Wastewater Treatment Operator

DEFINITION / GENERAL PURPOSE:

Performs a variety of semi-skilled and skilled technical and maintenance work in the operation, maintenance and repair of wastewater treatment facilities and systems.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED:

Works under the general supervision of the Chief Plant Operator Wastewater.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Maintain the mechanical systems in good functional order and operate the system to obtain the best degree of treatment achievable under the existing load conditions of the plant.

Understand each of the treatment unit processes in the plant, the monitoring practices used to evaluate the function of the process, and the adjustments used to optimize treatment efficiency.

Stay abreast of the latest operating and maintenance practices through participation in short courses, training schools and maintain TCEQ Wastewater Certification.

Subscribe to and regularly read several of the technical journals related to wastewater treatment, specifically those journals concerned with O&M.

Understand the regulatory requirements of the plant concerning permitted effluent quality, reporting and analytical standards, emergency notifications, permit renewal schedules, inspections, and local regulatory communications.

Maintain an accurate and legible system of records concerning operation and maintenance procedures.

Use sound judgment in the expenditure of operating funds.

Understand and consistently practice safety procedures associated with the facility.

Performs other essential duties as required to achieve successful operation of the department.

The employee must have the ability to work well with others and have a good/pleasant attitude.

Regular and timely attendance is an essential job function.

May/Will be required to respond to plant during emergency conditions and during call outs by supervisor.

PERIPHERAL DUTIES:

Serves as a member of various employee committees, as assigned.

Other Duties as assigned.

DESIRED MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

High school diploma or GED equivalent required;

Two (2) years experience in a wastewater facility or combination of education and experience;

Must possess a current Texas Class D Wastewater Certification within 1 year of hire;

Must possess/obtain a current Texas Class C Wastewater Certification within 3 years of hire (or within 1 year of TCEQ minimum experience requirements, whichever occurs sooner);

Must maintain TCEQ Wastewater Certification for continued employment;

Posses a valid Texas driver's license rated Class "B" CDL or be able to obtain within nine (9) months of employment.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:

Must be able to follow directions.

Will be required to work on call/night duty as discussed in interview approximately every 7 weeks.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

Knowledge of the use of hand and power tools and basic understanding of chemistry, mechanical equipment, and grounds maintenance equipment;

Ability to apply common sense understanding to carry out instructions furnished in written, oral, or diagram form;

Ability to deal with problems involving several concrete variables in standardized situations;

Ability to read and interpret documents such as safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, and procedure manuals;

Ability to write routine reports and correspondence;

Ability to speak effectively before groups of citizens, customers or employees of the organization;

Ability to deal with problems involving a few concrete variables in standardized situations;

Ability to read and comprehend simple instructions, short and simple correspondence, and memos;

Ability to effectively present information in one-on-one and small group situations to customers, clients, and other employees of the organization;

Ability to add, subtract, multiply, and divide in all units of measure, using whole numbers, common fractions, and decimals as well as to compute rate, ratio, and percent and to draw and interpret bar graphs;

Ability to understand and follow written and oral instructions;

Ability to perform full range of physical efforts and maintain standards required to execute job duty;

Ability to perform during adverse and stressful conditions;

Ability to report for duty as situations require.

SELECTION GUIDELINES:

Formal application, rating of education and experience; oral interview and reference check; job related tests may be required.

TOOLS AND EQUIPMENT USED:

Motorized vehicles for mechanical testing purposes, power and hand tools and equipment for vehicle and mechanical system work; tools including air tools, backhoe and other heavy equipment; electronic vehicle diagnostic equipment; personal computer, calculator, phone; mobile or portable radio.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to use hands to finger, handle, feel or operate objects, tools, or controls; and reach with hands and arms. The employee is occasionally required to climb or balance; stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl.

The employee is occasionally required to walk, sit, talk or hear, and taste or smell. The employee must frequently lift and/or move 25 pounds and occasionally move more than 100 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, color vision, and the ability to adjust focus.

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

The work environment characteristics described here 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.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee regularly works near moving mechanical parts and in outside weather conditions. The employee is frequently exposed to wet and/or humid conditions. The employee is occasionally exposed to vibration or risk of electrical shock.

The noise level in the work environment is loud.

Job Hazards: Exhaust and fumes, toxic or caustic chemicals, noise, dirt, working in vicinity of operating vehicles or equipment with moving parts, possibility of falling objects, inclement weather conditions, high voltage electricity, pathogenic organisms, and hazardous debris from sewer.