Wastewater Plant Operator I

Wastewater Plant OperatorPerforms semi-skilled work of average difficulty in the maintenance and operation of wastewater plants and pumping facilities. Performs related work as required.Examples Of DutiesThe following duties are typical for this position. These are not to be construed as exclusive or all-inclusive. To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to demonstrate competence and satisfactory performance of these duties. Other duties may be required and assigned.Monitors lift stations and plants for proper operation.Checks tank levels and sludge levels.Makes daily and monthly reports on wastewater operationsTakes samples of wastewater to City and commercial labs.Changes chlorine cylinders.Services and repairs pumps, chlorinators, blowers and other equipment.Replaces valves and lines around pump stations and plants.The employee refers to written guidelines which include charts, blueprints, manuals and regulations. These guidelines are available for most job-related decisions, but the employee must use some judgment to apply and interpret guidelines. If guidelines do not adequately cover a situation, the employee would consult the supervisor or make a decision based on circumstances and knowledge. These guidelines may be specific and clear or general in nature. The employee is expected to adhere closely to guidelines.The employee performs a moderate number of related and occasionally routine duties which require the use of moderate personal judgment and decision making. Technical knowledge and experience supplemented by guidance from senior employees are required to determine the proper course of action to follow in performing duties.The employee may demonstrate tasks or instruct new employees, but performs no other supervisory duties.The employee reviews oral and written instructions. The supervisor establishes a framework of assignments that the employee may complete independently and establishes procedures for carrying out assignments. The employee normally accomplishes these assignments without direction and with only spot review. The employee receives direction or assistance for new, difficult or unusual assignments. All problems, deviations and unfamiliar situations are referred to the supervisor. The supervisor reviews work in progress and at completion to see that it is being accomplished and adheres to established procedures.Most contact is with fellow employees and supervisors although the employee may have incidental contact with the general public while working at job sites.The employee's contact with the public and co-workers involves giving and/or receiving factual information or responding to routine inquiries.KNOWLEDGE SKILLS AND ABILITIESGood knowledge of the operation, equipment and materials used in water and wastewater plants and lift stationsGood knowledge of the maintenance and repair of pumps and electric motorsGood knowledge of the regulatory requirements of Federal, State and local governmentsKnowledge and skill in the use of hand and power tools to repair and maintain equipment, buildings and groundsKnowledge and skill in the operation of a front end tractor to load sand or sludgeSome knowledge of the operation, equipment and materials used in water or wastewater plants and stations.Some knowledge of the maintenance and repair of pumps and electric motorsAbility to understand and follow oral and written instructionsAbility to maintain records and prepare brief narrative and statistical reportsAbility to perform moderate physical exertionAbility to use a SCBA unit after trainingAbility to work shiftworkTypical QualificationsMINIMUM REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONSMust have high school diploma/GEDMust have a valid operator's license at time of placementMust have a State of Texas "C" Wastewater certificate required at the time of placementMust have a valid driver's license and good driving record sufficient for coverage by City's auto liability carrierPhysical & Work EnvironmentThe physical and work environment characteristics described in this description are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions or as otherwise required by law. Employees needing reasonable accommodation should discuss the request with the employee's supervisor or Employee Services.Frequent amounts of walkingFrequent amounts of drivingAbility to lift and/or carry objects ranging from 1-25 poundsOccasionally lift and/or carry objects ranging from 25-70 poundsAbility to turn knobs, levers, cranks, wrenches, valves and handlesFrequently able to step up and down to enter and exit City propertiesOccasionally required to squat, kneel and crawl as job requiresFrequently required to bend, climb, reach above head or below shoulder levelAbility to work in inclement weather as required