Wastewater Operator

Job Description

Job Description

The Borough of Ephrata, located in Lancaster County, PA seeks an experienced individual to join our Team as a wastewater operator in a vibrant community of 13,700 residents.

As a wastewater operator, the successful candidate will perform daily operations and routine preventative maintenance functions for all assigned wastewater treatment and pumping facilities. The position supports the safe, efficient, and compliant operation of the wastewater system by monitoring equipment, performing inspections, and assisting with maintenance tasks as required or assigned by the Chief Operator, Quality Assurance Technician or any like and higher classification.

Key Responsibilities :

• Operate all assigned wastewater treatment and pumping facilities according to established schedules and directives, to include operating all equipment used to handle bio-solid work (move, push, stack, and load).
• Use the loader, with bucket or other attachments, for needs within the Wastewater facilities (ex. Snow removal, unloading trucks, etc.)
• Operate vehicles, tools and equipment (i.e. loader, dump trucks, forklift, blet press, rotary drum thickeners, backhoe, crane, etc.) necessary to carry out the efficient operations of the Wastewater division.
• Complete and maintain daily logs, reports, and other documentation as required to support plant operations and regulatory compliance.
• Perform testing and monitoring procedures necessary to assess wastewater treatment plant operations.
• Perform routine preventive maintenance tasks as needed to ensure proper operation of equipment and facilities.
• Assume the duties and responsibilities of the Operator I on a temporary basis during periods of absence, as assigned.
• Fulfill scheduled standby rotation obligations as required.
• As required, work weekends, holidays, rotating shifts, and overtime, as well as respond to emergency calls outside of regular working hours under the terms of the Collective Bargaining Agreement to ensure continuous operation and service.
• Follow all safety rules, use required personal protective equipment and ensure safe work practices are followed by all personnel and visitors in the workplace at all times.
• Maintain clean, organized, and hazard-free work areas.
• Perform other related duties as assigned or necessary to support department operations.

Competency:

• Ability to read, write, and perform mathematics at a twelfth-grade level; high school education or equivalent required.
• Strong attention to detail with the ability to identify, troubleshoot, and resolve equipment and system problems effectively.
• Must have successfully completed the Borough’s Apprentice Plant Operator Training Program or demonstrate equivalent skills, knowledge, and ability.
• Possess and maintain a Pennsylvania Operator’s Certificate appropriate to the Borough’s class and subclass wastewater plants.
• Must successfully complete ongoing training requirements necessary to maintain an accredited laboratory under PA DEP regulations.
• Capable of establishing daily and intermediate work goals, prioritizing tasks, and managing time efficiently.
• Ability to work independently or collaboratively as part of a team.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills with the ability to build and maintain cooperative working relationships with employees, contractors, and the public.
• Strong personal initiative, judgment, dependability, and cooperation in performing work assignments.
• Ability to follow oral and written instructions accurately, maintain records, and report information clearly.
• Alertness to observe hazards and take appropriate action to prevent accidents.
• Ability to use and wear required personal protective equipment (PPE) at all times.
• Fully qualified to operate all assigned vehicles and equipment safely.
• Ability to perform multiple tasks and shift attention quickly without loss of accuracy.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, Internet applications, and other computer operations necessary for assigned duties.
• Possess a valid Class C Pennsylvania Motor Vehicle Operator’s License and ability to obtain a Class B PA Motor Vehicle License with air brake endorsement within ten (10) months of assuming position.

Qualifications :

• Education: High School diploma/GED or equivalent work experience.
• Experience: Practical experience or demonstrated ability in performing the operational and maintenance duties of an Operator II at wastewater treatment and pumping facilities.

The Borough is financially stable and has a total annual budget of $63M (GF $15M). The Borough is a full-service municipality providing many public services, including the Borough-owned electric system, sewer, stormwater management, public works, and police.

Interested candidates should send cover letter, resume/application (available at ephrataboro.org).  The position will remain open until it is filled.