Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator

An employee in this class is responsible for operating and maintaining the Town's wastewater treatment plant. Emphasis of the work is in the performance of a variety of operational, laboratory, and maintenance duties designed to produce safe treatment and disposal of domestic and commercial waste materials. Work necessitates familiarity with all standard operating procedures pertaining to wastewater treatment equipment and plant processes. Work includes monitoring the plant's operation through observation, mechanical readings, and the results of standard chemical and biological tests and to make necessary adjustments in the process as conditions or test results dictate. Work also includes a variety of equipment, grounds and facility maintenance and substantial record keeping of work activities. Work is performed under the supervision of the Wastewater Plant Superintendent and Senior Wastewater Plant Operator and is evaluated on the basis of efficiency and cleanliness of plant operations, accuracy in tests performed and documentation, quality of treated wastewater, and observation of work in progress.

• Makes regular tours of plant and checks motors, pumps, blowers, meters, generators, bar screens, grit removal system, aeration basins, clarifiers, digester, traveling bridge tertiary filters, sludge storage basins, equalization basins, chlorine/sulfur dioxide gas feed system, effluent contact chamber and other equipment for proper functioning
• Records data from various meters, gauges and dials; logs daily, weekly, and monthly activities
• Performs routine monitoring and adjustment of plant processes manually and/or through computerized control systems
• Performs general preventative and scheduled maintenance; participates in major maintenance and repairs
• Regulates and adjusts motors, pumps, blowers, valves and other apparatus to meet changing operating conditions
• Performs routine grounds and building maintenance including mowing, cleaning, and painting
• Collects samples from various plant processes for chemical and biological analysis
• Performs standard laboratory chemical and biological tests and implements results in operational control
• Performs mathematical calculations including those related to flows, areas, volume, weight, force, pressure, chemical dosage, and those related to various tests and analyses
• Operates and calibrates automatic composite samplers
• Measures clarifier sludge depths
• Cleans, calibrates, and maintains field dissolved oxygen meters and probes and uses meters to measure and record dissolved oxygen levels in wastewater
• Performs maintenance and repair service to chlorine/sulfur dioxide gas feed system and changes chlorine and sulfur dioxide cylinders as needed
• Performs grease interceptor inspections at food service establishments for fats, oils, and grease compliance program
• Orders parts and supplies using the requisition system
• Answers phones and gives information to visitors or vendors
• Performs other related duties as may be assigned

 

• Working knowledge of the operating characteristics and maintenance requirements of waste water treatment plants
• Working knowledge of hydraulic, chemical, biological, and mechanical principles pertinent to waste water treatment plant operations
• Working knowledge of applicable federal, state, and local laws, ordinances and permitting requirements
• Working knowledge of the occupational hazards of the work and of necessary safety precautions
• Ability to detect flaws in the operation of mechanical equipment and to determine proper remedial measures
• Ability to conduct routine laboratory tests
• Ability to perform mathematical calculations used in wastewater treatment operations including algebraic calculations
• Ability to understand and follow moderately complex oral and written instructions
• Ability to read meters, charts and technical manuals and drawings accurately and to maintain records of operations
• Ability to operate computerized monitoring and control systems
• Ability to operate light to medium equipment
• Knowledge of effective communication techniques when speaking with coworkers, vendors, and the public
• Ability to make operational decisions in the absence of a supervisor

 Education
Graduation from high school or GED equivalency 

Experience
Two (2) to four (4) years' experience in the operation and maintenance of a wastewater treatment facility preferred
 
Special Requirements

• Valid North Carolina driver license
• Possession of a Grade I Biological Water Pollution Control System Operator certificate from the State of North Carolina or ability to obtain  within 12 months of assignment to this class
• CPR and First Aid certified
• Employee required to successfully complete the NIMS course work applicable to the position within one year

Salary : $49,942