Wastewater Operator

GENERAL POSITION SUMMARY:

The Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator performs a variety of duties essential to the operation of an activated sludge wastewater treatment, disposal, and reclamation facility on an assigned shift; inspects, operates, monitors, and maintains a variety of facilities, equipment, and systems involved in various processes of the wastewater treatment plant facility.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

• Perform the full range of duties related to plant operations; operate a variety of facilities, systems, equipment, pumps, and valves; learns to operate and maintain new systems and equipment as necessary.
• Perform a variety of process control related duties; collect samples from various plant processes for chemical/biological analysis.
• Perform a variety of tests and analysis; measures primary and secondary settling basins sludge depths; perform mathematical calculations including those related to flows, areas, volume, weight, force, pressure, chemical dosage, and those related to various tests and analysis.
• Evaluate laboratory testing results and calculations and implements results in operational control.
• Perform a variety of equipment maintenance duties; inspects, removes, cleans, lubricates, backwashes, repairs, maintains, and reinstalls equipment related to a variety of wastewater treatment plant facilities, systems, grinders, drip traps, scales, centrifuges, hydrovanes, tanks, pumps, valves, and piping systems.
• Perform a variety of recordkeeping duties; creates new log books and properly stores old records and log books; ensure permits are properly maintained and available; maintains Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) records; completes, maintains, and files a variety of forms, lists, records, schedules, and informational logs; maintain and update equipment status board; maintain and update daily readings on process control board.
• Clean and calibrate meters and probes; perform general housekeeping of all areas associated with assigned facilities.
• Investigates and acknowledges alarms throughout the wastewater treatment facility; monitors, polls, and responds to alarms; provides support, security, and communication at the stations when responding to alarms.
• Perform a variety of public relations related duties; conduct tours and provides educational information; receive, investigate, document, and respond to odor complaints.
• Receive telephone inquiries from the public; answers questions and directs inquiries to appropriate personnel as necessary.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

KNOWLEDGE of, SKILLS AND ABILITIES to:

• Knowledge of operations, services, activities, and terminology of an activated sludge wastewater treatment facility including processes and controls.
• Knowledge of principles, practices, chemicals, and operating procedures related to the operation and maintenance of an activated sludge wastewater treatment plant.
• Knowledge of materials, tools, equipment, and methods used in the general construction, operation, maintenance, and repair of plant facilities, systems, and equipment.
• Knowledge of operating principles of plant equipment including large pumps, valves, hydraulic and motors.
• Knowledge of pertinent federal, state, and local laws, codes, and regulations.
• Knowledge of operational and safety regulations pertaining to wastewater treatment plant operations.
• Knowledge of occupational hazards and standard safety precautions.
• Knowledge of basic electrical principles.
• Ability to operate, monitor, and maintain a variety of wastewater treatment plant equipment, facilities, and systems.
• Ability to read and interpret gauges, meters, and other instrument readings and take effective course of action. Diagnose operational problems and perform effective maintenance on equipment.
• Ability to collect a variety of samples and conduct appropriate tests in accordance with state and federal regulations and requirements. Compile and record complex data and material. Maintain accurate and detailed logs and records of work and tests performed.
• Ability to perform math calculations related to wastewater treatment processes and related testing and analysis.
• Ability to follow detailed oral and written instructions. Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.
• Ability to be on call and work 24-hour emergency callbacks, standby and requires working varying hours, overtime, weekends, and holidays.

EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE REQUIRED:

• High School Diploma or G.E.D or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Minimum of two (2) years’ experience in a Class II Wastewater Treatment Facility or higher of which one (1) year must be in a Class III or IV Wastewater Treatment Facility.
• Must possess a valid driver’s license and acceptable MVR.

Preferred QUALIFICATIONS:

• Possession of a Class II Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator Certificate issued by the Mississippi Department of Environmental Quality.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORKING ENVIRONMENT:

Environment: Wastewater treatment plant. Exposure to noise of plant machinery and other equipment; mechanical and electrical hazards of operating equipment; fumes and odors of sewage, chemicals, and gases; toxic substances such as chemicals, cleaners, solvents, and gases; all types of weather and temperature conditions. Work and/or walk for long periods of time on various types of surfaces including slippery or uneven surfaces and rough terrain. Work environment is informal, team-oriented, having both routine and variable tasks with variable pace and pressure. Work is performed in both indoors in plant area and outdoors in field and collateral facilities.

Physical:  Work requires the physical ability to perform heavy and sustained lifting and carrying of equipment, materials, and supplies; physical exertion requiring crawling, pushing and pulling; and standing or sitting for extended periods of time. Work also involves walking on uneven terrain; squatting, bending and stooping; and climbing on and off of machinery and lifting of objects weighing up to 75 lbs.