Plant Operator

Responsibilities

Under direct supervision, this employee is responsible for monitoring the proper operation of and controlling the various processes and equipment in a facility (e.g., water/wastewater treatment plant, pumping station). May perform process maintenance tasks to ensure normal, continuous operations. Performs related duties as required.

• High school mathematics (addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division of whole numbers, fractions, and decimals; solving word problems using mathematical equations); high school algebra desirable.
• Safety policies and procedures, e.g., Employee Safety Instruction Manual and applicable agency requirements.

• Operate and maintain plant equipment in a safe manner (including skimming, shoveling, turning large valves, controlling high pressure water hoses, climb ladders, replace shear pins, clean filters, and strainers).
• Monitor numerous computer displays and recognize priorities and need for modifications to avoid process upsets that may lead to OEPA or USEPA violations.
• Use tools such as wrenches, screwdrivers, grease guns, etc.
• Use dippers to transfer samples into quart or gallon jars.
• Attach and detach discharge hoses, place submersible pumps in underwater tanks, pits, channels, etc.
• Operate a personal computer and other standard office equipment.
• Open and close valves sized from 1 inch to 72 inches, including some which require overhand or hand‑over‑hand operation.
• Move three cubic yard containers of grit, screening, etc., by level, moving containers on dollies, using overhead raking cranes, etc.
• Transport, set up, and use hoses varying in size from ¾ inch garden hoses to 3‑inch fire hoses and 8‑inch vactor hoses.
• Use basic tools to clean debris from pump casings and ball checks.
• Wipe and wash equipment and follow assigned cleaning schedule.
• Operate assigned vehicle in the course of duty.

• Read gauges, diagrams, charts, and color computer video graphics.
• Solve word problems using mathematical equations.
• Recognize and respond to process conditions that may lead to process failures or problems.
• Read and follow instructions.
• Understand plant processes.
• Understand chemical and biological treatment characteristics and water/wastewater process control strategies.
• Tour plant often in inclement weather, over hard and slippery surfaces, while adhering to safety practices and procedures.
• Keep accurate written and computerized records.
• Communicate effectively both verbally and in writing with supervisors and coworkers.
• Remain calm in stressful situations.
• Hear and respond to telephone, alarm signals, and unusual noises in the plant.
• Work in confined spaces and at heights.
• Lift up to 60 lbs.
• Wear an air‑supplied and/or filter respiratory protection device in a manner that provides the required protection against toxic fumes, oxygen deficiency, dust, and/or airborne particles.
• Climb and descend ladders up to 25 feet.

OPEN AND PROMOTIONAL:
Each applicant must be a high school graduate or have passed the GED (General Education Development) test.

• Must have a valid Driver's License.
• May be required to work irregular and/or rotating shifts including weekends and holidays.

Must have or obtain an Ohio EPA Class I Water Supply Professional Operator Certification (or Operator‑In‑Training designation) and have satisfactory work performance during a 12‑month probationary period in order to pass probation. A Plant Operator 1 possessing the required Ohio EPA Class I Water Supply Professional Operator Certification and one year satisfactory performance as a Plant Operator 1 will be promoted without exam to Plant Operator 2.

Must have or obtain an Ohio EPA Class I Wastewater Certification (or Operator‑In‑Training designation) and have satisfactory work performance during a 12‑month probationary period in order to pass probation. A Plant Operator 1 possessing the required Ohio EPA Class I Water Supply Professional Operator Certification and one year satisfactory performance as a Plant Operator 1 will be promoted without exam to Plant…