Wastewater Plant Operator I / II / III

WASTEWATER PLANT OPERATOR * BASE SALARY IS COMPLIMENTED BY APPROPRIATE SHIFT INCENTIVE COMPENSATION 

JOB SUMMARY

The Wastewater Plant Operator performs tasks related to the safe operation and maintenance of the City’s wastewater treatment systems. Responsibilities include inspecting, operating, calibrating, and maintaining wastewater and sludge handling equipment as well as various physical, chemical, and biological testing systems. Operators are responsible for using test data and operator knowledge to make process changes to ensure plant operations are within permit parameters. 

ESSENTIAL DUTIES

Operator I

• In coordination with other staff, monitor, operate, and maintain wastewater treatment equipment such as pumps, valves, motors, motor controllers, blowers, aerators, filters, digesters, chemical feed equipment, automatic sampling equipment, disinfection equipment, and sludge handling equipment.  
• Monitor and interpret gauges, digital and computer displays, and various recording devices to determine adjustments needed to process.
• Monitor and adjust wastewater treatment processes such as screening, primary/secondary solids removal, activated sludge, anaerobic digestion, disinfection, and sludge disposal to ensure the wastewater treatment plant is operating in accordance with all applicable state and federal permit requirements.
• Perform various laboratory tests, record meter/equipment readings and accurately report the results on various logs, forms and computer databases for process control and reporting purposes.
• Inspect, adjust, and repair wastewater treatment equipment such as bar screens, flow meters, pumps, clarifiers, UV systems, blowers, motors, valves, aerators, filters, samplers, and digesters.
• Perform biosolids recycling activities to include land filling, land application, manifesting, testing, loading, and unloading of processed and dewatered sludge.    
• Safely operate City vehicles, trailers, tractors, skid loaders, and other required equipment, follow proper safety procedures, anticipate unsafe circumstances and respond accordingly to prevent accidents.   
• Perform other related duties as assigned by supervisors and/or other licensed operators.

Operator II

In addition:

• Independently able to operate all city wastewater treatment equipment.
• Ability to serve as the lead operator on shifts.

 Operator III

In addition:

• In collaboration with management, train, lead, and mentor staff.
• Independently able to make process adjustments and troubleshoot wastewater operations.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Knowledge of: 

• Federal, state, and local rules and regulations related to wastewater treatment operations. 
• Conventional primary and secondary wastewater treatment processes, including screening, pumping, activated sludge, trickling filters, clarifiers, disinfection, anaerobic digestion, and biosolids land filling/land application.  
• The operation and general maintenance of equipment that is commonly found in a wastewater treatment plant.
• Basic laboratory testing practices used for process control and regulatory compliance. 
• Safe work practices, issues, and requirements associated with wastewater treatment plant operations.
• Basic water utility mathematics as well as basic operation of personal computers and associated operating systems.

Ability to:

• Safely and effectively operate and maintain the full range of equipment commonly found in a wastewater treatment facility.   
• Communicate in English, clearly and concisely, orally and in writing.
• Follow detailed oral and written instructions and adhere to prescribed procedures, including the department’s data integrity and ethics policy. 
• Pay attention to details and maintain accurate records. 
• Learn and maintain knowledge of job duties and requirements related to the assigned position.
• Establish and maintain effective and harmonious working relationships with co-workers, supervisors, management, regulatory officials, and the public. 
• Comprehend and make inferences from written material and instructions.
• Monitor and interpret gauges, digital and computer displays, and various recording devices to ensure compliance with prescribed safety and operational guidelines.   
• Lift and carry a minimum of 50 lbs without assistance.  
• Work varying shifts to include days, evenings, weekends, holidays, overtime, and on-call as assigned.  

Experience and Education: Any combination of education and experience that would likely provide the required level of knowledge, skills, abilities, and licenses may qualify.

Experience:

• Previous work experience performing preventive maintenance and basic repair work on pumps, motors and/or related mechanical/electrical equipment.   
• Previous work experience in the operation of wastewater treatment systems is required.  

Education:

• High School Diploma or GED required.
• Completion of formal training related to wastewater treatment operations is required.   

Licenses/Certifications

Operator I

• Possession of a valid Class “C” or greater Motor Vehicle Operators License.
• Possession of a valid Class “C” wastewater treatment plant operator’s license issued by the state of Texas is required. Maintenance of this license is required as a condition of employment.

Operator II/III

• Possession of a valid Class “C” or greater Motor Vehicle Operators License.
• Possession of a valid Class “B” wastewater treatment plant operator’s license or higher issued by the State of Texas is required.  Maintenance of this license is required as a condition of employment.

ENVIRONMENTAL FACTORS

Incumbents assigned to this position may be required to work varying shifts including days, evenings, weekends, holidays, overtime, and on-call as assigned.  Incumbents can reasonably expect to be exposed to all weather conditions and various hazardous substances such as biological and chemical agents on a routine basis.  Additionally, incumbents can expect exposure to various environmentally stressful conditions such as temperature extremes, moisture and humidity, ultraviolet radiation, occasional insect nuisances, odors, and noise.  Observation of pump and motor operation as well as other routine equipment and process monitoring requires the incumbent to be physically able to climb steps, stairs, and ladders and to bend, stoop, and stretch frequently on a daily basis.  Some work may take place in small, cramped, and confined areas.  Incumbents assigned to this position must be capable of distinguishing between colors and must be able to hear audible alarms and see visual signals. 

This position has been classified as a “safety-sensitive” position. All incumbents assigned to a “safety-sensitive” position shall be required to comply with all provisions of the City of Sherman, Texas Commercial Motor Vehicle Driver’s Drug and Alcohol Testing Program.