirable. Specialized training in preparation for certification; college-level courses related to civil engineering is a plus. Skills in math, water quality science, chemistry, and instrumentation are also preferred.

HOW TO APPLY: Please visit our website www.mwaa.com to apply online.
Equal Opportunity Employer

We are proud to be an EEO/AA employer M/F/D/V. We maintain a drug-free workplace and perform pre-employment substance abuse testing.