Watsewater Treatment Plant Operator I

March 5, 2025 By Jodie Thompson

CITY OF ELIZABETHTOWN

JOB DESCRIPTION

JOB TITLE: Operator I

Wastewater Department

FLSA STATUS: Non-Exempt

WEATHER/EMERGENCY ESSENTIAL: Essential

CLASS: 54

JOB SUMMARY:

The Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator I is responsible to the Director of Wastewater Treatment for the operation, maintenance, and/or lab analysis of treatment facilities. Combinations of skilled and manual tasks are performed pertinent to the daily operation and maintenance of the plant. Perform analytical testing in accordance with State and Federal regulations. The position requires a general knowledge of sampling techniques, analytical procedures, laboratory safety, reporting requirements, and wastewater treatment. Work is performed at the wastewater treatment facilities, indoors and outdoors and in all types of weather.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Operations –

Operate treatment facilities to control influent and plant flow streams, adjust chemical feed rates, operate solids processing equipment, and monitor effluent quality. Connect and disconnect hazardous chemical tanks for treatment. Attend and participate in the monthly safety meeting. Operate all areas of the treatment plant, maintaining a daily shift log, and recording meter and gauge readings. Perform various labor tasks as required in and around the treatment plant. Operate the belt filter press. Interpret laboratory data and relate to operational controls. Change operational conditions due to various process changes. Monitor meters, gauges and control panels and report any abnormal changes to the Director of Wastewater Treatment. Perform shift work as necessary. Periodically perform routine laboratory tests and analysis. Assist with routine maintenance functions. Clean equipment, buildings and other custodial duties as required. Adjust schedule when required to fill other operator positions. Perform other duties as assigned.

Maintenance –

Perform routine maintenance on all plant equipment. Attend and participate in the monthly safety meeting. Perform various labor tasks as required around the treatment plant. Perform ground maintenance to include mowing all facilities, trimming, and applying herbicides where needed. Clean and paint equipment when required. Ordering and keeping an inventory of oils and greases needed for all equipment. Perform custodial duties when required. Clean and maintain WWTP vehicles. Maintain treatment plant maintenance shop in a neat and orderly fashion. Maintain effective communication and working relationship with fellow employees. Use tractor and bush hog for plant mowing. Maintain records of all maintenance tasks performed and keep up with maintenance schedules. Work outdoors in all weather conditions. Adjust schedule when required to fill other positions. Perform other duties as assigned.

Lab Analyst –

Assist department supervisors with data entry and in planning and analyzing special problems. Attend and participate in the monthly safety meeting. Collect wastewater samples from the field manually or with the use of automatic samplers. Annual inspections of grease traps. Conduct sample analysis according to procedures described in Standard Methods for the Examination of Water and Wastewater or Methods for Chemical Analysis of Water and Wastes. Perform established quality assurance/quality control procedures while testing samples to verify accuracy of the analytical procedure. Record analytical results accurately in the appropriate logbooks. Maintain laboratory facility and equipment. Maintain understanding of up-to-date plant operations that could influence sampling location or testing procedures. Perform other duties as assigned.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

The duties listed below are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements or duties does not exclude other work that may be required.

• Perform specific duties as defined in “Duties and Responsibilities”.
• Perform additional duties as assigned.
• Work overtime as directed.

ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS:

• High school graduate or equivalent GED.
• Certified Kentucky Class I Wastewater Treatment Operator or an equivalent certification/license.
• Possess valid Kentucky driver’s license.
• Communicate effectively in English, both orally and in writing.
• Able to follow written and oral directions and instructions.
• Ability to maintain effective working relationships with other employees, the public, and other government and industry representatives.
• Physically capable of performing essential job functions.
• Ability to use tools and machines in the performance of duties.
• Must pass a Respirator Fit Test.
• Neat in appearance, of good moral character, and not convicted of a felony.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES: This position does not have supervisory responsibilities.

The City of Elizabethtown, KY is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer and shall not discriminate against any employee or applicant for the employment because of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, ancestry, national origin, place of birth, age, marital status, or handicap.