Pump Station Operator

Starting pay rate is $24.96 an hour per the AFSCME 1386A Working Agreement. After six (6) months of successful employment, pay rate goes up to $26.20 an hour per the AFSCME 1386A Working Agreement.

Detailed information about the AFSCME 1386A Working Agreement including salary schedule and benefits can be found here: https://www.cityofportsmouth.com/hr/employment-contracts

We encourage you to apply even if you don’t satisfy every single bullet on this list.

Learn more about why our employees enjoy working with City of Portsmouth by watching this video: Working for the City of Portsmouth

The City offers a generous compensation and benefits package that includes retirement paid time off including vacation holidays medical & dental insurance flexible spending account professional development career growth longevity incentives and more!

NATURE OF WORK
The purpose of this position is to assist, individually and with others, in the operation and maintenance of the City of Portsmouth’s sewer pump station facilities. This includes functions such as cleaning and maintaining pump stations, tanks, sludge equipment, performing preventative maintenance and repair work, and otherwise completing assigned work. The position may also assist, individually and with others, in the operation and maintenance of wastewater treatment facilities, machinery and equipment according to the approved performance standards for which the operating unit is responsible.

The primary location of work duties is the Public Works Facilities located in Portsmouth, NH however, daily activities may involve work at one of the 22 pump stations located throughout the sewer system area in Portsmouth and surrounding communities.

SUPERVISION
Incumbent works under the general direction of the Public Works Director, the General Foreman, or their designee, planning and performing work in accordance with applicable laws, regulations, standard practices, and previous training, with substantial responsibility and discretion in determining work priorities. Incumbent should be capable and comfortable acting in a supervisory role with their peers.

Performance is subject to review according to the City’s personnel plan through observation, reports and the results achieved.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS
The essential functions or duties listed below are intended only as illustration 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 work is similar, related, or a logical assignment to, or extension of, the position.

1. Inspects and operates all equipment placed under their care and on which an individual is trained. Meets or exceeds procedural and other operating regulations and approved standards. Implement standard operating procedures and perform other assigned treatment plants, well, pumping station, and associated property maintenance work as appropriate.

2. Undertakes and completes preventative and routine maintenance for all facilities, machinery, and equipment which includes tasks ranging in complexity from custodial care to review of technical manuals, and the implementation of proscribed maintenance and repair procedures. Provides this assistance individually and with others.

3. Monitors, analyzes, and reports information regarding operating conditions and the results achieved. Implements corrective actions as appropriate. Responds to adverse weather conditions and other emergencies when called to provide for the continued operation and protection of facilities.

4. Confers with internal customers, municipal officials, and others as directed regarding treatment plant, well and pumping station operations as appropriate.

5. Coordinates functions and activities with other operating units and City departments as directed.

6. Performs preventive and corrective maintenance to plant equipment, operates manual valves, perform general plant cleaning, painting and grounds maintenance.

7. Operates the pumping stations using the SCADA system. Assists in the operation and maintenance of specialized equipment and activities.

8. Initiate, execute, and close work orders for preventive and corrective maintenance using the City’s computerized maintenance management system. Is responsible for the efficient planning of time in order to achieve completion of all work orders.

9. Reports usage of stocked and other items.

10. Follows employee, facility and equipment safety procedures. Participates in training programs and activities and undertakes to develop knowledge of proper plant and equipment operations according to applicable regulations and established procedures.

11. Performs other duties as may be assigned.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES
An incumbent in this position consistently demonstrates a(n)...

1. Knowledge of and consistent operating compliance with regulatory requirements and adopted operating procedures in wastewater treatment, pumping, and the operation of other system failures.

2. Knowledge of most phases of treatment plant and pumping station operations, the machinery and equipment, purpose, affect and performance capacities, maintenance requirements, repair and replacement procedures. Provides for their reliable operation.

3. Working knowledge of effective work procedures and job safety practices.

4. On-going skills development and training in wastewater treatment and control.

5. Strong personal example to encourage others to provide a high level of service to external and internal customers.

6. Knowledge of the techniques and operational characteristics of machinery and the computer process control, mechanical, and electrical systems associated with the operation of a wastewater treatment and pumping facilities.

7. Ability to compute ratios and monitor chemical levels.

8. Knowledge of computer applications and the ability to use a learn various software programs.

9. Knowledge of physical sciences.

10. Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with customers, co-workers, and other municipal departments, regulatory agencies and City officials.

11. Ability to communicate effectively with the general public, City staff, and government officials at all levels.

ENVIRONMENT, WORKING CONDITIONS, PHYSICAL AND MENTAL EFFORT
Primary duties of this position involve inspecting equipment and performing maintenance on facility, equipment, and machinery. Work is performed inside labs, outside in all weather conditions, inside lift stations, in confined spaces, at field locations, and inside vehicles. Incumbent will constantly be working around, in, under and on top of machinery and equipment to assess and maintain proper operation of equipment and facility. The position includes some limited physical requirements including frequently moving and transporting equipment, supplies, and tools weighing up to 80 pounds, and possible exposure to hazardous chemicals, gases, and conditions.

MINIMUM REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS
Applicants for this position must have graduated from high school or earned a graduate equivalent (GED). Three (3) years of experience in maintenance and repair of machinery and equipment is required. Knowledge of operation and maintenance of wastewater treatment plants or one (1) year of formal training in wastewater treatment preferred. Advanced training in wastewater treatment plant operations, pumps, motors, or other skilled trade is highly desired.

Incumbent has 18 months from date of hire to acquire a Grade I Wastewater Treatment Operator Certification and 42 months from date of hire to acquire a Grade II Wastewater Treatment Operator Certification. Certified operators are then required to complete ongoing education and training to renew certifications.

Incumbent has 12 months from date of hire to acquire a commercial driver’s license (CDL), class B with Tanker Endorsement and have no offenses which would prohibit or restrict insurability by any insurance carrier providing coverage to the City.

CDL Requirements:
To obtain a New Hampshire CDL, you must meet the following criteria:

1. Hold a valid New Hampshire Driver’s License.

2. Be at least 18 years of age.

3. If you are an out of state applicant, you must be 21 years of age or older.

For more information, please visit the NH DMV website: Commercial Driver Licenses | NH Division of Motor Vehicle

(The above descriptions are illustrative. They are intended as guides for personnel actions and are not complete itemizations of all facets of any job)

DISCLAIMER
The essential functions and duties described herein are normal for this position. They are intended as an illustration 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 work is similarly related or a logical assignment to or extension of the position. Other duties may be required and assigned by the supervisor. The City of Portsmouth is an affirmative action and equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran status, or genetic information. The City is committed to providing access to equal opportunity and reasonable accommodation for individuals with disabilities in employment, its services programs, and activities. To request reasonable accommodation, contact our Human Resources Director by phone 603-610-4478.

APPLICATION SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS
Finalist must complete pre-employment screening, drug testing, & background check.