Wastewater Operator Technician

Wastewater Plant Operator

Explore a rewarding career with the City of Lancaster, Pennsylvania! Spanning just 7 square miles in south Central Pennsylvania, the City of Lancaster is home to nearly 60,000 diverse residents. The City oversees a range of public services including fire and police, health, housing, parks, streets, as well as water and wastewater for upwards of 120,000 customers in the surrounding region. This work is powered by nearly 600 employees who are committed to the core values of quality, teamwork, integrity, and respect. Mayor Arroyo's Strategic Priorities include an economy that works, government that delivers, and a city built for everyone. Our core values are quality, teamwork, integrity, and respect.

Primary functions and job details include operating wastewater treatment equipment and all phases of sludge treatment.

Examples of essential duties include following standard operating procedures, monitoring the plant SCADA system, operating wastewater treatment and plant equipment, regulating and adjusting motors, flow meters, chlorinators, pumps and valves, taking samples and performing calculations according to regulations, taking various readings from equipment and making appropriate entries in plant logs, operating the computer system to monitor and control the plant sludge process, operating all phases of sludge treatment, assisting with all maintenance repairs, performing shift maintenance, performing custodial duties, and operating sludge processing equipment.

Typical qualifications include a high school diploma, completion of vocational school or a GED accompanied with at least three years experience as a wastewater plant operator or sludge technician, a bachelor's degree in biology, chemistry or related field, possession of a current, valid motor vehicle operator's license, and possession of a valid, current Class A1 subclass wastewater operators certification.

Knowledge, skills and abilities include knowledge of safe practices related to public works, considerable knowledge of the principles, practices and methods used in the treatment and sludge processes of a wastewater treatment plant, considerable knowledge of the operation of mechanical and electrical equipment, some knowledge of chemistry and biology as applied to wastewater and sludge treatment, working knowledge of all plant computer monitoring and control systems, proven ability to take readings, check records and make mathematical computations, successful completion of a work-related plant operator test, ability to operate a vehicle on private and public streets, proven ability to read, write, speak and comprehend English, ability to read and write legibly, proven ability to work as part of a team and to collaborate successfully with others, proven ability to adapt to new or changed situations and to show flexibility in making improvements in work processes and operations, proven ability to exhibit customer-centered behaviors and to focus on customer needs, and proven ability to commit to excellence in service and to continuous improvement.

Environmental conditions include being indoors, environmentally controlled, and outdoors, exposed to inclement weather and extreme temperature. Safety equipment used or needed includes personal protective equipment such as hardhats, gloves, safety glasses, ear protection, rain gear, steel toed safety shoes, rain boots and respirators. Comments include knowledge, skills and/or abilities assessment tests, standing, bending, walking, sitting and climbing in the performance of duties, working around motorized or moving equipment and machinery, occasional lifting up to 50 lbs, operation of automotive vehicles and other power equipment, working under adverse conditions, and working long hours and must be available to handle emergency situations after hours, weekends and holidays.

Applicants must possess valid employment authorization to work in the United States and have the ability to work on-site at City of Lancaster, Pennsylvania locations. It is the policy of the City of Lancaster to provide fair and equal employment opportunities to all applicants for employment. The City of Lancaster is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to applicants with disabilities. The City of Lancaster, PA provides a comprehensive benefits package for all benefits-eligible positions.