Wastewater Plant Operator

This is skilled work in the operation and maintenance of wastewater treatment plant equipment and related systems. An employee in this class is responsible for the operation of a variety of equipment at the wastewater treatment plant and in the sewer collection system. Work involves responsibility for making decisions concerning the starting, stopping, and adjusting of various equipment by reading instruments, gauges, and control system displays.

Performs minor maintenance and repair on plant equipment. Works under general supervision with considerable opportunity for the use of independent judgment within established rules and regulations.

• Operates wastewater plant equipment such as automatic samplers, influent screens, conveyors, compactors, detritors, flow meters, screw pumps, chemical mixing and feed equipment, primary and final settling tanks, grease skimmers, sludge pumps, aeration tanks, mixers, disinfection equipment, liquid oxygen system, sludge thickeners, plant water equipment, compressors, generators, blowers, high‑rate treatment systems, and combined sewer overflow storage and conveyance systems.
• Changes charts on instrument recorders and monitors dissolved oxygen, pressure, flow, and temperature to make necessary adjustments.
• Takes samples and performs a variety of process control tests such as settleometer and chlorine residual.
• Meets sludge blanket readings and adjusts return sludge and waste sludge rates.
• Cleans weirs, tanks, troughs, belts, filters, and other related treatment plant equipment and facilities; fills hoppers and mixes chemicals.
• Monitors the collection system and treatment plant distributed control and SCADA systems, making adjustments and notifications in compliance with established operating strategy and procedures.
• Performs preventative maintenance and makes minor repairs to equipment.
• Keeps records of daily activity and logs data using a personal computer.
• Communicates with supervisory personnel about process activity and implements changes as directed or according to standard procedures.
• Performs related work as required.

Graduation from an accredited high school or GED and a minimum of one year of paid experience in industrial process operations, plant maintenance work, information technology, or related work; or graduation from an accredited college or university with an associate degree in environmental science, information technology, engineering technology, or a related field.

Possession of a Class I Wastewater Treatment Professional Operators Certificate as issued by the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency or must obtain within two years of employment.

Knowledge of the equipment, operations, practices, and safety precautions relevant to industrial processes, including the treatment and disposal of wastewater. Knowledge of the servicing, maintenance, and repair of industrial processing equipment, including wastewater treatment plant equipment.

Ability to effectively monitor and coordinate wastewater plant operational activities; ability to work extended hours and rotating shifts, including weekends and holidays; ability to work in inclement weather; ability to accurately read and interpret gauges, charts, and meters; ability to log, compile, retrieve, review, and interpret operational data with the use of computers; ability to understand and follow verbal and written instructions;

ability to keep accurate records of daily activities; ability to perform mathematical calculations with fractions, decimals, and percentages; ability to establish and maintain effective working relations with others; ability to perform various physical activities such as pushing and dumping a loaded wheelbarrow, shoveling snow, climbing ladders, lifting and carrying bags of chemicals, and walking and standing for long periods of time;

ability to work in confined spaces, vaults, tanks, manholes, and elevated locations.

The City of Akron is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workforce, which includes building an environment that respects the individual, promotes innovation and…