It's a great time to join the City of Boulder!
Application Deadline :
January 29, 2025
Compensation Details :
Hiring Range
30.77 - 44.65
This is a full-time hourly position.
Scheduled Weekly Hours :
Benefit Eligibility Group :
BMEA (20 Hours)
Locate the Benefit Eligibility Group value on the Employee Benefit Eligibility document to identify the benefits offered for this job.
Job Description Summary :
SUMMARY
Under limited supervision and within a dedicated, teamwork environment, the Plant Operator operates the Boulder Water Resource Recovery Facility (WRRF), appropriately reacts to changing treatment process conditions for liquid, solids, and biogas systems, assists with routine maintenance and minor repairs of facility equipment, and performs related duties as required.
The hiring ranges for these positions are, commensurate with experience :
Water Treatment Plant Operator Cert D - $22.44 to $32.54
Water Treatment Plant Operator Cert C - $24.68 to $35.79
Water Treatment Plant Operator Cert B - $27.15 to $39.37
Water Treatment Plant Operator Cert A - $29.87 to $43.35
Generally, the hiring range is from the minimum up to 80% of the range.
Job Description :
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Operates the WRRF and the Boulder Lift Station in accordance with state and federal water quality regulations, including :
- Maintains familiarity with the WRRF's NPDES discharge permit and applicable Colorado Department of Health and Environment regulations, including an operator's responsibilities under Regulation 100.
- Maintains the appropriate level Colorado Wastewater Treatment Operator Certification.
- Is responsible for conducting regulatory sampling and record keeping under direction of lead operators and the operations supervisor.
- Acts as backup for Plant Lead Operator in their absence.
- Ensures adequate shift coverage (10-hour or 13.3-hour shifts, or any other shift schedule), which includes filling shifts as necessary and / or calling in coverage and working until sufficient coverage is onsite.
- Arranges for and providing coverage as the stand-by operator after hours (during times of unattended operation).
Controls and monitors mechanical, microbiological, and chemical wastewater treatment processes across the entire facility, including physical, chemical, and biological process monitoring; water quality analysis; process and equipment troubleshooting; liquids and solids stream process control; laboratory and sampling equipment maintenance; and instrument calibrations.
Uses various technologies and computer programs, in addition to direct observation, to effectively operate WRRF processes and programs.
Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) system to monitor and interpret data transmitted from local and remote equipment locations. Detailed SCADA rounds are expected multiple times per day.Mobile "smart" apps to effectively communicate with others, monitor SCADA alarms, and access facility infrastructure maps.Electronic folder / file navigation (including SharePoint) to access facility as-built drawings, schematics, SOPs, and O&M manuals to identify, conduct, troubleshoot, and resolve treatment issues.Computerized Maintenance Management System to schedule and complete work orders and assist the WRRF maintenance team in asset management.Water quality database (like HachWIMS) to enter laboratory results, access trends, and record process changes.Microsoft Word to write, edit, and update SOPs, operational guidelines, and safety program items.Microsoft Outlook to monitor, send, and respond to email and to manage a professional calendar.Assists the operations supervisor, maintenance supervisor, process automation systems supervisor, process engineer, and manager with strategic objectives and facility management goals, including :
Maintaining facilities and property, including housekeeping and upkeep of process buildings and equipment.Operating the WRRF and systems consistent with energy efficiency goals and in alignment with citywide greenhouse gas reduction initiatives.Monitoring electrical power, natural gas, and other resource usage and striving to minimize consumption while maintaining wastewater treatment targets established by management and permitting agencies.Gaining and sharing knowledge through formal and informal training opportunities.Training, directing and reviewing the work of other operation staff, including lower-level-certified operators and operator trainees.Plans for, practices, and responds to emergencies including but not limited to power outages, chemical spills, cybersecurity breaches, and equipment failures. Accurately documents steps taken to resolve or isolate issues. Remains alert to security integrity of the WRRF and the Boulder Lift Station.
