Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator

Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator

General Purpose: Under general supervision, performs a variety of routine and skilled work in the operation of a Wastewater (W/W) treatment plant, wastewater collections system, water treatment and distribution system and related equipment. This position may be required to work varied shifts throughout the year including nights, weekends and holidays and must be able to work overtime and standby as required.

Primary Duties and Responsibilities: The following duties are not intended to serve as a comprehensive list of all duties performed by all employees in this classification, only a representative summary of the primary duties and responsibilities. Incumbent(s) may not be required to perform all duties listed and may be required to perform additional, position-specific duties.

• Assists in operating, monitoring, and adjusting all wastewater plant process equipment, including pumps, motors, gauges, meters, aerators, blowers, chlorinators, chemical feeds, sludge equipment and the SCADA system to ensure treated water meets City, County and State quality standards;
• Monitors, regulates, and maintains system flow of W/W from collection systems and lift stations; reads gauges and maintains operating logs according to schedules.
• Performs daily rounds at the plant by visually checking facilities, equipment, machinery, chemical levels and related systems to ensure proper operation and to detect equipment failures, potential leaks, or other problem situations.
• Operates dewatering equipment including gravity belt thickeners and belt filter presses.
• Performs general site maintenance activities; cleans out basins, clarifiers, channels, reservoirs, filters, and cleans plant process and building and areas; helps organize contracted sludge hauling activities.
• Inspects and cleans W/W collection system and components; collects water samples and performs tests as required
• Operates valves, gates, and pumps to adjust water flows and chemical injection rates; Learns to recognize the need for and may make basic treatment and operational changes to the wastewater processes and distribution systems.
• Services pumps and motors, and maintains and repairs pumps, motors, valves, timers, clocks, meters, and other plant mechanical equipment.
• Completes daily inspection and log sheets for treatment plant operation.
• Assists and coordinates with laboratory staff sample collection and analysis.
• Assists with service calls, bluestake requests, lift station inspections, manhole inspections, and completion of associated records.
• Performs general building and grounds maintenance at the plant site and lift stations.
• Investigates complaints.
• Monitors industrial users discharge and pre-treatment.
• Works in a safe manner and reports unsafe activities, conditions, and faulty equipment. Follows City-wide safety policy and practices and adheres to responsibilities concerning safety prevention, reporting, and monitoring as outlined in the City's Safety Handbook.
• Performs other duties as assigned or required.

Minimum Requirements

Education and Experience: High School diploma or GED equivalent, and three (3) years W/W experience. Necessary Knowledge and Skills:

• Knowledge of City policies and procedures.
• Knowledge of the principles and processes of W/W collection and treatment.
• Knowledge of methods of biological, physical and chemical treatment of wastewater.
• Knowledge of confined spaces entry procedures.
• Knowledge of operational standards of wastewater treatment.
• Knowledge of occupational hazards and safety precautions involved in wastewater facility operations.
• Knowledge of ordinances, regulations, and permits governing operation and maintenance of water and wastewater facilities.
• Knowledge of the functions and servicing requirements of W/W plant machinery and equipment and collection systems.
• Skill in performing a variety of W/W treatment plant operation activities.
• Skill in reading and interpreting gauges and recording devices.
• Skill in reading technical documents and schematics.
• Skill in performing and interpreting basic laboratory tests.
• Skill in keeping records and writing reports.
• Skill in following and effectively communicating verbal and written instructions.
• Skill in reading and interpret maps, technical specifications and operation manuals.
• Skill in inspecting machinery, equipment, and mechanical systems in operation to detect flaws and defects.
• Skill in operating manual and automated valve, pump, and control systems.
• Skill in operating sampling and testing equipment.
• Skill in preparing daily logs and maintain system performance records.
• Skill in communicating effectively with the public, contractors, and other employees.

Special Requirements: Possession of a Valid Arizona Commercial Drivers License; Grade 2 Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator certification, and Grade 2 Wastewater Collection System Operator certification from the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality.

Supplemental Information

Physical Demands / Work Environment: Work is performed outdoors and within W/W, collections and water facilities. The job description does not constitute an employment agreement between the employer and employee and is subject to change by the employer as needed. The City does not hire at the top of the range. Candidate may start above the beginning of the range depending on qualifications.