Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator

INTERNAL APPLICANTS WILL BE GIVEN FIRST CONSIDERATION PURSUANT TO A COLLECTIVE BARGAINING AGREEMENT

Under direct supervision of WWT Division Operations Supervisors, performs assigned operational tasks in a major advanced secondary wastewater treatment facility to ensure that wastewater is properly treated and disposed of in an environmentally safe manner and in compliance with Federal/State/local laws and ordinances.

WORKING HOURS:  7:00 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.   (Monday - Friday; including weekend/on-call rotation)

Please note the supplemental pay that is added to the base pay for the following licenses:
Ohio Class I Wastewater Certification:  $0.30/hr 
Ohio Class II Wastewater Certification:  $0.55/hr
Ohio Class III Wastewater Certification:  $0.75/hrChecks and monitors equipment for lubrication level and proper operation/functioning; makes manual adjustments to motors, pumps and  chemical feed system; checks all electrical control panels and other equipment (e.g., oilers, calibration meters, amp meters, totalizers); performs maintenance on drains; inspects and cleans all plant process equipment and tanks; checks, reads and records data on disinfection equipment and makes necessary adjustments to maintain acceptable effluent quality; participates in special Ohio Environmental Protection Agency (OEPA) project monitoring (e.g., in-depth monitoring and sampling lasting from 24-hours to two weeks); gathers emergency samples of wastewater with an unknown origin and maintains chain of custody; performs and documents test results from samples collected throughout the process (e.g., suspended solids (SS), pH, turbidity, temperature, dissolved oxygen (D.O.), blankets and clarity checks) for OEPA compliance; collects samples of effluent at receiving stream for testing as needed; operates and monitors computer controls for proper plant operation, starting and stopping equipment and monitoring flows; gathers and records plant data to monitor for permit compliance (e.g., daily sheets indicating flow, equipment oil levels, sludge pumped and hauled, disinfection processes); maintains and operates in-line recording devices; maintains operation of equipment (e.g., cyclone degritter, electric bar screens, conveyor, and hydrosieves) used in the removal of grit, rags, grease and other foreign materials from the raw wastewater; manually cleans bar screens during machine failures; advises Supervisor of any problems with equipment or process controls (e.g., blower motor stoppage, high influent flows); monitors plant for adherence to safety practices and removes possible hazards (e.g., oil/water on floor, grease/water on hand railings); monitors emergency power generator during power outages by following strict written instruction. Maintains a professional manner when interacting with both internal and external customers.  Complies with workplace health and safety standards: wears required personal protective equipment; promptly report unsafe conditions; complies with all departmental, county, state federal policies/procedures/regulations and laws.

Performs preventative maintenance on pumps, blowers and plant equipment; assists with manually cleaning valves, escalators and lines; visually and audibly monitors blowers and pumps; performs general cleaning of plant buildings and equipment; removes ice and snow from sidewalks, aeration and clarifiers as needed; assists with grounds keeping and painting. 

Addresses emergency situations by responding to alarms and emergency call outs; carries cell phone; acts as duty operator; meets requirements for back-up Operator of Record (OR) when necessary.

Operates valves and switches on pumps to transfer sludge in digesters to maintain consistent sludge age; operates sludge stabilization facility.

Maintains all logs and reports pertaining to the current Section 3745-7-09 of the Ohio Administrative Code (OAC); conducts or assists with tours of facilities for civic, school or professional groups.

Performs other duties of a similar nature or level as assigned.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
High School Diploma or General Equivalency Diploma (G.E.D.), or completion of a vocational training program in the field of application; Ohio Class I Wastewater Certification; valid Ohio Driver’s License; and/or, any equivalent combination of education and experience sufficient to successfully perform the essential duties of the job such as those listed above.  EQUIPMENT USED:
Including but not limited to:  mechanical and electric bar screens, conveyor, hydrosieves, wastewater pumps, grit chamber, grit pumps, cyclone degritter, clarifiers, grease pumps, sludge pumps, aeration tanks, blowers, disinfection equipment, centrifuges, analytical equipment (e.g., D.O., pH), timers, atmospheric testers, polymer feed pumps, small engines, microscopes, SCADA system, computers, hand and power tools, safety equipment, pager, cell phone, mobile radio, grounds keeping equipment and snow removal equipment.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:
Climbing, balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, crawling, reaching, standing, walking, pushing, pulling, lifting, grasping, feeling, talking, hearing, repetitive motions.

VISUAL ACUITY:
The worker is required to have close visual acuity to perform an activity such as:  preparing and analyzing data and figures; transcribing; viewing a computer terminal; expansive reading; visual inspection involving small defects, small parts and/or operation of machines (including inspection); using measurement devices; and/or assembly of fabrication of parts at distances close to eyes.  The worker is required to have visual acuity to perform an activity such as:  operating machines such as lathes, drill presses, power saws and mills where the seeing job is at or within arm’s reach; performing mechanical or skilled trade’s tasks of a non-repetitive nature such as carpenters, technicians, service people, plumbers, painters, mechanics, etc.  The worker is required to have visual acuity to operate motor vehicles or heavy equipment.

WORKING CONDITIONS:
The worker is subject to both inside and outside environmental conditions, extreme heat and cold, noise, vibrations, hazards, atmospheric conditions, oils, close quarters, crawl space, shafts, manholes, small enclosed rooms, small sewage and water line pipes, and other areas which could cause claustrophobia.  The worker is required to function in narrow aisles or passageways; the worker is exposed to infectious diseases

HEAVY WORK: 
Exerting up to 100 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 50 pounds of force frequently, and/or up to 20 pounds of force constantly to move objects.