Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator

Job Description

General Statement of Duties

Performs responsible operational, laboratory, and maintenance functions in a wastewater treatment plant.

Distinguishing Features of the Class

An employee in this class performs various operational, laboratory, and maintenance duties designed to produce safe potable water treatment and dispose of domestic and commercial waste materials. Work is performed on an assigned or rotating shift. Work includes monitoring the plant’s operation through observation, mechanical readings, and the results of standard chemical and biological tests and making necessary adjustments as conditions or test results dictate. Other duties include performing standard laboratory duties and tests and maintaining plant and facility facilities. Work also includes substantial record keeping of work activities. Employees are subject to hazards associated with wastewater and plant operations, including working both inside and outside environments, in extreme hot and cold weather, and exposure to various risks such as loud noises, moving mechanical parts, electrical current, chemicals, fumes, odors, dust, mists, gases, poor ventilation, working in small spaces such as sewer pipes, and oils. Workers may be required to wear respirators when working around chlorine tanks. Workaround wastewater is also subject to the final standards of OSHA on blood-borne pathogens. Work is performed under general supervision and reviewed by observation, conference, and reviewing records for adherence to operations standards, instructions, and safety practices.

Essential Duties And Tasks

• Makes regular tours of the plant and checks bar screens, engines, generators, pumps, settling tanks, filters, clarifiers, and other equipment for proper functioning.
• Adjusts chemical feed rates, flow rates, retention times, etc.
• Records data from various meters, gauges, and dials; logs daily, weekly, and monthly activities.
• Performs standard laboratory chemical and biological tests.
• Performs general preventive and scheduled maintenance; assists on significant maintenance and repairs.
• Regulates and adjusts motors, pumps, blowers, valves, and other apparatus to meet changing operating conditions.
• Performs routine building and grounds maintenance, including cleaning, painting, mowing, and trimming.
• Orders parts and supplies using the requisition system.
• May serve as land application specialist for sludge disposal at the wastewater treatment plant.
• Performs related duties as required.
  
  

Recruitment and Selection Guidelines

Knowledge, Skills, And Abilities

• Working knowledge of wastewater treatment plants’ operating characteristics and maintenance requirements.
• Working knowledge of applicable federal, state, and local laws, ordinances, and permitting requirements.
• Working knowledge of the occupational hazards of the work and necessary safety precautions.
• Some knowledge of standard laboratory tests and procedures used in a wastewater treatment plant.
• Some knowledge of hydraulic, chemical, and mechanical principles pertinent to wastewater treatment plant operations.
• Ability to detect flaws in the operation of mechanical equipment and to determine proper remedial measures.
• Ability to conduct routine laboratory tests.
• Ability to understand and follow moderately complex oral and written instructions.
• Ability to read meters, charts, and technical manuals and drawings accurately and maintain shift operations records.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with peers and superiors.
  
  

Physical Requirements

• Must be able to physically perform the basic life operational functions of climbing, balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, reaching, walking, pushing, pulling, lifting, grasping, and hearing.
• Must be able to perform medium work exerting up to 50 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 20 pounds of force frequently, and/or up to 10 pounds of force constantly to move objects.
• Must possess the visual acuity to read gauge dials, observe moving parts of machines, and record and review written records.
  
  

Desirable Education And Experience

• Any combination of education and experience equivalent to graduation from high school supplemented by coursework in chemistry or biology and some experience in the operation and maintenance of machinery and equipment, preferably in a water or wastewater treatment plant.
  
  

Special Requirements

• Employee must obtain a wastewater operator’s grade I wastewater operator certificate within the first year of employment.
• May require possession of land application operator certification.
  
  

Job Type: Full-time