Wastewater Treatment Operator - license

Wastewater Treatment Operator (A Level)

Lancaster County Water & Sewer District

Department: Indian Land Wastewater Treatment Plant (ILWWTP)

Reports To: Wastewater Treatment Facility Director

FLSA Status: Hourly

Pay Grade: 8

SUMMARY

The Wastewater Treatment Operator (A) ensures compliance with the plant’s NPDES permit through operation, maintenance, troubleshooting and repairs. The operator provides routine wastewater process assessments and controls including the dewatering of residual solids.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Performs the work required for the day‑to‑day operation of the 5 MGD Indian Land Wastewater Treatment Plant.
• Controls equipment and monitors the processes that treat wastewater.
• Observes and reports on the conditions of the plant, coordinating non‑routine adjustments with the Facility Director when necessary.
• Monitors SCADA computer workstations and OITs (Operator Interface Terminals) for plant equipment and process conditions.
• Troubleshoots operational issues and performs resolutions in a timely manner.
• Maintains a daily operations logbook, plant records, and other documents assigned by the Facility Director.
• Ensures flows and loadings are maintained by monitoring various process test indicators.
• Performs laboratory analysis on wastewater samples; reviews abnormal results and takes necessary action to solve problems, coordinating with the Facility Director.
• Assists with the sampling logistics (including outside lab scheduling) and documentation to meet NPDES and DMR reporting requirements.
• Assists with laboratory certification and CEI (compliance evaluation inspection).
• Coordinates with facility maintenance, housekeeping, other LCWSD employees, outside contractors, and vendors to ensure facility processes and equipment are maintained and repaired according to standards.
• Works with operations and maintenance staff to maintain facility compliance.
• Regularly monitors and tracks sludge and screenings/grit inventories; coordinates disposal or pickup services in advance as needed; operates sludge dewatering equipment on a daily/weekly basis.
• Serves as secondary backup ORC for regulatory and compliance purposes as needed.
• Will be required to work on‑call, after‑hours, and/or weekends.
• Performs related tasks as required.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

• Considerable knowledge of the processes and techniques used in the operation and maintenance of a wastewater treatment plant.
• Excellent troubleshooting skill of wastewater processes and equipment.
• Good oral and written communication skills.
• Ability to lead the work of other staff members, providing guidance and feedback when needed.
• Mathematical and computer operation skills.
• Ability to work indoors and outdoors, during inclement weather, weekends and holidays as assigned.
• Able to lift 50 pounds regularly in an industrial‑like environment around chemicals, solvents, and dust.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with officials, other public officials, employees, contractors, and the general public.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

A high school diploma or general education degree (GED) and a minimum of four (4) years of treatment experience is preferred. The equivalent combination of education and experience will be considered.

CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS

An “A” level Biological Wastewater Treatment Operator License from the State of South Carolina or equivalent is required. Valid driver’s license with acceptable driving record per company standards.

COMPENSATION

The employee shall be compensated on an hourly basis. Normal hours are 8.5 hours per day, five (5) days a week. Scheduled workdays include Saturday and Sunday. After‑hour, weekend, and holiday work will be required from time to time to fulfill the duties of the job and on‑call requirements. Employee will be paid bi‑weekly (26 times per year). Pay is based on skills, education, certification, experience, etc.