JOB Summary Description: Under supervision (Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator I), general supervision (Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator m, or direction (Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator Ill), performs a variety of duties essential to the operation of a major wastewater treatment, disposal, and reclamation facility on an assigned shift; inspects, operates, monitors, and maintains a variety of facilities, equipment, and systems involved in various processes of the wastewater treatment plant facility; monitors plant operation through visual observation and computer screens; regulates flows; performs chemical analysis and tests; and performs a variety of related duties to ensure the facility's final effluent is of the best quality in order to protect all downstream receiving waters and their users while utilizing plant resources wisely and efficiently.
Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator I -This is the entry level class in the Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator series. Positions at this level have prior experience in the operation, repair, and maintenance of machinery, pumps, or mechanical equipment, including some experience in a wastewater treatment plant, but are not expected to function with the same amount of program knowledge or skill level as positions allocated to the Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator II level and exercise less independent discretion and judgment in matters related to work procedures and methods. Individuals at this level are expected to become fully knowledgeable of the assigned area and to learn the full range of plant maintenance, repair, and operations functions. Certification as a Grade I Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator is required. EXAMPLE OF DUTIES • Performs the full range of duties related to plant operations; operates a variety of facilities, systems, equipment, pumps, and valves; learns to operate and maintain new systems and equipment as necessary.
- Performs a variety of equipment maintenance duties; inspects, removes, deans, lubricates, backwashes, repairs, maintains, and reinstalls equipment related to a variety of wastewater treatment plant facilities, systems, grinders, drip traps, scales, centrifuges, hydrovanes, tanks, pumps, valves, and piping systems; cleans and calibrates meters and probes; performs general housekeeping of all areas associated with assigned facilities.
- Performs a variety of process control related duties; collects samples from various plant processes for chemicaVbiological analysis; operates and calibrates automatic samplers; collects storm channel water samples outside the plant as necessary; performs a variety of tests and analysis; measures primary and secondary settling basins sludge depths; performs mathematical calculations including those related to flows, areas, volume, weight, force, pressure, chemical dosage, and those related to various tests and analysis; evaluates laboratory testing results and calculations and implements results in operational control
- Investigates and acknowledges alarms throughout the wastewater treabnent facility; monitors, polls, and responds to lift station alarms; locates and notifies stand·by personnel to respond to lift station alarms; provides support, security, and communication to maintenance personnel at lift stations when responding to alarms.
- Monitors and maintains leak detection system.
- Performs a variety of recordkeeping duties; creates new log books and properly stores old records and log books; ensures NPDBS permits are properly maintained and available;
- Performs a variety of duties in response to power outage emergencies; operates, monitors, adjusts, and maintains backup generators; responds to power outages by properly resetting, restarting, and bringing systems essential to proper plant operations back on-line; maintains proper fuel levels in generators and storage tanks.
- Performs a variety of duties in response to wet weather emergencies; operates, monitors, and adjusts plant drainage system; places sand bags around excess storage pond perimeter; stages, operates, monitors, and lubricates emergency trash pumps.
- Performs a variety of public relations related duties; conducts tours and provides educational information; receives, investigates, documents, and responds to odor complaints; receives telephone inquiries &om the public; answers questions and directs inquiries to appropriate personnel as necessary.
- Participates in a variety of training activities; studies equipment manuals for all facility equipment; receives training on new equipment and processes as well as initial and periodic re&esher training on processes, procedures, systems, and equipment related to assignment maintains familiarity with all standard operating procedures pertaining to equipment and plant processes; may provide training to new operators-in-training on equipment and plant processes.
- Performs and participates in a variety of safety related duties and activities; follows all safety standard operating procedures when performing work; maintains awareness of and reports/corrects any trip hazards, spills, and unsafe equipment; properly handles, stores, and labels various chemicals; maintains familiarity with the Chemical Spill Response Plan; maintains familiarity with lift station spill procedures and responses; inspects, cleans, and maintains eye-wash stations; maintains and inspects all personal protective equipment and restocks as necessary; maintains and updates MSDS catalog; maintains proper facility lighting; performs proper lock-out/tag-out procedures; secures facility perimeter and ensures buildings and vehicles are secure.
- Operates a light truck in and out of plant.
- Operates tractor, forklift or other vehicles/carts inside the plant grounds as required.
- Performs related duties as required.