Wastewater Operator

Job Description

Position

Purpose:

Operates and maintains wastewater treatment facility. Becoming a Wastewater Treatment Operator provides an employee with a career not just a job. Each wastewater job completed is a rung on the ladder to a profitable and fulfilling career. There is no limit to where you can go if you put the time and effort in.

Primary Duties/Responsibilities:

• Tends automatic and semi-automatic machines and related equipment including pumps, engines, generators, valves, gates, mixers, conveyors, blowers, chemical feed and odor control to decontaminate waste water by settling, aeration and sludge digestion.
• Monitors plant in person and at times remotely and via control panels and adjusts valves and gates manually or by remote control to regulate flow.
• Monitors flow meters, gauges, flow ratios, pressures and related controls through instrument panels, computer terminals and programmable logic control units in assigned area.
• Monitors and records operating conditions observations and data in area shift log.
• Ensures conformance to process specifications. Troubleshoot basic operational problems and take corrective action per procedure. Verifies and reports suspected malfunctions and variances to supervisor. Performs routine and preventative maintenance and maintenance related items as assigned.
• Performs field tests (chemical, physical and biological) in order to pace chemical dosages for process and odor control units or alter unit processes. Samples wastewater, sludge and gases (odor control, digester, etc.) according to schedule.
• Monitors process chemical supplies and recommends reorder. Assists with delivery and offloading.
• Performs manual labor including filling and emptying of machine bins and cleaning equipment, facilities and grounds as required. Performs painting, light carpentry, and plumbing, landscaping, basic facility upkeep. Performs minor maintenance including, but not limited to, routine preventive maintenance, lubrication and minor adjustments.
• Operates vehicles for plant operational purposes.
• Performs lab tests applicable to permit testing and reporting per procedures. Performs routine instrument calibration for portable meters including, but not limited to, dissolved oxygen, pH, H2S, percent oxygen.
• Assist with Data Entry and process compliance.
• May assist in other areas of plant as directed. May assist with orienting or training new or less experienced Operators.

Work Environment:

• Normal business hours are Monday through Friday daytime, but employee must be available 24/7 during emergencies.
• May be required to work weekends at times.
• May be required to be on call on off hours.
• The job atmosphere is normally laid back but ultimately Wastewater Operations is similar to that of any other first responder.
• The plant runs 24/7 and the operators are the ones who keep it open in calm times and in emergencies.
• Spends 75% of time in operations environment.
• May need to work outside in inclement weather conditions and drive company vehicle to perform duties.
• Possible Work Hazards:
  May be exposed to possible operations hazards including fumes, toxic and caustic chemicals, heavy machinery, high pressure, hot or cold work environment temperatures, slippery surfaces, water hazards and electrical equipment.

Education/Experience/Background:

• High School Diploma/GED is required.
• Associate’s degree in a science or technical area strongly preferred.
• Experience in a related position and environment with knowledge of the methods, techniques, and practices of wastewater treatment is preferred.

Knowledge/Skills/Abilities:

• Abilityto read, write and comprehend English (operational, process, safety and quality instructions).
• Must have the ability to perform basic math equations.
• Must have mechanical skillset.
• Must demonstrate proficiency in the care and use of all site specific, facility required PPE (Personal Protection Equipment), including respirators, gas detectors, confined space equipment, etc.
• Must consistently demonstrate the ability to operate assigned machines and equipment meeting or exceeding processing and quality targets under general supervision.
• Must demonstrate ability to efficiently operate…