Serving as an integral member of the wastewater treatment workgroup,
Coordinates operations activities.Plans and collaborates on unit process maintenance and annual work planning.Purchases supplies and monitors inventory as directed.Participates in the safety committee, safety procedure implementation and documentation.Assists the operations supervisor in maintaining a clean and safe work environment.Advances housekeeping and process area organization assignments.Coordinates with other workgroups and participates in engineering design processes and treatment optimization studies.Other :
Performs related duties as required to meet the needs of the city.Takes proper safety precautions to prevent accidents. Responsible for the safety of self, others, materials, and equipment. Uses all required safety equipment and follows all safety regulations, policies, and procedures. Reports all accidents and damage to city property.Responsible for knowing and complying with all city and department policies; participating in professional trainings and development, and adhering to attendance and workplace attire policies.Conducts job duties with a continuing awareness of the environmental implications of decisions and a focus on providing municipal services in a sustainable manner.MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
Ability and highly skilled and proficient at troubleshooting, performing system analyses, and generating reports using a variety of computational tools, diagnostic equipment, and unique enterprise software.Ability to be a supportive teammate Is kind, supportive, and professional in working with others; recognizes the importance of collaboration and strives to build lasting relationships with other city employees and community members; is socially perceptive, modeling consideration and tact while maintaining focus on tasks at hand; is comfortable working through conflict and differences of opinion; willingly partners with and supports all Wastewater Treatment, Wastewater Utilities Maintenance, Water Quality, and other staff to evaluate system needs and provide creative solutions with a positive attitude; is committed to ensuring wider Utilities Department success.Ability to cover a rotating standby shift, with the requirement to respond in-person at the WRRF to a call-out within sixty (60) minutes. Ability to work weekend shifts.Ability to demonstrate a strong alignment with City's Vision and Values. Promotes a culture of trust and candor. Fosters a team environment where how we do our work is as important as the work itself.Ability to demonstrate flexibility, creativity, and engagement. Can quickly adapt to changing circumstances and priorities to identify and suggest creative resolutions to unique problems. Driven to perpetually improve all facets of team and process performance.Ability to demonstrate good verbal and written communication skills, and good organizational and problem-solving skills. Strong mechanical aptitude.Ability to distill detailed technical information and provide written and verbal updates in both technical and lay terms, and consistently communicate system status & updates with all staff.Ability to proactively and effectively plan and execute work in a timely fashion to ensure reliable execution of all daily tasks and to follow through on special assignments.Ability to use technical devices for sample measurement and equipment calibration.Ability to work in an industrial setting to work in and around areas of limited access and confined spaces requiring standing, walking, bending, and kneeling; ability to use ladders, stairs, underground vaults, cat walks, and scaffolding; ability to lift up to 50 pounds; ability to hear audible alarms at 80 dB and higher; visual acuity, manual dexterity in using precision and no-precision hand tools, power tools, and technical devices; ability to use all required safety equipment; an ability to train others in the use of, storage of, and routine maintenance of safety equipment.Ability to work under minimal supervision and exercise good judgment.Valid Driver's License and ability to maintain an acceptable motor vehicle record.Have and maintain acceptable background information, including criminal conviction history.PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
Ability to demonstrate experience operating a wastewater biogas upgrading (renewable natural gas) system.Ability to demonstrate hazardous chemical or emergency response experience and / or training.Ability to demonstrate previous experience working at a water resource recovery facility / wastewater treatment facility.Ability to demonstrate water quality laboratory experience.Skill and experience being the sole operator on duty.Skill and experience with relevant computer software, including supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA) system, computerized maintenance management system (CMMS), operations data management system (HachWIMS or similar), and Microsoft Office applications.Skill in and experience with activated sludge process control, anaerobic and aerobic digestion troubleshooting, and biosolids dewatering optimization.Skill in process optimization experience. Electrical and mechanical troubleshooting experience. Ability to perform wastewater process instrument calibration.Associate's degree in a related field.Certification in collection system and / or water treatment operation.Safety certifications and experience conducting safety training.REQUIRED EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE
PLANT OPERATOR CERT D
High school diploma.Colorado Class D Wastewater Treatment Operators' Certification or ability to obtain within one (1) year of hire.PLANT OPERATOR CERT C
High school diploma.Colorado Class C Wastewater Treatment Operators' Certification or equivalent certification in another state with the ability to obtain a Colorado Class A Wastewater Treatment Operators' Certification within six (6) months of hire through reciprocity.PLANT OPERATOR CERT B
High school diploma.Colorado Class B Wastewater Treatment Operators' Certification or equivalent certification in another state with the ability to obtain a Colorado Class A Wastewater Treatment Operators' Certification within six (6) months of hire through reciprocity.PLANT OPERATOR CERT A
High school diploma.Colorado Class A Wastewater Treatment Operators' Certification or equivalent certification in another state with the ability to obtain a Colorado Class A Wastewater Treatment Operators' Certification within six (6) months of hire through reciprocity.SUPERVISION
Supervision Received : Plant Operations Supervisor
Supervision Exercised : None
WORKING CONDITIONS AND REQUIREMENTS
Physical and Mental Effort : Ability to work under stress from demanding deadlines, public contact, and changing priorities and conditions. Physical ability to work in an industrial setting to work in and around areas of limited access and confined spaces requiring standing, walking, bending, and kneeling; ability to use ladders, stairs, underground vaults, cat walks, and scaffolding; ability to lift up to 50 pounds; ability to hear audible alarms at 80 dB and higher; visual acuity, manual dexterity in using precision and no-precision hand tools, power tools, and technical devices; ability to use all required safety equipment including air purifying respirator; an ability to train others in the use of, storage of, and routine maintenance of safety equipment.Work Environment : Works in an industrial setting subject to continuous interruptions and background noises. Works in permit required confined spaces that require ventilation and other measures to protect against dangerous gases and fumes. Works variable and rotating "Standby" hours. Potentially works weekend shifts as well as being the sole operator on duty.Machines and Equipment Used : City vehicle, forklift, laboratory equipment, sampling and monitoring equipment, hand tools, power tools, cell phone, long-handled tools, personal computer, and various software programs including Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA), plant operational data management system (HachWIMS), and Microsoft Office applications.Last updated : November 2024
Additional Job Description :
last updated 3 / 21 / 24
The City of Boulder is committed to a diverse and inclusive workplace. We are an equal opportunity employer and do not discriminate on the basis of race, national origin, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, protected veteran status, disability, age, or other legally protected statute. For individuals with disabilities who would like to request an accommodation, please send a request to riskmanagement@bouldercolorado.gov.
Salary : $30 - $43
