Wastewater Plant Operator II

Utilities Operator

Maintains and operates plant equipment and processes related to wastewater and advanced water treatment systems on an assigned shift.

Environmental Factors Position functions primarily in a plant environment; outdoor work involves exposure to all traffic and weather conditions, chemicals, fumes, odors, gases, raw wastewater, sludge and mechanical/electrical equipment hazards. Protective clothing includes a safety harness, SCBA equipment, face shields, eye protector, hard hats, safety shoes, hearing protection and gloves.

Physical Factors Moderate physical activity; ability to lift and carry items weighing up to fifty (50) pounds; crawling, bending, climbing, kneeling, squatting and working in confined spaces.

Work Situation Factors Position involves competing demands, performing multiple tasks, working to deadlines, occasional work beyond normal business hours, and responding to customer issues. Regular attendance is an essential function of this job to ensure continuity of services. Position is subject to drug testing in accordance with applicable State and Federal regulations and City of Las Cruces policies.

This recruitment will be used to fill full-time, represented, non-exempt positions within the Utilities Department but may be used to fill other vacancies to include full-time, part-time and/or contract positions. Position will be advertised as continuous until filled, with periodic review of applications. Full-Time Regular, Union Represented; Non-Exempt This position is a grade BC15.

Duties and Responsibilities

Operates, maintains, monitors, and controls water treatment plant process equipment; performs work on pumps, motors, aerators, blowers, chlorinators, chemical feeds, sludge equipment, and basic laboratory instruments to ensure treated water meets all applicable City, state, and Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) quality standards.

Inspects plant processes to ensure disinfection and effluent requirements meet or exceed National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) requirements; monitors and reviews laboratory results and instrument readings to make adjustments as necessary; meets with lab personnel to discuss sampling and related schedules.

Reviews, maintains, creates, and updates records, forms, and reports in various automated systems, formats, and software for accuracy to ensure data integrity, compliance, and adherence to internal controls policies and practices.

Prepares and presents various special and recurring reports, performs research and analysis to communicate and distribute information as required and requested; provides recommendations to assist in the development and implementation processes and procedures.

Collects samples for analysis and reporting using prescribed methods and techniques to make appropriate adjustments as necessary.

Coordinates, monitors, and oversees work orders and activities required for safe operations and the preventive maintenance of systems and equipment to ensure consistent and effective operations; assists with maintenance as required and appropriate to ensure timely repairs.

Performs a variety of functions related to the Compost project including aeration activities and taking samples and temperature readings to monitor status and results.

Performs a variety of recordkeeping activities and assists with special projects as required; may provide work direction to student workers regarding assignments.

Orders, maintains, selects, and manages equipment parts, fluids, and tools; replaces and install parts on equipment, communicates with vendors, schedules repairs, and monitors parts delivery schedules.

Provides performance feedback, trains, and instructs employees to meet established goals and objectives; participates in staff evaluations with designated supervisor to provide impartial feedback regarding performance; assures that staff maintain safety standards and adhere to policies and procedures for efficient and safe operations.

Minimum Qualifications

Associates Degree in Water Technology or related field AND four (4) years of experience in the operation of an advanced wastewater treatment facility. A combination of education, experience, and training may be applied in accordance with City of Las Cruces policy.

Licenses/Certification(s) Valid driver's license is required. New Mexico Level IV Wastewater Systems Operator Certification is required. If applicable, position requires an acceptable driving record in accordance with City of Las Cruces policies.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Knowledge of: principles, practices, techniques, activities, rules, and regulations related to the operations and functions of the position and services provided; current principles of record keeping and records management; principles and practices of effective research methods and data analysis, customer service, and problem resolution techniques; occupational and environmental safety and health hazards, and safety practices; safe and effective use and maintenance of related tools, materials, and equipment; current methods and standards for preparing effective business correspondence; correct English usage, grammar, composition, spelling, punctuation and vocabulary; business and personal computers and related software applications; City organization, operations, policies, and procedures to effectively perform the required functions and duties of the position.

Ability to: perform a variety of duties and responsibilities and assess and prioritize multiple tasks, projects, and demands to meet deadlines; ensure appropriate levels of customer service to achieve expectations and meet objectives; read, understand, and assure compliance with a variety of policies, procedures, rules, standards, and regulations governing related activities and functions; collect applicable information and maintain accurate and timely records; maintain confidentiality of information and data; communicate effectively orally and in writing and use interpersonal skills to sufficiently exchange or convey information and receive work direction; prepare and present accurate and reliable information and reports; establish and maintain effective and appropriate working relationships with employees, other agencies, and the public; safely and effectively operate relevant tools, equipment, and motorized vehicles; navigate across even and uneven surfaces; timely and accurately enter data and update records using various mediums and formats; take initiative and exercise sound independent judgment within established procedural guidelines and carry out primary responsibilities in accordance with all governing regulations, statutes, and procedures to ensure achievement of goals and objectives.

Skills in: reading, understanding, and applying relevant rules, ordinances, codes, regulations, policies, and procedures; effectively managing assignments; responding to inquiries timely and within the scope of delegated authority; responding appropriately, maintaining objectivity and freedom from prejudice, and exercising sound judgment and understanding in all interactions; effectively working independently, or as a team member, in various environments with changing priorities; preparing and presenting various reports, documents, forms, and correspondence; researching information, analyzing data, maintaining accurate records, and updating information in various mediums and formats; operating a personal computer with installed generic and specialized software; preparing and presenting information in a clear and concise manner; demonstrating appropriate and effective interpersonal communication and conflict resolution skills; performing highly effective support in assigned areas.