Job Description

WASTEWATER TREATMENT PLANT OPERATOR

One (1) Full-time Vacancy: 40 Hours per week
Monday through Friday from 7:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Grade 5G; Hourly Pay Rate Range: $33.37 - $38.90
Anticipated Hiring Hourly Rate Range: $33.37 - $36.42
Additional Stipend available: $2.50 per hour for 6C license

DEFINITION

This position is responsible for skilled technical work in the operation, maintenance and repair of the City’s Wastewater Treatment Plant and its ancillary sewer, leachate and flood control pumping facilities and equipment.

Essential Functions

Operates and maintains the Wastewater Treatment Plant and its ancillary pumping facilities and equipment.
Checks equipment and inspects recording instrumentation to ensure all systems are operating normally; makes control adjustments to the Plant processes as needed.
Assists in operation of Flood Control pumping facilities as needed.
Responsible for maintaining inventory of chemicals and supplies.
Operates and maintains all aeration tanks, grit tanks, digesters, clarifiers and other Plant equipment.
Obtains wastewater samples and performs laboratory analyses as directed; maintains operational records.
Collects, records and interprets readings of instruments monitoring treatment processes; maintains operational records.
Performs preventive and corrective maintenance on Wastewater Treatment Plant equipment and systems.
Assists in training new operators.
Understands and follows all safety regulations.
May be required to perform responsibilities of subordinate positions.
Performs similar or related work as required.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED

Under general supervision, the employee is familiar with the work routine and uses initiative in carrying out recurring assignments independently with specific instruction. The supervisor provides additional, specific instruction for new, difficult or unusual assignments, including suggested work methods. The employee refers unusual situations to the supervisor for advice and further instructions.

JUDGMENT

The work requires examining, analyzing and evaluating facts and circumstances surrounding individual problems, situations or transactions, and determining actions to be taken within the limits of standard or accepted practices. Guidelines include a large body of policies, practices and precedents which may be complex or conflicting, at times. Judgment is used in analyzing specific situations to determine appropriate actions. Employee is expected to weigh efficiency and relative priorities in conjunction with procedural concerns in decision making. Requires understanding, interpreting and applying federal, state and local regulations.

COMPLEXITY

The work consists of the practical application of a variety of concepts, practices and specialized techniques relating to a professional or technical field. Assignments typically involve evaluation and interpretation of factors, conditions or unusual circumstances; inspecting, testing or evaluating compliance with established standards or criteria; gathering, analyzing and evaluating facts or data using specialized fact finding techniques; or determining the methods to accomplish the work.

NATURE AND PURPOSE OF CONTACTS

Relationships are primarily with co-workers and involve giving and receiving factual information about the work. Ordinary courtesy and tact are required. Contacts with the public may be required on an occasional basis.

Education And Experience

Associate’s Degree in science or related field; one to three years of experience in the operation, maintenance and repair of a wastewater treatment plant or similar industrial facility; equivalent combination of education and experience.

A valid driver’s license is required. Other licenses are required after date of hire and are defined in the NAME Union contract.

Knowledge, Ability, And Skills

Knowledge: Knowledge of wastewater treatment process; knowledge of federal and state regulations concerning wastewater treatment; knowledge of the methods and techniques for conducting wastewater treatment analysis.

Abilities: Ability to read and interpret plans, drawings, gauges and recording devices; ability to use tools and equipment; ability to perform laboratory analysis.

Skills: Mechanical skills; computer skills; recordkeeping skills.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

The nature of duties may involve continuous presence of unpleasant or irritating elements, such as considerable noise, odors, chemical fumes, dust, smoke, heat, cold, oil, dirt, grease or adverse weather conditions. Work may be continually performed outdoors or in confined spaces, regardless of weather conditions. Work may require emergency response outside of normal business hours. Travel may be required during adverse weather conditions.

Physical, Motor, And Visual Skills

Physical Skills: Work requires moderate physical strength and effort daily, such as lifting heavy objects, carrying the object(s) and stacking them or moving them. In addition, pulling, pushing, standing or walking for the full work day may also be involved.

Motor Skills: The work may involve assignments requiring application of hand and eye coordination with finger dexterity and motor coordination. The work requires the ability to perform laboratory tests.

Visual Skills: Essential position functions require the ability to operate a motor vehicle and to use hand and power tools. In addition, essential position functions require good close, distant, color and peripheral vision and depth perception at correctable ranges.

~ Equal Opportunity Employer ~

Benefits consistent with the Local 98 Bargaining Unit.

City of Northampton

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Waste Water Treatment Plant Operator