Plant Operator I Wastewater

Plant Operator I

The Plant Operator I is an entry-level position that focuses on achieving competency through learning and understanding a variety of technical work utilized for the operation of New Braunfels Utilities' wastewater treatment systems, including the North and South Kuehler, Gruene Road, and Sam C. McKenzie treatment facilities.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

Under supervision of Plant Operator II, III, or Sr., operates and adjusts controls on wastewater treatment equipment and machinery such as valves, pumps, chlorinators, chemical feeders, motors, and other equipment.

Performs process control laboratory tests for chlorine residuals, pH, temperature, ammonia, phosphorus, TSS, and dissolved oxygen as necessary.

Inspects and performs minor maintenance of treatment plant equipment.

Assists PdM Techs with major repair work when required.

Performs general housekeeping duties at wastewater treatment sites.

Cleans and removes algae from clarifier troughs and skims floatable solids from processes.

Monitors wastewater system through SCADA system and reacts to alarms within the system.

Records and logs meter readings, hour readings, chemical usage, maintenance activities, operating conditions, and other pertinent information daily.

Performs daily rounds at treatment plants to monitor and inspect treatment equipment and machinery.

Calibrates and verifies accuracy of treatment plant analyzers and laboratory equipment at required intervals.

Records data and operating conditions in appropriate spreadsheets or logbooks.

Dewaters biosolids using belt filter press.

Moves 30-yd trailers to level biosolids in belt filter press process.

Uses skid steer to remove screened solids from barscreen and fine screen areas.

Assist in the change out of one-ton chlorine and sulfur dioxide cylinders.

Other duties as assigned.

General Responsibilities

Maintain regular attendance; leave schedule should be managed so as to not interfere with ability to accomplish tasks, including special projects and assignments with deadlines.

Adhere to NBU safety guidelines and practices at all times and in all situations.

Maintain a clean and safe work area, field site and vehicle as applicable.

Develop & maintain effective customer service skills for communications with co-workers, customers and the public in general.

Maintain strict confidentiality of business, employee and customer information in written and oral communications and safeguard sensitive documents.

Adhere to NBU policies and procedures.

Exemplifies NBU Core Values of Integrity, Stewardship, Culture, Team and Safety.

Participate in and support initiatives to reach annual NBU Performance Measures.

Formal Education and Work Experience Requirements

Degree/Diploma Obtained: High School Diploma/GED

Work Experience Time Frame: No Experience

Required Field of Study: General Studies

Certification and Licensures Requirements

Employee must obtain a Class 'D' Wastewater Operator License within one year of employment.

Class 'C' Wastewater Operator License must be obtained prior to expiration of the 'D' Water Operator License.

Class 'C' Driver's License

Other Minimum Qualifications

Flexibility in available hours, including holidays, weekends, and/or after hours is required.

Must reside within a forty-five-minute response time of the NBU Service Center as measured by an internet mapping tool.

Pass a medical evaluation and fit test in accordance with OSHA standards for respirator use (29 CFR 1910.134).