Waste Water Treatment Plant Operator I

General Statement of Duties

Performs routine technical tasks in the operation of a water or wastewater treatment plan on an assigned shift.

An employee in this class performs a variety of operational, laboratory, and maintenance duties designed to produce a safe treatment of potable water or disposal of domestic and commercial waste materials. Work is performed on an assigned or rotating shift.  In an emergency situation, an employee may be asked to fill in on another shift or work consecutive shifts in order to keep continuous plant operations.  Work includes monitoring the plant's operation through observation, mechanical readings, and results of standard chemical and biological tests used to make necessary adjustments in the process as conditions or test results dictate. Other duties include performing standard laboratory duties and tests and assisting with plant and facilities maintenance. Work also includes substantial record-keeping activities. Work is performed under the general supervision of the treatment plant superintendent. Work is evaluated through observation, conference, and reviewing records for adherence to operational standards, instructions, and safety practices.

Illustrative Examples of Work

Makes plant tours and monitors plant and facilities periodically to ensure that equipment is operating properly.

Operates and monitors the functioning of pumps, clarifiers, motors, digesters, blowers, valves, aeration equipment, chemical feeders, and related equipment.

Collects representative samples from stages in the treatment process for laboratory testing.

Performs minor laboratory testing including chlorine residual, pH, temperature, hardness, ammonia, turbidity, dissolved oxygen, and alkalinity.

Performs preventive maintenance including repacking pumps, greasing motors and equipment bearings, painting equipment and buildings, cleaning equipment and buildings, servicing chemical feed pumps and automated samplers, and assisting the maintenance personnel as needed.

Receives customer complaints and communicates same to supervisor; assists supervisor with a response.

Records gauge readings and prepare daily report forms. 

Performs other required duties as assigned.

Ability to understand the operating characteristics and maintenance requirements of water and wastewater treatment.

Ability to understand and perform standard laboratory tests and procedures used in water or wastewater treatment.

Ability to understand and become familiar with hydraulic, chemical, and mechanical principles pertinent to water and wastewater treatment.

Ability to understand and apply applicable federal, state, and local laws, ordinances, and permitting requirements.

Ability to understand and prevent the occupational hazards of the work and apply necessary safety precautions.

Ability to detect flaws in the operation of mechanical equipment and determine remedial measures.

Ability to understand and follow technical oral and written instructions.

Ability to read meters, charts, and technical manuals and drawings accurately and to maintain records of shift operations.

Ability to conduct plant tours.

Ability to make operational adjustments based on weather conditions or plant abnormalities.

Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships.

Physical Requirements and Working Conditions

Work in this position is light work (exerting up to 20 pounds of force occasionally, and/or negligible amounts of force constantly to move objects). Physical activities include climbing, balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, crawling, reaching, standing, walking, pushing, pulling, lifting, grasping, feeling, talking, hearing, and repetitive motions. The employee must have the visual acuity to prepare data and figures, operate equipment, and determine the accuracy of the work assigned. The employee is subject to both indoor and outdoor environmental conditions including noise, exposure to chemicals, exposure to atmospheric conditions, and exposure to oils. The employee is at high risk of coming in contact with potentially infectious bodily fluids.

Must possess and maintain a valid driver’s license equivalent to a valid Class C driver’s license recognized for operation in North Carolina. Highschool diploma or GED required. Position requires (1) Wastewater Grade II certification from NC DEQ or (2) Water C-Surface certification from NC DEQ, depending on the plant to which assigned. Certification must be obtained within two years of employment. Wastewater operators must obtain an NC DEQ Grade II certification within 3 years of employment.