WPC Operator

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Position Title:

Water Pollution Control Operator
Department:
Public Works
Division:
Water Pollution Control
FLSA:
Non-Exempt
Retirement: KPERS
Effective Date:
January 1, 2023

Performs a variety of semi‑skilled and skilled technical and maintenance tasks in the operation, maintenance, and repair of wastewater treatment facilities and collection systems. This position has performance‑based standards for promotion.

• Works under the close supervision of the Water Pollution Control Assistant Superintendent.
• Works under the general supervision of the Water Pollution Control Superintendent.

• None generally. May serve as a lead worker over lower‑level operators.

• Physically walk the grounds to monitor the performance of all equipment, gauges and charts in the treatment plant and pump stations; record statistical data concerning plant operations.
• Maintain, operate, repair and replace equipment as necessary; evaluate data and write reports as required.
• Operate, maintain, and repair malfunctions at the wastewater treatment plant; repair gauges, pumps, filters and other controls and equipment.
• Ensure the plant operates within required standards.
• Train and direct lesser‑skilled operators in acceptable methods and procedures to assure safe and efficient operations.
• Calibrate, modify or repair instrumentation and control equipment, including recorders, flowmeter and other water quality monitoring equipment.
• Operate and maintain sewage pump stations; clean wet wells and operate pumps and valves to control and adjust flow and treatment processes.
• Operate a variety of cleaning and inspection equipment for collection system maintenance.
• Maintain and monitor a safety culture in accordance with city policy; this culture will minimize accidents, injuries and property damage.
• Operate vehicles and equipment including but not limited to dump truck, flush truck and snow plow when necessary.
• Operate a variety of equipment including but not limited to lawn mower, weed eater, chainsaw and other equipment necessary to maintain plant grounds.
• Operate a variety of equipment to clean and maintain plant buildings, piping, and equipment.
• May perform other duties as assigned.

• May be required to enter confined spaces to perform functions of the position.
• Maintain the drawings and schematics of electrical and other systems in the treatment plant.
• Monitor performance of electrical systems, circuits or equipment of the treatment plant.
• Serve on various employee or other committees as assigned.

• Be at least 18 years old at the time of hire.
• Graduation from high school education or GED equivalent.
• Must possess a current, valid driver's license at the time of application (and maintain it for the duration of employment) and meet insurability standards under the fleet insurance policy.
• Must obtain a Kansas Commercial Driver's License (CDL) within one (1) year of hire and retain it for the duration of employment.

• Skill in operation of some of the listed tools and equipment.
• Ability to perform process control calculations; to work safely; to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing; to establish and maintain effective working relationships with employees, other departments and the public; to understand and carry out written and oral instructions; to read, write, comprehend, and speak fluent English.
• Ability to maintain physical condition in order to enter confined space areas.

• Must be able to pass the Wastewater Treatment Facility Operator I examination within two years of hire date in order to maintain employment. Affidavit of agreement must be executed upon accepting the position.

• Two years of post‑secondary college or technical training in biology, environmental science, chemistry, or a closely related field.
• Two years of experience in a wastewater utility.
• Any equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Working knowledge of equipment, facilities, materials, methods and procedures used in wastewater treatment plant maintenance and operation activities; working knowledge of laboratory procedures and practices; working knowledge of collection system cleaning, inspection and safety procedures.