What are the responsibilities and job description for the Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator position at City of Big Spring?
This position is responsible for operating, maintaining and repairing of the City’s wastewater treatment plant and lift stations.
Essential duties and functions may include the following.
- Monitors treatment process and makes necessary adjustments as indicated by current conditions.
- Monitors performance of machinery and equipment used to control the treatment process; makes process control decisions.
- Inspects valves, pumps, gauges and other plant or lift station equipment on a regular basis.
- Prepares inspection sheets, logs, and flow charts; prepares daily reports of analysis and test results for laboratory and regulatory agencies; maintains records; enters data to computer.
- Tends influent pumps, blowers, feed pumps, dry and wet chemical feeders, aerators, telescopic settings, wet well, and other equipment used to decontaminate wastewater; reads and records effluent flow meter.
- Inspects and cleans filters, tanks, clarifier weirs, and bar screens.
- Changes out chlorine and sulfur dioxide cylinders for chlorinating/dechlorinating units.
- Collects samples and completes chemical tests/analysis such as biochemical oxygen demand, dissolved oxygen, suspended solids, biomonitoring, and pH of in-process treatment of water/wastewater; Calculates chemical dosages and adds chemicals to maintain proper pH in aeration basin.
- Determines and performs sludge wasting from aeration basin and aerobic digester.
- Operates belt press as directed.
- Conduct periodic checks of plant operational equipment.
- Performs preventive and corrective maintenance on equipment; assists in repair of equipment, including lift stations.
- Maintains sludge drying beds.
- Performs routine cleaning of equipment, grounds, and work areas.
- Performs housekeeping and grounds maintenance duties; maintains the sprinkler system.
- Performs routine electrical work.
- Performs routine and preventative maintenance and repairs on all wastewater treatment equipment and lift stations
- Performs routine welding, cutting and fabrication as needed.
- Ensures proper operation and routine maintenance of sewage pumping stations.
- Operates backhoe to load trucks with solid waste; operates dump truck to haul sludge to disposal areas.
- May be on call after hours to respond to emergencies.
- Performs other duties as assigned.
- Ability to read, write and perform mathematical calculations at a level commonly associated with the completion of high school or equivalent.
- Sufficient experience to understand the basic principles relevant to the major duties of the position usually associated with the completion of an apprenticeship/internship or having had a similar position for one to two years.
- Possession of or ability to readily obtain an appropriate state-certified license for water or wastewater treatment or distribution as appropriate:
- A valid Class D Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator’s Certificate within one year of hire.
- A valid Class C Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator’s Certificate within three (3) years of hire.
- Possession of or ability to readily obtain a Class B CDL issued by the State of Texas for the type of vehicle or equipment operated with in ninety (90) days of hire.
- Must possess required knowledge, skills, abilities and experience and be able to explain and demonstrate, with or without reasonable accommodations, that the essential functions of the job can be performed.
- Knowledge of wastewater treatment processes.
- Knowledge of mathematics, biology, and basic chemistry.
- Knowledge of federal, state and local wastewater treatment guidelines and procedures.
- Knowledge of city, department and safety policies and procedures.
- Knowledge of plant operations.
- Knowledge of lift station operations.
- Knowledge of the handling and application of the chemicals necessary to maintain a safe work environment and personal safety.
- Knowledge of standard laboratory principles, techniques, equipment, and materials
- Skill in operating laboratory equipment
- Skill in reading various meters, including D.O. and pH.
- Skill in operating water pollution control equipment such as a centrifuge, chlorinator, samplers, and blowers.
- Skill in the use of basic tools such as packing tools, socket wrenches, power tools, and screwdrivers.
- Skill in operating light and heavy equipment such as a front end loader and dump truck.
- Skill in the use of grounds maintenance equipment.
- Skill in basic computer use.
- Skill in oral and written communication.
Salary : $38,569
