Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator

WASTEWATER TREATMENT PLANT OPERATOR

GENERAL STATEMENT OF DUTIES: To perform technical, semi-skilled and labor work in the operation and maintenance of mechanical systems in a wastewater treatment plant; to perform laboratory analysis, maintain records and perform related work as required; to operate a SCADA process control computer system; to calculate and implement pumping and chemical application rates. Monitor, maintain and adjust a complex biological reactor treatment process.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED: Work is performed under the supervision of the facility superintendent or other designated official.

TYPICAL EXAMPLES OF WORK: An employee in this class may be called upon to do any or all of the following: (These examples do not include all of the tasks which the employee may be expected to perform.)

• Perform scheduled inspections on machines, equipment, and pumps in a wastewater treatment plant, interpreting information from gauges, charts, laboratory test results and process computer outputs.
• Read and record weather conditions and various flow and treatment data.
• Stand watch in an operations control room and take appropriate action to respond to changes in flows, changes in effluent quality, interruptions in electric or gas supply, computer or process control malfunctions, and computer alarm points.
• Operate raw sewage pumps, bar screens, grit removal equipment, sampling pumps, primary clarifiers, skimmers, flights, primary effluent pumps, complete mix biological reactors, activated sludge clarifiers, chlorination equipment, compressors, pneumatic flow control systems, chemical metering equipment, sludge pumps, and other equipment associated with the routine operation of an activated sludge, secondary treatment, wastewater treatment plant.
• Take wastewater samples according to correct protocols and perform analysis for: heavy metals by Hach methods, suspended and total solids, biochemical and carbonaceous oxygen demand concentrations, pH, temperature, fecal coliform counts, phosphorus level monitoring, chlorine residual, microorganism identification and quantification, dissolved oxygen levels.
• Perform various equipment and building maintenance tasks at the Wastewater Treatment Plant, including labeling and painting equipment.
• Clean and maintain buildings, grounds, and equipment; wash floors, pits, tanks, walls, windows, pumps, and machinery.
• Monitor and record data from odor control treatment systems.

DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS FOR EMPLOYMENT:

• Knowledge of the principles, practices, operations and methods used in an activated sludge, secondary treatment, Michigan “Class A,” Wastewater Treatment Plant.
• Knowledge of machines, equipment, and materials used in a Wastewater Treatment Plant utilizing biological secondary treatment.
• Knowledge of chemical and physical processes involved in treatment utilizing chemical and biological PO4 & pollutant reduction, and solids removal techniques.
• Knowledge of laboratory practices prescribed by the facility superintendent or promulgated in "Standard Methods for the Examination of Water and Wastewater," and other practices associated with the operation of a "Class A" activated sludge, secondary treatment Wastewater Treatment Plant.
• Knowledge of safety equipment and practices used when working with hazardous chemicals, gases, or wastewater constituents, including full-face respirator and hazardous gas detectors; ability and knowledge to implement local and MIOSHA safety requirements while working in enclosed spaces and with hazardous chemicals or gases.
• Ability to understand and follow oral and written instruction, including those of a technical nature.
• Ability to make adjustments to pumps, chemical feed systems, and other equipment, assist the maintenance department as needed, and perform confined space entries.
• Ability to maintain logs, records, perform routine laboratory tests and appropriate arithmetic calculations.
• Ability to perform thorough and detailed rounds every two hours.
• Ability to work effectively with other employees.

An employee in this class, upon appointment, shall have the equivalent of the following training and experience:

• Graduation from an accredited high school.
• Additional formal training in the sciences and electronic data processing.
• Must have a valid Michigan Driver License (Operator’s).
• Experience in the operation and maintenance of a Wastewater Treatment Plant or in related work.
• Certificate from the State of Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE) to operate a Class B plant desirable.
• Certificate from EGLE to operate a Class C plant required. Further certification is encouraged.
• Class C certification from EGLE requirement may be waived when no applicant meets certification requirement but not beyond applicant's first opportunity to write for certification, when such opportunity is offered by EGLE.

Working Hours: 8-hour, swing shifts (The WWTP operates 24 hours/day, 7 days/week, 365 days/year.)

Salary Range
: $ 23.83 - $ 29.79 hourly

Additional…