Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator

Town of Wytheville

Job Opening

Job Title: Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator

ANTICIPATED STARTING SALARY: $37,770 to $47,380 Actual compensation will be DOE/DOQ.

DEPARTMENT: Wastewater Treatment Plant

FLSA DESIGNATION: Non-Exempt

POSTED: 03/06/2025

POSITION SUMMARY: Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator for the Town of Wytheville performs a variety of semi-skilled and skilled technical and maintenance work in the operation, maintenance, and repair of wastewater treatment facilities for the Town of Wytheville. Responsible for monitoring wastewater treatment processes, adjusting chemical or physical processes, maintaining logs and records in an accurate and timely manner, and performing general plant maintenance.

Job Description is attached. Please review the full list of Duties and Responsibilities.

ENTRY LEVEL REQUIRED MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: High school diploma or GED equivalent required. Some experience in a wastewater utility preferred.

Must have the below basic knowledge, skills, and abilities:

• Ability to quickly learn about equipment, facilities, materials, methods and procedures used in wastewater treatment plant maintenance and operation activities; and laboratory procedures and practices.
• Skill in operation of listed tools and equipment.
• Ability to work safely; ability to communicate effectively verbally and in writing; ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with other employees, departments and the public; ability to understand and carry out written and oral instructions.
• Ability to perform math functions, such as using basic algebra involving variables and formulas, basic geometry involving plane and solid figures, such as circumferences, areas, and volumes, and computes ratios, rates, percents, or other parameters.

Please refer to the attached Job Description for additional Required Minimum Qualifications

HOW TO APPLY: Applicants must complete a Town of Wytheville Employment Application to be considered for this position. Applications can be found online at https://www.wytheville.org/employment. Applications are to be submitted to the Department of Human Resources by email at human.resources@wytheville.org or in person at the Town Municipal Building. Please submit a completed application including a resume and any certifications or special licensures that relate to the advertised position. Please contact the Department of Human Resources with any questions at 276-223-3321.

CLOSING DATE: Review of applications begins immediately and will continue until the position is filled.

The Town of Wytheville is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

JOB DESCRIPTION

Class Series: Wastewater Treatment Plant Operators and Trainees

Class Title: Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator Trainee

This job description serves as the job description for the Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator Trainee level, and also the Operator IV through Operator I Class Titles when candidates advance in certification level to any of the “Additional Class Titles” indicated below. The Wastewater Operator Class Title assigned to any Town hire is at the discretion of the Town Manager and dependent upon a selected candidate’s overall qualifications and experience relative to the job vacancy. If hired, Town employees advancing to the next level of Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator certification level shall expand the scope of their job duties and responsibilities relative to the specific certification level attained, adhering to the Wastewater Works Operators Regulations (18VAC160-30) accessible via the Virginia Administrative Code, online at https://law.lis.virginia.gov/admincode/.

Additional Class Titles: Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator IV

Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator III

Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator II

Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator I

Department: Wastewater Treatment, Public Utilities – Town of Wytheville

Workers’ Comp Group No.: 054

FLSA Status: Non-Exempt

Effective Date: February 6, 2024

GENERAL PURPOSE

Performs a variety of semi-skilled and skilled technical and maintenance work in the operation, maintenance, and repair of wastewater treatment facilities for the Town of Wytheville. Responsible for monitoring wastewater treatment processes, adjusting chemical or physical processes, maintaining logs and records in an accurate and timely manner, and performing general plant maintenance.

Any wastewater treatment plant operator hired in a Class Title below the level of Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator III (such as Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator Trainee or Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator IV) is required as a condition of employment to train, learn and advance in certification level by passing the designated sequence of Virginia Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation exams to reach at least the level of a certified Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator III, per the provisions detailed below.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED

Works under the general supervision of the chief operator or the shift operator in charge.

SUPERVISION EXERCISED

None. May serve as lead worker over lower-level trainees and/or maintenance workers.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Essential functions, as defined under the Americans with Disabilities Act, may include any of the following tasks, knowledge, skills and other characteristics. The list that follows is not intended as a comprehensive list; it is intended to provide a representative summary of the major duties and responsibilities. Incumbent(s) may not be required to perform all duties listed, and may be required to perform additional, position-specific tasks.

