Lead Wastewater Plant Operator

Perform skilled and specialized tasks in the operation and maintenance of the City's Wastewater Treatment Plant; assist in process control work; lead wastewater treatment plant operators and perform a variety of other duties and responsibilities, primarily on the night shift, involved in providing Wastewater Treatment Plant services for the City. 

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS

This is the lead class in the Wastewater Plant Operator series. Employees at this level are assigned more complex work than the Wastewater Plant Operator I/II level, receive instruction or assistance as new or unusual situations arise, and are fully aware of the operating procedures and policies of the work unit. Positions in this class are flexibly staffed and are normally filled by advancement from level II, or when filled from the outside, must possess a DWEE Class IV Wastewater Operator Certification and have prior plant operations experience. 

Display a willingness to assume and visibly demonstrate mentoring and coaching, role modeling and leadership to staff members by recognizing and developing talent.

Display honest, trustworthy, and ethical behavior when dealing with internal and external customers. 

Establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.

Regular attendance that is punctual and dependable is required.

Evaluate process parameters and make suggestions to optimize the operation of the plant.

Assist with and troubleshoot process problems and provide recommendations to the Wastewater Plant Operations Supervisor for problem solving. 

Assist with wastewater treatment plant operations and training operations personnel; work with trainees to correct deficiencies; assist with providing guidance throughout the performance of all duties.

Report plant problems to the Wastewater Plant Operations Supervisor consult with supervisor to convey the needs of the treatment plant.

Assist with regular inspections of the treatment plant and processes; perform readings of equipment and chemical levels.

Collect wastewater samples; perform laboratory tests on wastewater samples as necessary; determine wastewater quality and wastewater characterization and adjust accordingly after reviewing with the supervisor.

Maintain various records; clean and maintain plant facilities and grounds; implement work orders in a timely manner; notify plant maintenance staff of problems requiring their attention.

Maintain a log of wastewater treatment plant operations.

Assist the Wastewater Plant Operations Supervisor in preparing Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator schedules. Specifically, the night shift schedule.

Provide Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator shift fill-in as needed.

Follow up on assigned work to ensure it is completed in an efficient and effective manner. 

Assist Wastewater Plant Operations Supervisor with updating the Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) for wastewater treatment plant operations.

Record influent and effluent flows; monitor flow charts and gauges; consult with supervisor to adjust and maintain flows as needed for proper treatment.

Maintain computerized databases of information regarding wastewater treatment plant operations and process control; input data needed for reports; produce various reports as requested.

Elevated understanding of SCADA (Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition) systems.

Monitor pumps, blowers, and UV disinfection; monitor readings on all plant equipment.

Compute daily averages on chemical and flow levels and laboratory results; submit averages to supervisory staff.

Perform related duties as assigned.

Knowledge of:

Activated Sludge Process in Wastewater Treatment.

Advanced wastewater treatment processes.

Safe work practices.

Advanced applications involved in wastewater treatment.

Report preparation.

Properties and characteristics of chemicals utilized in the wastewater treatment process and laboratory operations.

All working components of the wastewater treatment plant and proper working order.

Methods and techniques of chemical analysis.

Proper laboratory testing procedures.

Principles and practices of wastewater treatment plant operations.

Operation and use of various plant related equipment and tools.

Modern office procedures, methods and equipment, including a computer.

Chemistry, biology and mathematics.

Different treatment processes and potential problems in wastewater treatment plant operations.

Various permits required by regulatory agencies for wastewater treatment plant operations.

Pertinent Federal, State, and local laws, codes and regulations.

Ability to:

Train assigned staff.

Perform equipment and chemical adjustments according to equipment readings.

Recognize and troubleshoot problems relative to wastewater treatment process operation and take necessary corrective action.

Operate a variety of plant machinery, equipment including SCADA system, computers and tools.

Understand and follow oral and written instructions.

Recognize different processes and potential problems in wastewater treatment.

Maintain various records, charts and logs.

Start up or shut down wastewater treatment plant operations.

Work under strict rules and guidelines as set forth by regulatory agencies.

Test, analyze and interpret various processes occurring within the plant.

Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.

Any combination of experience and training that would likely provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the knowledge and abilities would be:

Experience:

At least three (3) years of experience working in a wastewater treatment plant.

Eighteen (18) months of experience equivalent to that of a Wastewater Plant Operator holding a Class IV Wastewater Operator’s certificate for the City of Grand Island. 

Training:

Equivalent to the completion of the twelfth grade supplemented by additional specialized training in wastewater treatment or a related field.

License or Certification:

Employee must possess a valid driver’s license and maintain insurability as determined by the City’s insurance carrier. Click here to view our driver eligibility requirements.

Possession of, or ability to obtain, a valid Class IV Nebraska Wastewater Operator's certificate within 6 months of hire.

Working Hours:

Will work four consecutive 9 hour night shifts followed by one 4 hour night shift. 

Position is required to be on-call.  

Salary:

Position will start at the entry level of the City's salary table.  Consideration may be given if experience exceeds entry level qualifications.  

Other:

Candidates are subject to a background check.