Wastewater Plant Operator

JOB DESCRIPTION

Job Title:   O&M Technician / Plant Operator I/II/III	Reports to:   Utilities Operations Manager
Department:  Public Works	FLSA Classification:   Non-Exempt
Revision Date:   June 2022	Pay Grade:  15 /20 / 35
Minimum Education: High School diploma or equivalent.
Minimum Experience: I: Previous experience in utility maintenance or utility operation preferred.   II: Four (4) years of related utility experience required to obtain certification.   III: Five (5) years of related utility experience required to obtain certification.
Minimum Certification:  I: DS1 and Class D Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator Certification required within timeframes specified by City.   II: DS2 and C and B Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator Certification.   III: DS3 and B and A Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator Certification.
Other Requirements: Valid Driver’s License.

 

POSITION SUMMARY 

This position is responsible for the maintenance of the City's water distribution and sewer collection systems.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS 

The following duties are normal for this position.  However, they are not to be construed as exclusive or all–inclusive.  To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each duty satisfactorily.  Other duties may also be required or assigned.

1. Inspects, repairs, rehabilitates, and maintains the wastewater collection system, including locating sanitary sewer and water; repairing wastewater and water lines; installs flow meters; makes sewer taps; maintains air relief and sewer valves; and lift stations.
2. Inspects manhole covers.
3. Locates sewer and storm drains using electronic equipment.
4. Inspects, maintains, and repairs and wastewater lines and water lines.
5. Cleans, televises, and repairs sanitary sewers.
6. Transports equipment and materials to and from work sites.
7. Cleans, lubricates, and performs preventive maintenance or repair on equipment.
8. Reads meters and gauges to ensure plant equipment is working properly.
   • Takes samples and run tests to determine the quality of the water being treated.
   • Collects, prepares, and analyzes water, wastewater, and sludge samples.
   • Collects and handles water and wastewater samples for process control and industrial sampling.
   • Documents and prepares test results for Federal, state, and local reports.
   • Calculates, reviews, and reports results.
   • Confers with Manager on laboratory findings that may affect compliance with state and federal regulations.
9. Adjusts chemical feed rates and treatment plant processes added to the wastewater based on test results.
10. Operates, maintains, and performs repairs of the wastewater treatment facility, equipment, buildings, and grounds, including system lines, equipment, meters, and pumps.
11. Performs proper effluent quality monitoring, and all processes involved with facility functions, including sampling, monitoring, analysis, and treatment, as necessary.
12. Inspects system operations and equipment, diagnoses and repairs mechanical, electrical and process control problems.
13. Installs and replaces pumps, compressors, motors, and related equipment.
14. Lubricates bearings, replaces seals, gaskets, springs, and gears.
15. Inspects and cleans pumps, mechanical drives, electrical components, feeding systems, etc. as part of a formal preventive maintenance schedule to avoid unnecessary equipment malfunctions.
16. Performs routine building clean and grounds maintenance, including mopping, bush trimming, lawn mowing and similar activities.
17. Maintains and updates record keeping and performs data entry regarding equipment repairs, maintenance, and discharge monitoring data for various local state and federal reporting requirements.
18. Ensures all activities are carried out in a safe manner; adheres to all safety regulations; ensures all regulations pertaining to the safe use of equipment are understood and followed.
19. Reports all accidents to the appropriate authority. Follows all policies for reporting.
20. Provides backup assistance to other department personnel as needed.
21. Performs emergency repairs and work, as necessary.
22. Reports to work for after hour needs, as assigned.
23. Other duties as assigned.

Additional duties assigned to Level II:

24. Maintains and repairs lift stations including electrical equipment, pumps, floats, structures, piping, and valves.
25. Inputs, updates, and maintains information and records using computer programs.
26. Operates sewer camera system to visually inspect and document sewer line conditions.
27. Adjusts, repairs, and replaces manhole rings and covers.
28. Maintains up-to-date records of all maintenance activities.
29. Informs plant personnel of test results to make necessary adjustments to plant processes.
30. Troubleshoots complex systems using a wide variety of diagnostic equipment to determine source of malfunction.

