Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator

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WASTEWATER TREATMENT PLANT OPERATOR

Wage Range for Operator 1: $24.83 - $34.94

(This position has promotional opportunities through Operator 3, which currently pays up to $41.42 per hour)

Standard work schedule for Wastewater Operators is four ten-hour days per week.


NATURE OF WORK


This is responsible technical work in the operation and maintenance of the wastewater treatment plant.

Work also involves the responsibility for the operation, monitoring, sampling, and control of the treatment plant and associated equipment on an assigned shift. Work includes responsibility for the adjustment of treatment processes to ensure compliance with applicable water quality standards, maintenance of equipment, facilities, and adjacent grounds, and preparation of operating records and reports. Work is performed with considerable independence according to established policies, procedures and regulations. Supervision may be exercised over subordinate employees. Supervision is received from an administrative superior with the work reviewed through inspections and conferences for compliance with operating routines.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

The following examples of work are illustrative only and are not intended to be all inclusive:

• Tours the plant and monitors the operation of plant equipment; adjusts plant operation based on flow and laboratory requirements; maintains operating logs and records.
• Collects wastewater influent and effluent samples; performs water quality and process control tests including tests for dissolve oxygen, mixed liquor, ammonia, phosphorus, nitrogen, CBOD, oil and grease, COD, pH, daily sludge blanket levels, and suspended solids, records test results.
• Performs minor repair and preventive maintenance on pumps, valves, blowers, boilers, piping, motors, and similar equipment; performs a variety of building and ground maintenance work.
• Operate centrifuges, compost turner, compost screens, front end loader, dump trucks, forklift, scissor lift, UTV, skid steer, tractor, and mower.
• Assists in snow removal in winter including snow blower on skid steer, front end plow truck, front end loader, truck mounted salt dog, push snow blower, salting building walkways, and shoveling sidewalks.
• Conducts daily rounds on methane scrubbing system by monitoring DO, redox, pH, suspended solids, H2S levels, pump and blower operations. Monitors and adjusts gas and liquid flows from covered anaerobic lagoons from industrial treatment.
• Conducts and is involved with yearly valve exercising program implemented by plant preventative maintenance program.
• Assists in training and general supervision of lower-level treatment plant employees.
• Move bags of polymer weighing 55lbs on a daily basis.
• Perform other work which is consistent with the essential functions of the job.

DESIRABLE KNOWLEDGE, ABILITIES AND SKILLS

• Knowledge of the principles, practices, and methods related to the operation of a wastewater treatment plant.
• Knowledge of the functions and servicing requirements of mechanical equipment and machinery common to wastewater treatment plants.
• Knowledge of water sampling and testing techniques.
• Ability to read NPDES permit and be familiar with plant reporting limits and requirements.
• Ability to operate a variety of plant pumping, treatment, and control equipment.
• Ability to read meters and charts accurately and to maintain required records.
• Ability to use and implement basic excel spreadsheets skills including data recording.
• Ability to communicate effectively, orally and in writing.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective relationships with others.
• Ability to assign and supervise the work of lower-level operators as required.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS


Graduation from an accredited high school or equivalent GED supplemented by college-level courses in the environmental sciences or related field; experience in wastewater treatment plant operation; or any equivalent combination of training and experience that provides the knowledge, abilities, and skills.

NECESSARY SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

• Employee must possess and maintain a current and valid Nebraska Driver's License.
• When operating equipment that falls under the Nebraska Commercial Driver's License (CDL) status, the employee is required to possess and maintain the proper license and endorsements as a mandatory condition of employment.
• Individuals in this classification group shall generally be classified as an Operator 1 upon hire and will be required to obtain a grade 2 wastewater treatment facility operator's certificate as issued by the State of Nebraska. This certification must be maintained throughout employment.
• After two years of experience and attainment of the Grade 3 wastewater treatment facility operator's certificate as issued by the State of Nebraska, an Operator may be eligible to move to an Operator 2 classification.
• After four years of experience and attainment of the Grade 4 wastewater treatment facility operator's certificate as issued by the State of Nebraska, an Operator may be eligible to move to an Operator 3 classification.
• All licenses and certifications must be maintained throughout employment.