Water Reclamation Facility Operator

Overview

The City of Ottawa is recruiting for a Water Reclamation Operator I. Under the supervision of the Utilities Superintendent - WRF, the WRF Operator I performs skilled and semi-skilled labor in the maintenance and operation of the Water Reclamation Facility and lift stations.

• Operate various types of motorized vehicles, equipment, pumps, motors, and related machinery
• Collect samples at sources of supply and perform technical, bacteriological, and chemical examinations of raw, settled, and filtered sewage samples
• Prepare and maintain equipment used for laboratory testing; keep accurate records of lab data
• Inspect and maintain lift stations. Check equipment daily for proper operation, grease bearings, change filters, and troubleshoot/correct malfunctions
• Prepare necessary written documentation and reports. Enter data on computerized spreadsheets
• Perform general building and grounds maintenance work; mow grass and remove snow/ice with Bobcat, snow blower, and/or shovel
• Climb ladders/stairs to access remote areas of plant and lift stations
• Maintain ultraviolet disinfection system: clean/replace lamp sleeves, lamps, plugs, ballasts, and sleeve wipers
• Prepare waste sludge for transfer to landfill: reduce water content, convert from liquid to solid form, and set/operate belt press

• Observe operation of plant equipment and ensure proper treatment of wastewater; make adjustments or repairs as needed
• Notify Superintendent when supplies are needed
• Serve on emergency call-in system
• Comply with all City ordinances and practices
• Assist other departments and perform other related duties as assigned

• High school diploma or equivalent
• One to three years of wastewater operator experience is preferred
• Must progressively acquire Wastewater Operator certification by the Kansas Department of Health and Environment up to and including Class II within 12 months of the first eligibility date for obtaining a given certification level. Class IV certification preferred by five-year employment anniversary
• Must maintain a valid driver’s license and be insurable by City’s carrier

• Basic knowledge of electrical, mechanical, and biological systems
• Knowledge of chemistry, mathematics, chemicals, gases, and laboratory testing equipment
• Ability to operate heavy equipment, pumps, and other related equipment
• Ability to operate computer systems
• Ability and willingness to work rotating and extended shifts
• Strong verbal and written English communication skills
• Ability to establish and maintain successful working relationships with other employees, City officials, businesses, and the public
• Ability to effectively organize and prioritize work as well as concentrate on multiple tasks simultaneously
• Ability to work under general supervision and make responsible decisions
• Ability to use good judgment and think quickly and rationally in difficult or stressful situations

• May be required to work in confined spaces, hazardous traffic conditions, or high/dangerous places
• May be exposed to wet/humid conditions, inclement outdoor weather, vibration, mechanical oils, airborne particles/fumes, moving mechanical parts, risk of electrical shock, potentially hazardous bodily fluids, potentially hazardous or cancer-causing agents/chemicals, or loud noise levels

• Must be able to sit, talk, hear, feel attributes of objects, grasp, push, stand, walk, drive, reach with hands/arms, stoop, kneel, crouch, crawl, climb, balance, operate mechanical equipment, and move up and down from/to sitting position on the floor
• Must be able to have repetitive wrist/hand/finger movement and manual dexterity
• Must have clarity of vision, three-dimensional vision, ability to identify/distinguish colors, and precise hand-eye coordination
• Must be able to lift 100 or more pounds
• Regular attendance is a necessary and essential function