Wastewater Operator Technician

Wastewater Treatment 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.

Our Core Values: Quality. Teamwork. Integrity. Respect.

Primary Functions and Job Details

Operates wastewater treatment equipment and all phases of sludge treatment.

Examples Of Essential Duties

• Follows Standard Operating procedures and follows safe practices in the performance of duties.
• Monitors the plant SCADA system.
• Operates wastewater treatment and plant equipment, including raw sewage pumps, motors, grit chambers, mechanical and manual screens, clarifiers, valves and oxygen generation system.
• Regulates and adjusts motors, flow meters, chlorinators, pumps and valves.
• Takes samples and performs calculations according to regulations set forth by the Department of Environmental Protection.
• Takes various readings from equipment and makes appropriate entries in plant logs.
• Operates the computer system to monitor and control the plant sludge process.
• Operates all phases of sludge treatment, including the use of pumps, thickening, belt presses, and lime stabilization process equipment and chemical conditioning.
• Assists with all maintenance repairs in the mechanical and electrical fields as required.
• Performs shift maintenance of all sludge handling and operations. Operates sludge processing equipment as directed.
• Performs custodial duties as assigned.

Typical Qualifications

Education, Training and Experience

• A High School diploma, completion of vocational school or a GED accompanied with at least three (3) years experience as a wastewater plant operator or sludge technician is preferred; a Bachelor's Degree in biology, chemistry or related field is highly desirable.

• Possession of a current, valid motor vehicle operator's license as issued by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania is required.
• Possession of a valid, current Class A1 subclass wastewater operators certification as issued by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection or pass test of such certification no later than 3 years (full-time) in this position.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• 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 is preferred.
• Considerable knowledge of the operation of mechanical and electrical equipment and the operational and safety hazards associated with this equipment is required.
• Some knowledge of chemistry and biology as applied to wastewater and sludge treatment.
• Working knowledge of all plant computer monitoring and control systems including lime stabilization areas Is required.
• Proven ability to take readings, check records and make mathematical computations is required.
• Successful completion of a work-related plant operator test administered by the Bureau of Human Resources is required.
• Ability to operate a vehicle on private and public streets is required.
• Proven ability to read, write, speak and comprehend English is required.
• Ability to read and write legibly.
• Proven ability to work as part of a team and to collaborate successfully with others is required.
• Proven ability to adapt to new or changed situations and to show flexibility in making improvements in work processes and operations is required.
• Proven ability to exhibit customer-centered behaviors and to focus on customer needs is required.
• Proven ability to commit to excellence in service and to continuous improvement is required.

• Indoors, environmentally controlled.
• Outdoor, exposed to inclement weather and extreme temperature.
• Exposure to noise, pollution.

• Personal Protective Equipment such as hardhats, gloves, safety glasses, ear protection, rain gear, steel toed safety shoes, rain boots and respirators.

• Knowledge, skills and/or abilities assessment tests may be conducted as part of the position screening process.
• Requires standing, bending, walking, sitting and climbing in the performance of duties up to eight (8) or more hours a day.
• Works around motorized or moving equipment and machinery.
• Requires occasional lifting up to 50 lbs.
• Requires the operation of automotive vehicles and other power equipment.
• Requires working under adverse conditions, which may involve unpleasant odors.
• Requires working long hours and must be available to handle emergency situations after hours, weekends and holidays.
• This description was prepared to indicate the kinds of activities and levels of work difficulty required of positions in this class. It is not intended as a complete list of specific duties and responsibilities.

Applicants must possess valid employment authorization to work in the United States. Applicants must have the ability to work on-site at City of Lancaster, Pennsylvania locations. Employment Policy It is the policy of the City of Lancaster to provide fair and equal employment opportunities to all applicants for employment. Applicants are recruited, selected and hired on the basis of individual merit and ability and without discrimination because of race, color, religion, sex, gender, sexual orientation, age, handicap, disability, veteran status or national origin. Accommodations Statement for Job Applications The City of Lancaster is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to providing reasonable accommodations to applicants with disabilities. If you need a reasonable accommodation to participate in the application or interview process, please contact View email address on click.appcast.io to request a needed accommodation.

The City of Lancaster, PA provides a comprehensive benefits package for all benefits-eligible positions. Available benefits include Medical (PPO and HDHP/HSA options), Dental, Vision, Life Insurance, Flexible Spending Accounts, Critical Illness and Accident Insurance, Pension plans, and 457 Deferred Compensation. Employees also receive Sick, Vacation, and Personal Leave, as well as 13 paid holidays for non-essential positions. Essential positions receive bonus days in lieu of holidays.