Wastewater Operator III

Make a difference every day while building a rewarding career with the City of Boise. As an Advanced Water Renewal Operator, you'll operate, monitor, troubleshoot, and maintain state-of-the-art wastewater treatment facilities that protect public health and the environment. You'll use your technical expertise to ensure safe, reliable, and compliant operations while working alongside a skilled, collaborative team. Enjoy a four-day, 10-hour (4/10) schedule that supports a healthy work-life balance.

Required Knowledge, Experience, And Training

• High school diploma or equivalent, and
• 4 years of experience in operating or maintaining an advanced wastewater treatment facility, or
• an equivalent combination of education and experience.

Licensing And Other Requirements

• Valid state-issued driver's license.
• Current Idaho Wastewater Operator II License within six months of employment.
• Ability to obtain and comply with annual continuing education requirements for license renewal.

Applicants must be able to pass: 

• City of Boise background check processes which includes a criminal history check and reference checks in accordance with the City of Boise Hiring Process Regulation
• Driving Record Check
• Drug Free Workplace: In accordance with the City of Boise Drug Free Workplace Regulation, this position is designated as safety sensitive and is subject to testing requirements including Post Offer Applicant Testing, Random Testing, Reasonable Suspicion, Post - Accident, etc. Applicants will be required to submit to screening for illegal drug use prior to hire. Appointment to this position is contingent upon a negative pre-employment drug test.
• This position is required to handle hazardous materials that if mishandled, place the general public at risk of serious injury.

Why the City of Boise?

The benefits are real and among the best in the Treasure Valley:

• Zero-cost premium medical coverage for you and your family
• PERSI retirement plus employer-matched 401(k)/457b
• 10 hours vacation/month (grows with tenure), 12 paid holidays, and 8 hours sick leave/month
• 10 weeks paid parental leave
• $500 annual wellbeing incentive
• Tuition reimbursement and free local bus pass
• Basic life and long-term disability insurance at no cost

Operates, troubleshoots and adjusts complex industrial equipment and processes used in advanced wastewater treatment and nutrient recovery systems. Routinely inspects facilities and equipment utilizing direct observation and manually adjusts equipment. Assists with special projects such as stress, pilot and optimization testing of equipment and processes.

Collects and analyzes process and compliance samples utilizing established laboratory procedures and performs microscopic examinations of wastewater. Adjusts and calibrates automated sampling and laboratory test equipment. Records operational data and laboratory test results as required to ensure regulatory compliance.

Performs enhanced preventative maintenance and some corrective maintenance repairs. Operates various types of hand and power tools. Isolates and de-energizes various hydraulic, pneumatic and electrified lines, pipes and pits. Monitors conditions for various hazardous atmospheres. Keeps accurate records of work activities to ensure regulatory compliance.

Monitors chemical deliveries and loading and unloading of products and supplies. Operates light, medium and heavy equipment to load and unload products and supplies and transport them within the facility site. Evaluates chemical and supply inventory and initiates resupply.

Attends and completes assigned training as required to ensure compliance with city policy, state and federal regulations and maintains professional licensing and certification. Provides training and instruction to other staff on the maintenance, operation and safety procedures of industrial wastewater equipment and processes. Maintains a safe, clean and orderly work environment and monitors site security.

Performs all duties of a PW Wastewater Operator level II, while also providing mentoring and team coordination, performing complex tasks and assisting others as needed.

Performs other duties as assigned. Nothing in this job description restricts management's right to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this position at any time.Additional Required Knowledge, Experience, And Training

Knowledge of: principles used in various processes of advanced water and wastewater treatment including chemical, physical and biological processes; safe chemical transfer, containment and hygiene practices; micro-organisms and laboratory practices required to evaluate treatment processes properly; SDS (safety data sheets), blueprints, schematic diagrams and technical manuals; machines and tools used in water and wastewater treatment and their maintenance; statistical process control for problem identification and resolution; programmable logic controllers (PLCs) used for the automation of electromechanical processes; industrial computer control systems such as supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA) systems for facility monitoring, database software (Wonderware, Hansen, spreadsheets, graphs, trend charts) and filing systems; monitoring of gauges, dials, computer screens, automated alarm systems or other indicators; wastewater treatment regulations and compliance with NPDES permits and all other federal, state and local requirements; OSHA guidelines related to large water and wastewater treatment facilities; and computer usage, including related software.

Ability to: safely operate various types of equipment, hand and power tools, mowers, backhoes, forklifts, heavy equipment and trucks; conduct tests and troubleshoot to ensure equipment, software or processes are operational; make minor repairs for basic mechanical and electrical problems; prioritize schedule and work tasks, and complete work within specified time periods and deadlines, be adaptable and flexible under changing conditions; make mathematical calculations, interpret data and draw logical conclusions; communicate effectively in the English language at a level necessary for efficient job performance; and perform all essential functions as assigned by an authorized employee, supervisor and/or manager with or without reasonable accommodation.

Individuals must be capable of operating vehicles safely and have an acceptable driving record.

Preferred Knowledge, Experience, And Training

• Associate's or Bachelor's degree in environmental science, engineering, chemical or biological sciences, math or related field and two years of experience operating or maintaining an advanced wastewater treatment facility.
• Direct experience with advanced computerized systems utilized in wastewater treatment facilities and experience in mechanical and electrical troubleshooting.
• Possession of a Class III Wastewater Operator license.
• Direct work experience at a class 4 treatment facility (Idaho rating criteria).

The physical effort characteristics and working environment 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.

Physical Efforts
While performing the duties of this job the employee is frequently lifting/carrying up to 50 pounds. Also, the employee is frequently pushing/pulling up to 50 pounds. The noise level is frequently moderate. Work includes sensory ability to talk, hear, smell and touch. Work in this position also includes close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision and depth perception. Employees will sit, stand, walk, stoop, kneel, crouch, crawl, reach, grasp, climb and balance. Position requires hand/finger dexterity.

Working Environment
The work environment will include inside conditions, outdoor weather conditions, extreme temperatures, in wet and humid conditions, areas of dust, odors, mist and gases or other airborne matter. Employees are exposed to mechanical and electrical hazards, work in/at heights and confined spaces. Employees will also drive a vehicle as part of this position. Work includes protected exposure to infectious bacteria, bodily fluids and chemicals. Employees work in industrial areas and are exposed to mechanical, electrical, hydraulic, pneumatic and vehicle hazards. Employees work on stairs, in open tanks and near ditches and are subject to slip hazards caused from ice/snow in winter, wet floors, uneven and undeveloped work surfaces In case of emergencies, these employees will be secondary responders. Work may be performed/ assigned at any of the city’s public works utilities and may work at remote or isolated facilities a considerable distance from supporting resources.

This position works: Shift work, including nights, weekends, and holidays. Rotating on-call schedule