Wastewater Treatment Operator

General Purpose

Wastewater Treatment Operator is responsible for the operation and maintenance of wastewater treatment facilities, odor control, and recycled water systems. Responsibilities include staffing; budget management; initiating, reviewing, and coordinating capital improvement projects; monitoring and reporting on performance and efficiency measures; and ensuring regulatory compliance.

Reports to the Supervisor and Utilities Superintendent

Exercises autonomy and sound judgement over tasks and employees as assigned.

• Evaluates, recommends, and implements division policies and procedures.
• Promotes and enforces safe working practices and coordinates training needs for staff.
• Inspects and oversees facilities to ensure safe, efficient operations. Identifies operational deficiencies and recommends solutions. Coordinates operations, maintenance activities, and emergency response with other groups and support staff.
• Develops, monitors, and analyzes metrics to improve the department's overall efficiency.
• Performs other duties as assigned.
• Operate and maintain waste treatment ponds (Lagoons) in good performance.
• Take process control samples and interpret tests to make adjustment.
• Review and interpret operational records for signs of problems.
• Take flow, power usage, pressure, and chemical readings on plant.
• Measure influent, effluent, DO, PH etc.
• Operate/maintain bar screen, grit chamber.
• Operate/maintain aerator basin on Ponds
• Operate, monitor, adjust effluent disinfection system.
• Perform preventive/corrective maintenance on WWTP equipment (Inspect, lubricate, and/or repair)
• Perform operational duties at a wastewater Laboratory.
• Inspect and test collection systems, test for leaks in joints, taps, sewer lines and manholes
• Pipeline cleaning/maintenance; flush lines, locate and determine I, exfiltration, and diversion.
• Inspect and repair wastewater lines, laterals, mains, manholes.
• Lay new or replacement pipe, install taps and/or manholes
• Inspect, operate, repair/maintain lift station

Education and Experience:

• High school diploma or GED
• Five years of progressively responsible experience in wastewater, including three years of experience in a supervisor or lead capacity.
• TCEQ Class "C" or "B" Wastewater Operator license in Texas with wastewater treatment experience or ability to obtain in 6 to 9 months of hire.
• Valid Class "C" Texas Driver's License.

• Demonstrated expert-level skills in wastewater treatment operations, regulatory requirements and effective management.
• Demonstrated comprehensive knowledge of standards and constructions practices.
• Demonstrated organizational and public relations skills.
• Ability to interface with other departments and to establish and maintain effective and cooperative professional working relationships to meet business objectives.
• Ability to make sound decisions in complex situations.
• Ability to effectively communicate verbally and in writing.
• Ability to work hours other than the regular daytime schedule such as shift work, on call, or emergency response situations.
• Proficient in the use and application of computer software packages which include word processing, spreadsheets, databases, and computerized maintenance management systems.
• Demonstrated organizational and public relations skills.
• Contact with internal and external customers, executive management, consultants, contractors, vendors, and regulatory agencies.

• Experience in monitoring wastewater facilities using a Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) system, with skill in running and analyzing trends to resolve issues.

Personal computer, including word processor, spreadsheets, project management software, 10-key calculator, phone, copy machine, fax machine, etc. Tools and equipment to repair and maintain water and waste water systems.

Working conditions are in an office and field environment. Field environment working conditions include frequent exposure to inclement weather; wastewater; mechanical, electrical, chemical and confined space…