Wastewater Operator I

Wastewater Operator I or II

The Wastewater Operator I or II to performs skilled and technical work in the operation and maintenance of a computer-controlled wastewater treatment plant. Duties include monitoring and adjusting plant processes, operating SCADA systems, collecting and analyzing samples, performing minor equipment repairs, and maintaining facility cleanliness and safety. This entry-level role offers on-the-job training and involves both technical and hands-on work to ensure the safe and efficient treatment of wastewater in compliance with regulatory standards. The position reports to the Plant Supervisor.

Essential tasks and responsibilities include:

• Making regular tours of plant, which requires a considerable amount of climbing of stairs and walking, to inspect process operations including bar screens, mixers, valves, pumps, aerators, settling basins, filters, clarifiers, effluent filters, blowers, pressure gauges, etc., for proper functioning;
• Recording instrument readings in laboratory and throughout the plant, making necessary adjustments including opening or closing valves and switching process equipment on or off;
• Collect samples as required and runs required laboratory analysis which includes calibrating and operating the instrumentation used in the analysis;
• Operating complex computer controlled equipment;
• Cleaning pumps, motors and other equipment;
• Reporting defects to proper personnel;
• Operating skid steer and other equipment as required;
• Performing minor maintenance activities; (PM's, repairs, replace light bulbs, vehicle clean up)
• Assisting in cleaning different units of treatment, buildings, and other odd jobs as needed and maintaining grounds as necessary;
• Ensuring that all work is performed in accordance with OSHA and City Safety Standards and Policies.

Wastewater Operator II also includes:

• Assisting with on-the-job training of Wastewater Operator I new hires;
• Maintaining various recordkeeping and reporting forms.
• Must have a Grade III NC Wastewater Operator Certification.
• Must have a minimum of four years actual operating experience at a Grade IV Biological Wastewater Facility.
• Must have excellent knowledge of computer and SCADA system, and the ability to adjust SCADA program per plant requirements.
• Must have experience in all phases of plant operations and the ability to communicate this knowledge and experience to new employees.

Qualifications:

• High School diploma or GED required. Associate's degree in Wastewater or related field, knowledge and experience in mechanics preferred.
• Must be 18 years of age and have possession of an appropriate driver's license issued by the State of North Carolina.
• Must be able to work schedules based on twelve-hour days or nights whichever the case may be, with rotations every month.
• Must also be able to work other schedules as required (such as 5 day 8 hr. shifts).
• Sit for State exam within six months of completing Wastewater Operator School or forfeit exam reimbursement benefit.
• Wastewater Operator I: Must be able to obtain a Grade II NC Wastewater Operator Certification within two (2) years of employment to keep the job.
• Wastewater Operator II: Must have a Grade III NC Wastewater Operator Certification. Must have excellent knowledge of computer and SCADA system, and the ability to adjust SCADA program per plant requirements. Must be able to train and over-see activities of new employees. Must have experience in all phases of plant operations and the ability to communicate this knowledge and experience to new employees.

Operators are responsible for a great deal of equipment and learning to discern between normal and abnormal operations of plant processes and accurately recording results of all monitoring and lab analysis is essential. Wastewater treatment is a public service which involves protecting the environment and downstream users through conscientious and professional job performance.

Mental Activity/Requirements:

• Reasoning: Ability to apply principles of logical thinking to work tasks, practical situations and requests made by supervisor. Comprehend and respond to a variety of situations in an expedient manner. Interpret data from laboratory. Discern between normal and abnormal operations of plant processes. Good judgment is necessary.
• Math: Essential in performing laboratory analysis.
• Language: Ability to read safety and other manuals, instructions, directions, equipment readings and other documents relating to job. Necessary to complete required reports. Ability to be conversant in voice and diction to participate in discussions with other employees and supervisor in person, over PA system, telephone and two-way radio.

On-the-job training approximately 6 months. Formal education, which includes Algebra, and science (Physics, Chemistry, Biology) with completion of high school diploma or GED required. A Grade II NC Wastewater Operator Certification is required within two (2) years of employment in order to keep the job. Associate's degree in Wastewater or related field, knowledge and experience in mechanics preferred.

Physical Requirements:

• Hearing/Speaking - Expressing and/or receiving information by means of spoken word are both necessary to converse with internal and external customers including co-workers, citizens, and applicants.
• Visual Abilities the ability to perceive via eyesight is required for this position:
• Acuity, far clarity of vision at 20 feet or more. Must be able to see from a distance when administering and observing employment tests, operating a motor vehicle, or addressing an audience.
• Acuity, near clarity of vision at 20 inches or less. Must be able to see work-related business documents close at hand.
• Depth perception Three-dimensional vision and the ability to judge distance and space relationships.
• Field of Vision the area that can be seen up and down or to the right or left while eyes are focused on one point. Must be able to see a wide span of area.
• Accommodation Must be able to adjust the eye lens to glance quickly.

Physical Strength degree of physical demands typically associated with this position include:

• Light Work: Exerting up to 50 pounds of force occasionally; and/or Exerting up to 10 pounds of force frequently; and A negligible amount of force constantly to handle or move materials related to the position.
• Type of Physical Demands: Reaching - Extending the hand(s) or arm(s) in any direction. Handling - Seizing, holding, grasping, turning, or otherwise working with hand(s). Fingering - Picking, pinching or otherwise working with fingers primarily rather than the entire hand or arm.

Environmental Conditions:

• Physical Demands: Medium to Heavy exerting up to 50 pounds of force occasionally, 20 pounds of force frequently and a negligible amount of force constantly to move objects. Physical demand requirements usually require walking, standing, bending, stooping, lifting, climbing and stretching, although worker does sit on occasions. There is significant use of arms, hands, legs and feet.

The work location of this job will be 5898 Riverdale Rd Jamestown, North Carolina.