Wastewater Operator I

Wastewater Operator I

The City of Caldwell Wastewater Department is looking for a Wastewater Operator I to join our team. Individual will perform a variety of general labor and semi-skilled tasks related to the operation, maintenance and repair of wastewater treatment equipment at wastewater collections and treatment facilities; operates heavy equipment; cross trains with the collection system operators; and performs related work and tasks as required. The principal function of an employee in this class is to perform entry level, general labor, semi-skilled and skilled tasks related to the operation, maintenance and repair of wastewater treatment equipment to ensure efficient operation of plant components and efficient processing of influent raw sewage. In addition, this employee will cross train with the collection system operators. A function of this position is contact and cooperative work with the wastewater treatment plant employees, general public, City employees, and other government agencies. The work is performed under the direct supervision of the superintendents. The principal duties of this class are performed in an outdoor environment; daily potential for hazardous exposure to methane, hydrogen sulfide, chlorine gases, sodium bisulfate, acids and other chemicals; daily potential for hazardous exposure to oxygen deficient atmosphere; daily potential for hazardous exposure to electrical shock, ultraviolet light, industrial wastes and raw sewage; daily exposure to moving parts and equipment. Schedule: Individual will work 4 days a week with 10-hour workdays. Saturday, and Sunday required to work. Flexible on a weekday hours.

Responsibilities:

• Performs routine tasks related to facilities and grounds upkeep and maintenance;
• Cleans building, equipment, primary and secondary clarifiers;
• Performs environment upkeep, mowing lawns, snow removal, etc;
• Performs interior and exterior painting;
• Operates tractors, dump trucks, etc. as needed;
• Operates and assists in operation of light to heavy equipment in cleaning and maintaining plant facility;
• Assists in treatment plant processes and operations, including plant electrical and mechanical support systems to ensure optimum performance;
• Checks all equipment, including electrical, mechanical, hydraulic, pneumatic, and biological to ensure proper operations;
• Operates and maintains plant support systems, including stepping screens, grit removal equipment, sludge pumps, boilers, heat exchangers, greasers, oilers, clarifiers, aeration equipment, digesters, gas equipment, dissolved air floatation system, ultra violet disinfection, gravity belt thickener, belt filter press, sampling, and metering equipment, emergency power generation equipment, and all associated valves, pumps, motors, and control circuitries;
• Documents findings, efforts and activities in course of duties in a paper log and/or digital log format;
• Monitors plant alarm systems and supervisory control and date acquisition (SCADA) system;
• Assists operation and maintenance of ultra violet disinfection system;
• Assists in laboratory samples from various stages of treatment process;
• Calibrates gauges, meters and measuring devices;
• Performs a variety of laboratory tests, such as dissolved oxygen and pH, total suspended solids, sludge volume index, percent solids, and other tests and procedures;
• Interprets laboratory test results to evaluate plant performance;
• Uses mathematical calculations in figuring detention times, flow rates, areas, volumes, pumping rates, mixed liquor suspended solids, percent solids, volatile suspended solids destruction/reduction, etc;
• Performs and assists with maintenance and repair of plant and collection system equipment;
• Cross trains with the collection system operators;
• Responds to 24 hour on call and standby;
• Adheres to and complies with all state, federal and local regulations, policies and procedures pertaining to safe work practices and all operation and maintenance duties;
• Keeps immediate supervisor and designated others fully and accurately informed concerning work progress and status, including present and potential work problems and suggestions for new or improved ways of addressing such problems;
• Attends meetings, conferences, workshops, and training sessions and reviews publications and audio-visual materials to become and remain current on the principles, practices and new developments in assigned work areas as approved by the superintendents;
• Responds to citizens' questions and comments in a courteous and timely manner;
• Provides observation and assistance at the WWTP as well as in the collection system facilities and gives appropriate information and feedback to superintendents;
• Communicates and coordinates with others to maximize the effectiveness and efficiency of interdepartmental operations and activities to help keep a positive work environment;
• Respects the opinions of others and maintains a positive and professional working relationship with plant operator, employees, supervisors, public, and others;
• Accepts and performs in a timely and effective manner changes in work assignments and/or how work is performed.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications:

Education, Training, and/or Experience Required:

• At least one (1) year of training and/or entry-level experience performing general labor, semi-skilled and skilled tasks in maintenance or use of various equipment.

Licenses, Certifications and Other Requirements:

• Possession of a Class I Wastewater Treatment Operator License issued by the State of Idaho within 12 months of hire
• Must complete .6 continuing Education Units in Wastewater annually
• The position is subject to on call and after hours call back and/or varying shift hours if work dictates

The position requires successful completion of pre-employment background check, physical and drug testing including prescription medications.