Wastewater Operator Technician

Operates wastewater treatment equipment and all phases of sludge treatment.

* Follows Standard Operating procedures and follows safe practices in the performance of duties.

* Monitors the plant SCADA system.

* Operates wastewater treatment and plant equipment, including raw sewage pumps, motors, grit chambers, mechanical and manual screens, clarifiers, valves and oxygen generation system.

* Regulates and adjusts motors, flow meters, chlorinators, pumps and valves.

* Takes samples and performs calculations according to regulations set forth by the Department of Environmental Protection.

* Takes various readings from equipment and makes appropriate entries in plant logs.

* Operates the computer system to monitor and control the plant sludge process.

* Operates all phases of sludge treatment, including the use of pumps, thickening, belt presses, and lime stabilization process equipment and chemical conditioning

* Assists with all maintenance repairs in the mechanical and electrical fields as required.

* Performs shift maintenance of all sludge handling and operations.
Operates sludge processing equipment as directed.

* Performs custodial duties as assigned.

Education, Training and Experience

* A High School diploma, completion of vocational school or a GED accompanied with at least three (3) years experience as a wastewater plant operator or sludge technician is preferred; a Bachelor's Degree in biology, chemistry or related field is highly desirable.

Licenses and Certificates

* Possession of a current, valid motor vehicle operator's license as issued by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania is required.

* Possession of a valid, current Class A1 subclass wastewater operators certification as issued by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection or pass test of such certification no later than 3 years (full-time) in this position.

* Knowledge of safe practices related to Public Works.

* Considerable knowledge of the principles, practices and methods used in the treatment and sludge processes of a wastewater treatment plant is preferred.

* Considerable knowledge of the operation of mechanical and electrical equipment and the operational and safety hazards associated with this equipment is  required

* Some knowledge of chemistry and biology as applied to wastewater and sludge treatment

* Working knowledge of all plant computer monitoring and control systems including lime stabilization areas  Is required

* Proven ability to take readings, check records and make mathematical computations is required.

* Successful completion of a work-related plant operator test administered by the Bureau of Human Resources is required.

* Ability to operate a vehicle on private and public streets is required.

* Proven ability to read, write, speak and comprehend English is required.

* Ability to read and write legibly.

* Proven ability to work as part of a team and to collaborate successfully with others is required.

* Proven ability to adapt to new or changed situations and to show flexibility in making improvements in work processes and operations is required.

* Proven ability to exhibit customer-centered behaviors and to focus on customer needs is required.

* Proven ability to commit to excellence in service and to continuous improvement is required.

Environmental Conditions

* Indoors, environmentally controlled.

* Outdoor, exposed to inclement weather and extreme temperature.

* Exposure to noise, pollution.

Safety Equipment Used or Needed

* Personal Protective Equipment such as hardhats, gloves, safety glasses, ear protection, rain gear, steel toed safety shoes, rain boots and respirators.

Comments

* Knowledge, skills and/or abilities assessment tests may be conducted as part of the position screening process.

* Requires standing, bending, walking, sitting and climbing in the performance of duties up to eight (8) or more hours a day.

* Works around motorized or moving equipment and machinery.

* Requires occasional lifting up to 50 lbs.

* Requires the operation of automotive vehicles and other power equipment.

* Requires working under adverse conditions, which may involve unpleasant odors.

* Requires working long hours and must be available to handle emergency situations after hours, weekends and holidays.

* This description was prepared to indicate the kinds of activities and levels of work difficulty required of positions in this class. It is not intended as a complete list of specific duties and responsibilities.

* This description was prepared to indicate the kinds of activities and levels of work difficulty required of positions in this class. It is not intended as a complete list of specific duties and responsibilities.