Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator - I / Pretreatment Inspector

JOB TITLE: Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator I/Pretreatment Inspector

FLSA STATUS: Non-Exempt

REPORTS TO: Wastewater Treatment Plant Director/Operator in Charge

SUPERVISES: None

GENERAL DESCRIPTION:

This position performs Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator I duties as directed by the Wastewater Treatment Plant Director/Operator in Charge, in compliance with NPDES Permit WA 0022616 – City of Colville as approved by the State of Washington Department of Ecology. This position is also responsible for the execution of the City’s Pretreatment Ordinance. This position performs all building and grounds maintenance for the Wastewater Treatment Plant. This position will be trained in laboratory analysis as a backup to the Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator II.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

WWTP Operator I duties:

· Basic Operation - Performs vehicle and equipment repairs on pickup, mowing equipment, electric motors, and pumps in plant maintenance building. Performs minor plumbing and electrical repairs. Safe and professional operation of backhoe and pickup mounted snowplow, and tractor mounted mowers. Performs building and grounds maintenance using mowers, gas-operated tools, power and hand tools, and hoists. Adjusts and repairs mechanical and process equipment and performs other related operational duties. Accurately and legibly records equipment and instrument data in a format as prescribed. Works with Water/Sewer Department on maintenance and operation of the wastewater collection system. Operates Dump Truck, provides traffic control when needed. Responsible for Weed Control at WWTP facility including Lagoons, assists Street Department with weed control in City right-of-ways when needed.

· Process Control - Collects biological samples of wastewater and biosolids from various treatment stages and performs limited analysis utilizing standard laboratory equipment and standards. Troubleshoots and/or repairs valves, Ultra-Violet disinfection components and treatment plant equipment failures. Assists with wastewater samples and testing, such as: biochemical demand, pH, total and settleable solids, fecal and total coliform cultures, and other testing required by the NPDES permit. Cleans the treatment structures, basins, and buildings on a routine schedule. Required to meet or exceed mandated water quality standards, 365 days per year.

Pretreatment Inspection Duties:

· Inspection and sampling of local industries and commercial pretreatment devices including restaurant grease interceptors; conduct commercial stormwater inspections; conduct sampling at various industrial facilities, City facilities and field locations; develop procedures and documents for the City’s pretreatment program; review current literature and regulations and disseminate information appropriately; review sampling data, analyze results and develop appropriate reports for industry and regulatory agencies; work with local businesses, other City departments and other public agencies in evaluating the effects of hazardous chemicals on the City’s Wastewater and Stormwater systems; develop and disseminate information on pollution prevention, Best Management Practices and stormwater controls for the educational benefit of industry and the public; develop and implement technology based local limits and revisions; develop and implement industrial waste survey and updates; develop and incorporate wastewater pretreatment requirements in the building plan check process; maintains Quality Assurance/Quality Control for sampling equipment, and sample containers; and perform other related duties as required.

· Documents, monitors, and reports inspections of industrial and commercial users.

· Assists the Environmental, Safety & Training Specialist with enforcement by drafting notice of violation & regulatory compliance letters.

· In the course of conducting these duties, the Pretreatment Inspector will encounter issues where interpretation/application of policies and regulations is required.

All work activities shall be conducted in compliance with the Safety and Accident Prevention Plan.

The duties above are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related or a logical assignment to the position.

EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE:

High school diploma or GED; supplemented by technical training/education in wastewater pretreatment and wastewater system operations; involving industrial/commercial pretreatment processes, pretreatment inspections, wastewater collection systems, and personal computer operations.

KNOWLEDGE/SKILLS/ABILITIES:

· Knowledge of City, State and Federal laws, regulations, codes, and standards applicable to the position.

· Must have the ability to recognize various terminologies of water/sewer, equipment, and vendors.

· Experience using Microsoft Windows, EXCEL spreadsheets, WORD processing, database software.

· High level of competency in performing math calculations using units of weight, measurement, volume, and distance.

