Water​/Wastewater Plant Operator ; A264210-1 Wastewater Treatment

Operates and maintains wastewater treatment, sludge processing, and equipment handling. Tends to pumps, conveyors, blowers, chlorinators, vacuum filters, and other equipment used to treat wastewater. Collects samples and conducts routine chemical analyses of wastewater at various points in the plant process.

The intent of this job description is to provide a representative summary of the major duties and responsibilities performed by employees in this job. Employees may be requested to perform job-related tasks other than those specifically presented in this description.

• Assists with activated sludge plant, including dewatering process and sludge blanket maintenance.
• Collects samples and residuals to be tested by in house-laboratory and external laboratory testing services; maintains and updates records of meters and samples.
• Observes plant operation and ensures adherence to state and federal agencies permits.
• Performs operation duties, such as adding chemicals, adjusting equipment, reading monitors, performing tests, and maintaining tanks and equipment.
• Monitors and maintains inventory.
• Performs related work as required.

• Knowing of plant operations, permits, and safety requirements, including sludge dewatering and activated sludge processes.
• Knowledge of basic math.
• Knowledge of equipment and chemical changes.
• Knowledge of modern office procedures and methods including computers and applicable software.
• Knowledge of English grammar, spelling, and punctuation.

• Skill in note taking and record keeping.
• Skill in the use of heavy equipment, including 18-wheeler.
• Skill in organization and time management.
• Ability to recognize sounds, smells, and visual changes and adapt to changing sludge, water, and polymer characteristics.
• Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships.
• Ability to meet schedules and deadlines of the work.

Physical Effort Requirements

• Office or similar indoor environment, relatively free from unpleasant environmental conditions or hazards.
• Occasional exposure to unpleasant environmental conditions and/or hazards. Occasional outside work.
• Frequent exposure to unpleasant environmental conditions and/or hazards. Majority of work performed outside or with exposure to risk.
• Exerting up to 10 pounds of force occasionally, a negligible amount of force frequently, and/or constantly having to lift, carry, push, pull, or otherwise move objects, including the human body. Sedentary work involves sitting most of the time. Jobs are sedentary if walking and standing are required only occasionally, and all other sedentary criteria are met.
• Exerting up to 35 pounds of force occasionally, up to 20 pounds of force frequently, and/or up to 20 pounds of force constantly having to move objects.
• Exerting up to 100 pounds of force occasionally, up to 50 pounds of force frequently, and/or up to 20 pounds of force constantly having to move objects.

• Office or similar indoor event
• Street environment (near moving traffic)
• Confined spaces
• Vehicle
• Warehouse environment

• Outdoor environment
• Construction site

Individuals with known violent backgrounds

• Individuals who are hostile or irate
• Extreme cold (below 32 degrees)

• Extreme heat (above 100 degrees)

• Communicable diseases
• Moving mechanical parts
• Fumes or airborne particles
• Toxic or caustic chemicals or substances
• Loud noises (85+ decibels such as heavy trucks, jack hammers, construction)

• National travel
• International travel

• Local travel
• Regional travel

• High School diploma or G.E.D. equivalency.

• Valid Texas Driver License. If applicant holds an out-of-state license, a State of Texas Driver License must be obtained within 6 months of employment.

• Water Operator License Class "D" from the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) must be obtained within twelve (12) months of employment

As part of the minimum requirements for all positions with the City of Laredo, a thorough background check and certified school transcripts will be required from all applicants who are offered employment.

Effective February 24, 1997, all selected applicants are required to undergo a drug and alcohol test prior to employment.

Effective January 7, 2008, all persons in safety-sensitive functions/positions, as per City of Laredo Drug and Alcohol Policy definition, shall be subject to random drug and alcohol testing.

A person with a disability who needs a reasonable accommodation related to a selection process is requested to contact the Human Resources Department at  two days prior to the scheduled interview and/or test if applicable.

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