Operations Technician I

Summary:

Operations Technician I are learning to become critical infrastructure professionals who provide an essential environmental service to the AlexRenew community 24/7, 365. As part of the Operations Team, they gain on-the-job experience supported by in-depth training to become experts in the operations of the AlexRenew Water Resource Recovery Facility (WRRF). OITs are responsible for performing all routine operational tasks under the direct supervision of Senior Operations Technician or Supervisor in compliance with all regulatory requirements, safety standards, and standard operating procedures. 

Essential Duties & Responsibilities:  

• Under direct supervision of a Senior Operations Technician or Supervisor, perform rounds to monitor and operate all liquid and solids processes within required standards of performance. 
• Under minimal supervision, perform routine operations and preventative maintenance activities in support of efficient operations; examples include raking screenings cans, pigging of heat exchangers, changing parts or supplies, offloading deliveries, and preparing solids or screenings for loading and pickup. 
• Collect representative samples and conduct basic field analyses using standard methods. 
• Monitor WRRF performance data and trends using SCADA, Operator 10, and other instruments, notify OTs or Supervisors of abnormal conditions. 
• Record accurate operational data using standard forms and procedures. 
• Perform basic troubleshooting of plant equipment. In consultation with Senior OT or Supervisor, provide recommendations for improvements and implement corrective actions. 
• Perform required plant housekeeping and maintain clean work areas to ensure proper operations.
• Provide on-the-job training to Wastewater Systems Apprentices, as assigned. 
• Satisfactorily complete ongoing professional development on all aspects of WRRF operations. 
• Actively promote safe behaviors and health awareness at all times in the execution of daily tasks. 
• Perform general housekeeping duties around facilities. 
• Participate in communications training programs. Shares information as requested about position and tasks with communications team. As requested, participates in various outreach activities, such as career panels and guided tours. 
• Understands and weaves our organizational sustainability objectives into daily work and decision making. 
• Actively promotes safe behaviors and health awareness at all times in the execution of daily tasks. 
• Perform other duties as required.

Qualification Requirements:

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily.  The requirements listed below are representative of the education, experience, knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.  

Key Competencies:

• Accountability
• Communication
• Dependability
• Decision Making
• Initiative
• Safety Awareness
• Teamwork

Education and/or Experience:

• High School Diploma or General Education Degree (GED) equivalent required.
• Two years wastewater industry experience as AlexRenew Wastewater Systems Apprentice or equivalent wastewater plant operations experience preferred.
• Active Virginia Wastewater Works Operator license Class 3 or 4; or other state wastewater licensure or ability to obtain Virginia licensure within one year of employment desired.  A combination of education and experience may also be considered.
• Possess and maintain a valid driver’s license required.
• Basic understanding of industrial equipment to include process control, pumps, motors, ultra violet reactors, mixers, blowers, chemical feed and storage system and solids dewatering equipment.
• Demonstrated compliance with AlexRenew’s safety and security policies, including lockout tagout, confined space, electrical safety and hazard communication.
• Ability to read and interpret process trends to identify process abnormalities and make process change recommendations to Operations Technician and/or Shift Leader.  
• Ability to effectively communicate with management and co-workers.
• Ability to apply wastewater treatment math concepts to shift responsibilities.
• Ability to apply critical thinking skills to solve problems and make decisions as a member of a team.
• Ability to follow oral instructions promptly and accurately.
• Ability to work as an effective team member.
• Ability to follow Standard Operating Procedures and equipment Operations & Maintenance Manuals. 
• Ability to use computer software programs.

Physical Demands:

The physical demands here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.  A detailed Physical Demands Analysis is available in Human Resources and a copy will be provided to all incumbents in this position.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to walk and stand for nine hours a day.  The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 80 pounds.  Specific vision abilities required by this job include depth perception, near and far acuity, color and field of vision. The employee would be required to constantly communicate with management and coworkers, and to listen for emergency sirens and alarms. 

Work Environment:

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Environmental conditions necessitate following strict safety guidelines and use of Personal Protective Equipment.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee performs work indoors in a climate controlled environment, with outdoor trips between buildings and some outdoor work required. Some areas of plant are hot and humid at times.

Disclaimer:

The above information on this job description has been designed to indicate the general nature and level of work performed by employees within this classification.  It is not designed to contain or be interpreted as comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities and qualifications required of employees assigned to this job.