· Mechanical equipment preventative maintenance practices.

· Wastewater Treatment Facility operation and maintenance.

· Perform tasks requiring physical strength, agility, and coordination under a variety of weather conditions.

· The use of computers with basic knowledge of Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) and Programmable Logic Controller (PLC) applications.

· Prepare, organize, and maintain inspection records.

· Interview individuals to determine the nature of suspected violations and to obtain evidence of violations.

· Perform follow-up actions in cases where violations were found, and review compliance monitoring reports.

· Investigate complaints and suspected violations regarding illegal dumping, pollution, or hazardous materials.

· Inspect waste pretreatment, treatment, and disposal facilities and systems for conformance with NPDES Permit, Federal, State, and local regulations.

· Determine sampling locations and methods, and collect water or wastewater samples for analysis, preserving samples with appropriate containers and preservation methods.

· Verify that hazardous chemicals are handled, stored, and disposed of in accordance with regulations.

· Research and keep informed of pertinent information and developments in areas such as EPA laws and regulations including Colville NPDES Permit Section 6.

· Determine which sites and violation reports to investigate, and coordinate compliance and enforcement activities with other government agencies.

· Observe and record field conditions, gathering, interpreting, and reporting data such as flow meter readings and chemical levels.

· Analyze laboratory reports and document compliance with local limits and categorical limits.

· Evaluate label information for accuracy and conformance with regulatory requirements.

· Research and perform calculations related to discharge volumes and wastewater strength classifications, then make recommendations and complete enforcement/documentation.

· Educate property owners, business owners, and the public about harmful properties and related problems of water pollution and contaminated wastewater.

· Maintain and calibrate related equipment and supplies.

REQUIRED CERTIFICATION AND LICENSES:

· Valid Washington State Motor Vehicle Operator’s license and a driving record free from serious or frequent traffic violations.

· Obtain Department of Ecology Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator’s Certification I, within 18 months of hire.

· Current Certificate from the Sacramento State University Office of Water Programs, Pretreatment Facility Inspection within one (1) year of hire.

· Current First Aid/CPR Training Certificate within two (2) years of hire.

· Certified Flagger certification within two (2) years of hire.

· Current Pesticide/Herbicide Spray License as required by the State of Washington within two (2) years of hire.

· State of Washington Class B CDL with tank vehicle endorsements within two (2) years of hire.

• On-going training and/or certifications as required to effectively perform the duties of the position.

· Required to have a series of vaccines for protection against typhoid, tetanus, diphtheria, and hepatitis A & B.

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

The work environment consists of indoor and outdoor work. Indoor work is comprised of building maintenance, lab analysis and computer operations. Examples of work performed outdoors consist of cleaning and maintenance at the treatment headworks, operations, shop, waste activated sludge/return activated sludge, and UV buildings, clarifiers, selector tanks, aeration basin, mowing, and plowing. Risk associated with this position include duties that are performed in close proximity to, or handling of, human waste and debris, wastewater samples and the cleaning of treatment structures, all which contain disease-causing organisms. This position also requires the position to be in confined and contaminated spaces and to be working on edges of structures with a potential for drowning or injury. Other potential risks are from exposure to the heat and cold. There is significant risk of injury or disease from the use of acids/caustic chemicals while testing or chemicals introduced into the influent wastewater from the public.

While performing the duties of this position in an office & field inspection environment, the employee is regularly required to use hands and fingers to handle objects or controls and reach with hands and arms. May occasionally be required to stoop or crouch to pick up or move items. The employee may occasionally lift or move up to 90 pounds. The noise level in the work environment is minimal with occasional exposure to loud noises.

Receives and must respond to frequent calls for emergency service. Will occasionally work alone in dealing with public confrontations. The employee shall be required to participate in a rotating on-call schedule, with a response time of 30 minutes or less.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $4,272.00 - $4,444.59 per month

Benefits:

• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• 8 hour shift

Work Location: In person

Salary : $4,272 - $4,445