Wastewater Treatment Operator

Operator I: $22.00-$23.60

Performs a variety of entry‑level duties related to the construction and maintenance of the City’s wastewater treatment facility, equipment and will assist in the maintenance of the collection system.

Works under the broad policy guidance and direction of the Wastewater System Supervisor/Operator Lead.

None.

Treatment Facility Operations

• Conduct daily operations and routine maintenance of the city’s wastewater treatment facility.
• Maintain and inspect clarifiers, buildings, yard areas, backup generators, blowers, and chlorine disinfection systems.
• Ensure proper application of effluent water and effective operation of the rapid infiltration basin.
• Monitor and maintain various pumps and motors to ensure optimal performance.

Preventative Maintenance & Equipment Operation

• Perform ongoing preventative maintenance tasks such as greasing, belt and pulley adjustments, pump and motor replacements, and unclogging systems.
• Operate heavy machinery and equipment including skid steers, backhoes, trackhoes, loaders, tractors, crane trucks, jet/vac trucks, forklifts, trash pumps, weed whips, and hand tools to support facility operations.

Sampling & Laboratory Analysis

• Collect daily and monthly samples from various stages of the treatment process in compliance with Division of Water Quality (DWQ) standards.
• Gather grab and composite samples, complete chain‑of‑custody documentation, and deliver samples to analytical labs.
• Analyze lab results to assist in adjusting Return Activated Sludge (RAS) and Waste Activated Sludge (WAS) rates for process optimization.

Process Monitoring & Adjustments

• Conduct routine tests to monitor system performance and biological activity.
• Evaluate solids and bacterial concentrations for proper flocking and settling.
• Adjust RAS and WAS rates to maintain biological stability and prevent process disruptions.

Confined Space Entry & Safety

• Conduct confined space entries for system maintenance and cleaning, utilizing appropriate safety equipment such as davit arm hoists, tripods, SRLs, and gas detectors.
• Prepare confined space entry permits and assess environmental hazards to ensure safe operations.

Emergency Response

• Respond to sewer emergencies including breaks, backups, and system/equipment failures.
• Coordinate emergency repairs using appropriate equipment and personnel.

Additional Responsibilities

• Perform related duties as assigned to support overall wastewater operations.
• Cross‑train with wastewater collection system personnel and assist with collection system operations as needed.
• Perform inspections of the collection system to identify and correct structural deficiencies, infiltration issues, and blockages.
• Operate specialized equipment including jet trucks, power rodders, root cutters, jackhammers, and metal detectors.
• Repair and rebuild manholes, wastewater mains, and replace covers as needed.
• Document and map the collection system, noting pipe sizes, flow directions, and maintenance needs; prepare inspection and cleaning reports.
• Operate high‑velocity jet trucks to clean wastewater lines and vac trucks to address system leaks.
• Use CCTV inspection trucks to assess sewer lines and lift station performance.

Other Duties

Performs other related duties as assigned to support the division’s goals and maintain permit compliance and to help the growth of Eagle Mountain City or other departments as necessary.