Wastewater Grade 1 Operator

An employee in this class performs a variety of operational,laboratory and maintenance duties designed to produce safe treatment of potable water and disposal of domestic and commercial waste materials. Work includes monitoring the plant's operation through observation, mechanical readings andthe results of standard chemical and biological tests and to make necessary adjustments in the process as conditions or test results dictate. Other duties include performing standard laboratory duties and test and assisting with plantand facilities maintenance.

Work also includes substantial record keeping ofwork activities. Employees participate ina rotation with responsibility for weekly on call and weekend operation of water and wastewater treatment plants, lift stations, wells and test sampling and is subject to emergency call-back. Employees are subject to hazards associated with plant operations including working both inside and outside environments, in hot and cold weather and exposure to various hazards such as loud noises, moving mechanical parts,electrical current, chemicals, fumes, odors, dusts, mists, gases, oils, poor ventilation and working in small confined spaces.

Employees may be required towear respirators when working around chlorine tanks. Work around wastewater isalso subject to the final standards of OSHA on blood borne pathogens. Work is performed under the supervision of a Treatment Plant Supervisor and is reviewed by observation, conferences and review of records for adherence to operational standards, instructions and safety practices.

• Makes regular tours of plant and checks bar screens, engines,generators, pumps, settling tanks, filters, clarifiers, chlorinators and otherequipment for proper functioning.
• Records data from various meters, gauges and dials; logs daily,weekly and monthly activities; takes readings from wells.
• Collects water and/or wastewater samples and performs standard laboratory chemical and biological tests.
• Performs general preventive and scheduled maintenance; assists onmajor maintenance and repairs.
• Regulates and adjusts motors, pumps, blowers, valves and other apparatus to meet changing operating conditions.
• Performs routine building and grounds maintenance including mowing, trimming, cleaning, painting and related maintenance activities; spraysfor pests; reviews checklist on truck and performs routine maintenance.
• Analyzes plant performance and makes chemical feed and other adjustments consistent with supervisory guidelines; back washes filters.
• Performs inspection of sewer lift station for performance;performs preventive maintenance by cleaning, oiling and greasing pumps andmotors; troubleshoots controls; diagnoses and makes minor repairs.
• Drives skid steer and uses shovels to remove dry sludge from sludge fields and drives dump truck to landfill for disposal.

Loads chemicals on truck sprayer, drives through community andsprays for mosquitos; places pesticide briquettes in ponds.

• Working knowledge of the operating characteristics and maintenance requirements ofwater and wastewater treatment plants.
• Working knowledge of applicable federal, state and local laws and permitting requirements.
• Working knowledge of the occupational hazards of the work and of necessary safety precautions.
• Working knowledge of standard laboratory test and procedures used in water and wastewater treatment plants.
• Working knowledge of the use of computers to record data, prepare reports and operate plant equipment.
• Some knowledge of hydraulic, chemical and mechanical equipment and to determine proper remedial measures.
• Abilityto conduct routine laboratory test.
• Abilityto understand and follow moderately complex oral and written instructions.
• Abilityto read meters, charts and technical manuals and drawings accurately and to maintain records of shift operations.
• Abilityto establish and maintain effective working relationships with peers and superiors.
• Must be able to physically perform the basic life operational functions of climbing, balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, reaching,walking, pushing, pulling, lifting, grasping and hearing.
• Must be able to perform medium work exerting up to 50 pounds offorce occasionally; and/or up to 20 pounds of force frequently; and/or up to 10pounds of force constantly to lift or otherwise move objects.
• Must possess the visual acuity to read gauges, dials and observe moving parts of machines and to record and review written records.

Possession of a valid North Carolina driver's license.

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