• As the trainee gains experience and learns from the operator in charge or the assistant operator, the trainee monitors the performance of all equipment, gauges and charts in the treatment plant and pump stations; records statistical data concerning plant operations; maintains, operates, repairs and replaces equipment as necessary; charts lab test results for trend analysis, maintains accurate records of analysis and test results; evaluates data and writes reports as required.
• Learns and applies learning to maintain pump stations; cleans wet well pumps and valves.
• Assists with calibration or calibrates plant equipment to standards to ensure accurate measurement of water treatment processes. Learns then applies learning to operate, maintain, and repair malfunctions at the wastewater treatment plant; repair gauges, pumps, filters and other controls as required. Learns then monitors the performance of the wastewater treatment plant.
• Run laboratory test on wastewater processes; analyze test results and plant equipment operation; adjust chemical or physical operation as required. Collect samples and identifies concentrations of chemical, physical or biological characteristics of wastewater required in accordance with local, state and federal requirements; gathers and tests wastewater samples for plant efficiency reports as required. Perform quality control tests on lab equipment and lab analysis in accordance with established procedure; evaluates procedures and results for accuracy and determines appropriate methods.
• Learns then applies learning to contain and dispose of hazardous wastes generated by the lab, wastewater sludge, loads or removes by hand or with equipment as process requires.
• Participates in inflow and infiltration studies of other areas of town, pretreatment surveys, testing, etc.
• Completes assigned safety trainings, and performs job duties in accordance with established safety protocols. Required to successfully complete appropriate safety (OSHA) training.
• Performs all duties in compliance with appropriate safety and security standards. Performs duties and responsibilities in compliance with relevant state and federal regulations, and Town of Wytheville policies and procedures.
• Assists with maintaining grounds and performs general clean up of plant, including janitorial duties.
• Performs routine administrative office tasks, such as but not limited to typing, maintaining training and other records, faxing, phoning, copying and writing reports.
• Performs other duties as may be required and assigned.

REQUIRED MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Education and Experience:

High school diploma or GED equivalent required. Some experience in a wastewater utility

preferred.

Necessary Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

Ability to quickly learn about equipment, facilities, materials, methods and procedures used in wastewater treatment plant maintenance and operation activities; and laboratory procedures and practices.

JOB DESCRIPTION

Skill in operation of listed tools and equipment.

Ability to work safely; ability to communicate effectively verbally and in writing; ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with other employees, departments and the public; ability to understand and carry out written and oral instructions.

Ability to perform math functions, such as using basic algebra involving variables and formulas, basic geometry involving plane and solid figures, such as circumferences, areas, and volumes, and computes ratios, rates, percents, or other parameters.

Certifications, Licensures and Special Requirements

Wastewater Treatment Plant Operators, including Operator Trainees, are assigned to tasks that require the use of a respirator. Operators must be physically able to perform the work while using the respirator. The Town of Wytheville has the responsibility of ensuring that employees are medically fit to tolerate the physical and psychological stress imposed by respirator use. Employees must be medically evaluated and found eligible to wear the respirator selected for their use prior to first-time use of the respirator or to fit testing the respirator in the workplace. To meet these requirements, after a conditional job offer is made, all Wastewater Treatment selected applicants must successfully pass a Respiratory Physical medical evaluation, required by the Town of Wytheville under the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) Standard 29 CFR 1910.134. This evaluation will be conducted by a licensed health care professional at the expense of the Town of Wytheville and will consist of the OSHA Medical Questionnaire, Pulmonary Function Test, Chest X-Ray, EKG, TB Test, and general medical examination. The health care professional will make a written recommendation to the Town regarding whether the employee is medically fit and able to wear a respirator. Applicants who fail the Respiratory Physical will have the option to submit additional medical information for review at their own expense. Employees who fail to successfully complete the Respirator Physical will not be retained in employment with the Town of Wytheville. By conducting the Respiratory Physical, the Town of Wytheville and the applicant can evaluate if the medical standards can be met for the employee to safely perform the essential functions of their respective position.

Valid State driver’s license maintained in good standing at all times and a driving record that is in compliance with Town Driving Standards is required. Certification as a Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator or the ability to become certified within one (1) year from the date of initial hire is required.

Telephone access is required at all times to be able to respond to on-call and/or urgent situations.

Upon employment at the wastewater facility and obtaining the required certification, the employee may be required to cross-train in operations and maintenance of the water facilities (when assigned). This allows one to obtain dual certification as experience is gained.

The employee is required to complete appropriate safety (OSHA) training.

Upon employment at either facility, a probationary period will be in effect for one (1) year. Failure to obtain certification during the probationary period may result in automatic dismissal from employment with the Town of Wytheville, at the discretion of the Department Head and the Town Manager.

Wastewater Operator Trainees are expected to continue gaining knowledge, experience, and wastewater certifications at least through the level of a Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator III.

When certifications are obtained, it is expected they be maintained in good standing at all times.

