Lead Wastewater Plant Operator

Job Title

Public Works/Utility Department

Job Description

Under direction, the purpose of the position is to direct and supervise the wastewater treatment facility operations within the City's Public Works/Utility Department. Employees in this classification function in an entry level management capacity, and are responsible for overseeing inspection and maintenance duties, ensuring efficient and effective operation of wastewater facilities and equipment. Objective is to ensure all duties are performed in compliance with all applicable federal, state, and local environmental regulatory requirements.

Examples of Duties

Trains, supervises and evaluates staff; supervises operational, maintenance and repair work within the wastewater division of the Public Works/Utility Department; coordinates, prioritizes and schedules daily operations, laboratory testing and maintenance functions of the wastewater facilities. Conducts routine and periodic inspections of facilities and equipment; inspects all maintenance, repair and operational activities to ensure maximum operating potential; maintains chemical inventories to ensure appropriate supply/stock levels at all times. Conducts routine and highly skilled regulatory work in the collection, treatment and disposal of wastewater in compliance with all applicable City, State and Federal regulations and guidelines. Reviews and analyzes various flow and additive rates of wastewater processing, including effluent flow, pH, oxygen, and chemical levels; modifies flow and chemical feed rates to ensure appropriate levels. Reviews and analyzes various operational aspects of wastewater processing such as chemical use, power consumption, generator use, effluent/waste production, and volume processing. Evaluates the collection and performance of laboratory sample analysis to ensure adherence to regulatory chemical/additive parameters. Conducts and records chemical and pressure sampling and laboratory testing; calculates results/readings; ascertains treatment performance and quality; performs appropriate equipment adjustments and calibrations. Conducts routine and highly complex maintenance and repair duties of wastewater equipment and facilities to include pumps, storage tanks, aerators, precipitators, filters, motors, pulleys, drive belts, solids and chemicals handling. Handles various managerial duties; participates in management meetings to plan Utility activities and for the dissemination of information; prepares DEP, EPA and monthly operating reports; calculates and provides quantitative/qualitative analysis and interprets data to present performance evaluation. Coordinates with collection and distribution crews on leaks, main breaks, or related critical events; responds to emergency call-in in disasters or other critical events.

Additional Position Functions: Performs related duties as directed when such duties are a logical and appropriate assignment to the position.

Minimum Qualifications

High School Diploma or GED equivalent supplemented by specialized courses/training equivalent to completion of one year of college in wastewater treatment or closely related field; supplemented by four (4) years progressively responsible experience in utilities and/or other public pump-mechanical operations, or closely related experience. Must possess and maintain a valid Florida Driver's License. Must possess and maintain Florida Class A Wastewater License.

Employee shall obtain the National Incident Management System ICS-100 Introduction to the Incident Command System and IS-700 National Incident Management System, An Introduction within six (6) months of employment. The following courses are designed to provide a baseline, as they introduce basic NIMS and ICS concepts and provide the foundation for higher-level Emergency Operations Center (EOC), MACS, and ICS related training.

Supplemental Information

Ability to effectively supervise a staff comprised of entry through senior level staff engaged in carrying out departmental functions; ability to understand, follow and provide verbal and written instructions. Expert knowledge of safe proper use and care of manual and power hand tools and equipment utilized in wastewater utilities operations and preventative maintenance field. Skill in interpreting a variety of instructions in written, oral, diagram, or schedule form. Skill in utilities inspecting machinery and mechanical equipment and to detect and identify apparatus malfunctions. Expert knowledge of intermediate level mathematical computations, including addition, subtraction, division, multiplication, decimals, ratios and percentages. Skill in reading and interpreting readings, measurements and flow rates obtained through application of diagnostics, laboratory sampling and testing equipment. Skill in reading and interpreting various documents such as safety rules, operation and maintenance instructions, procedure manuals, and related documentation. Ability to operate various office equipment, e.g., computer terminals, telephone systems, calculator. Skill in establishing and maintaining effective working relationships and communications with other employees, vendors, and the public. Skill in organizing work, establishing priorities, meeting established deadlines, and following up on assignments with a minimum of direction. Able to work shifts. Physical Requirements While performing the essential functions of this job, the incumbent is occasionally required to lift, move or carry objects up to 100 pounds; ascend or descend ladders, stairs, scaffolding, ramps, poles; utilize feet and legs or hands and arms; maintain body equilibrium to prevent falling when walking, standing, crouching, or navigating narrow, slippery, or erratically moving surfaces; bend body downward and forward by bending spine and legs; move about on hands and knees or hands and feet; use hands to finger, handle or feel objects; and to reach with hands and arms. While performing the essential functions of this position the employee is frequently exposed to fumes, gases, odors or airborne particles; toxic or caustic substances; excessive noise; extreme temperatures; and dampness, wetness and humidity. While performing the essential functions of this job, the incumbent is occasionally exposed to possible bodily injury from electrical shock; falling from high, exposed places; and moving mechanical parts of equipment, tools, and machinery. The City of Sanford is a Drug Free Workplace.