Additional duties assigned to Level III:

31. Collects wastewater samples for sanitary sewer overflows
32. Performs daily testing and lab work required by Federal, State, County, and local regulations.
33. Prepares maintenance monthly reports for the Missouri Department of Natural Resources.
34. Performs snow/ice removal operations at the treatment plant.

REQUIRED JOB COMPETENCIES

1. Knowledge of industry safety rules and ability to utilize all Personal Protective Equipment necessary.
2. Ability to understand and follow oral and written instructions.
3. Ability to understand and effectively carry out local policies and procedures, written instructions, general correspondence, and Federal, State, and local regulations.
4. Ability to prepare and maintain accurate and concise records and reports consistent with the position.
5. Ability to communicate clearly, concisely, and effectively in English with staff, administration, and the public in both written and verbal form.
6. Ability to define problems, exercise sound judgment, and address a variety of situations.
7. Ability to think quickly, maintain self-control, and adapt to stressful situations.
8. Ability to maintain professionalism at all times.
9. Ability to work as a member of a team.
10. Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with others.
11. Ability to perform mathematical calculations required of this position.
12. Ability to work the allocated hours of the position and ability to work flexible hours to include evenings, nights, weekends, and holidays due to adverse weather conditions, construction projects, or other emergency service.
13. Knowledge of computer software consistent for this position.
14. Skill in organizational and time management to prioritize duties to accomplish a high volume of work product while adapting to constant changes in priority.
15. Ability to perform detailed work accurately and independently in compliance with stringent time limits with minimal direction and supervision.
16. Skill in organizational and time management to prioritize duties to accomplish a high volume of work product while adapting to constant changes in priority.

Additional Competencies for Level II:

17. Basic knowledge of the principles and practices of wastewater plant, wastewater collection system, Lift station repair, water line repairs.
18. Basic knowledge of Federal, State, County, and Local regulations as they relate to water and sewer systems. Knowledge of the maintenance, repair, and installation of equipment in wastewater collection systems.
19. Skill in reading and understanding schematics and blueprints.
20. Ability to take liquid and solid samples and perform routine laboratory tests.
21. Ability to perform detailed work accurately and independently in compliance with stringent time limits with minimal direction and supervision.

 

Additional Competencies for Level III:

22. Knowledge of how to read, interpret and calibrate gauges and other recording devices related to water or wastewater treatment plant operations.

PHYSICAL AND WORK ENVIRONMENT

The physical and work environment characteristics described in this description are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions or as otherwise required by law. Employees needing reasonable accommodation should discuss the request with the employee’s supervisor.

• This work requires the occasional exertion of up to 50 pounds of force; requires strenuous manual labor including, but not limited to digging, shoveling, sweeping, raking, hauling, crawling, bending, lifting, pushing, pulling, twisting, and climbing.
• Work performed may require walking or standing to a significant degree on rough terrain or may involve sitting for long periods with pushing and pulling of arm and/or leg controls.
• Work may be performed above or below ground, to include confined spaces per training.
• Work has standard vision requirements.
• Vocal communication is required for expressing or exchanging ideas by means of the spoken word.
• Hearing is required to perceive information at normal spoken word levels.
• Requires handling of hazardous chemicals and materials.
• Periodically works in unsanitary and potentially hazardous areas and confined space.
• Frequently works near moving mechanical parts and is frequently exposed to cold, wet and/or humid conditions, noise, vibrations, airborne materials, heavy traffic conditions, and exhaust fumes.

Nothing in this job description limits management’s right to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time. The duties listed above are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed.  The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related or a logical assignment to the position. The job description does not constitute an employment agreement between the employer and employee and is subject to change by the employer as the needs of the employer and requirements of the job change.

Pay: From $20.15/hr -$34.93 Depending on Qualifications