Information regarding the pursuit of advanced wastewater certifications is below:

Class IV Operator: The employer will pay for certification testing two (2) times during the

first year of employment (the probationary period). If an employee fails the Class IV Operator exam two times, at Department Head discretion and in consultation with the Town Manager, the employee may be offered an opportunity to have their probationary period extended and sit for the exam a third time, or be terminated from employment. Determinations will be made at the discretion of the Department Head and the Town Manager on a case-by-case basis.

* Employees may elect to bypass Class IV and apply for Class III as their first certification test. If this option is elected, the rules governing Class IV section concerning probation and dismissal will apply.

Class III Operator: The employee must obtain a Class III Operator certification within one (1) year after his or her last certification (as Class IV Operator). The employer will pay for certification testing a maximum of two (2) times. If Class III certification is not obtained after the second attempt, the employee may be offered an opportunity to have their probationary period extended and sit for the exam a third time, or be terminated from employment. Determinations will be made at the discretion of the Department Head and the Town Manager on a case-by-case basis.

Class II Operator: The employer will pay allowable expenses a maximum of two (2) times toward Class II certification. If Class II certification is not obtained after the second attempt, the employee may be offered an opportunity to have their probationary period extended and sit for the exam a third time, or discuss other alternatives. Determinations will be made at the discretion of the Department Head and the Town Manager on a case-by-case basis.

Class I Operator: The employer will pay the expenses a maximum of two (2) times toward Class I certification. If Class I certification is not obtained after the second attempt, the employee may be offered an opportunity to sit for the exam a third time, or discuss other alternatives. If the employee desires to take additional tests at his or her own expense, he or she will be reimbursed only for the test resulting in his or her certification. Determinations will be made at the discretion of the Department Head and the Town Manager on a case-by-case basis.

Continuing Professional Education (CPE) - Existing licensees (waterworks operators, wastewater works operators, and onsite sewage system professionals) are required to complete continuing education courses as a condition of employment and as a condition of license renewal. The number of hours required depends on the type of license.

TOOLS AND EQUIPMENT USED

Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA), motor vehicle, generators, pumps, gauges, common hand and power tools, shovels, wrenches, detection devices, mobile radio, phone, calculator, and a variety of lab equipment.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORK ENVIRONMENT

The physical demands and work environment described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

Physical Demands: The employee is regularly required to use hands to finger, handle, feel or operate objects, tools, or controls and reach, push, or pull with hands and arms. The employee frequently is required to stand. The employee is occasionally required to walk, talk and hear; sit; climb or balance; stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl; and smell. Ability to enter hatches as small as 20 inches by 20 inches for repairs or equipment checks. Physically and medically capable of safely using a Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA). The employee must frequently lift and or move up to fifty (50) pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to one hundred (100) pounds.

Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.

Work Environment: The employee frequently works in outside weather conditions. The employee occasionally works near moving mechanical parts and is exposed to wet and/or humid conditions.

The employee occasionally works in high, precarious places and is exposed to fumes or airborne particles, risk of electrical shock, and vibration. The employee is frequently exposed to toxic or caustic chemicals. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderately loud inside and outside of the building.

SELECTION GUIDELINES

Formal application, rating of education and experience; oral interview and reference check; criminal background investigation; driving records; job related tests may be required. The duties listed 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.

The job description does not constitute an employment agreement between the employer and employee and is subject to change by the employer as the needs of the employer and requirements of the job change.

Authorization:

Signature:_______________ Date:_______ Approval:___________________ Date: _______

Department Head Town Manager

Revision History: 10/1/94, 2/1/96, 4/5/00, 8/21/02, 12/4/12, 11/13/13

Candidate Hired for the following Wastewater Class Title:

__________________________________________

(Indicate “Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator Trainee,” or “Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator IV,” or “Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator III,” or “Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator II,” or “Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator I”)

Job Description Acknowledgement of Employee:

My signature below represents that I have received the complete job description, including the specific Class Title (level) for which I have been hired. Further, I understand the following: it is my responsibility to read the job description and to fully understand the requirements set forth therein; the job description is to be used as a guide and that I will be responsible for performing other duties as assigned; and this job description does not constitute an employment contract with the Town of Wytheville.

Employee Name:

Print: ______________________ Signature: ____________________ Date: _____________

HR Use Only:

Date Received: ______________ HR Rep Initials: __________ Effective Date: __________________

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $37,770.00 - $47,380.00 per year

License/Certification:

• Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator Certification (Required)
• Driver's License (Required)

Ability to Commute:

• Wytheville, VA 24382 (Required)

Work Location: In person

Salary : $37,770 - $47,380