Wastewater Plant Operator

Job Title: O&M Technician / Plant Operator

I/II/III

Reports to: Utilities Operations Manager

Department: Public Works

FLSA Classification: Non-Exempt

Pay Grade: 15 /20 / 35

Minimum Education: High School diploma or equivalent.

I: Previous experience in utility maintenance or utility operation preferred.

II: Four (4) years of related utility experience required to obtain certification.

III: Five (5) years of related utility experience required to obtain certification.

Minimum Certification: I: DS1 and Class D Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator Certification required within time frames specified by City; II: DS2 and C and B Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator Certification; III: DS3 and B and A Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator Certification.

Other Requirements: Valid Driver’s License.

This position is responsible for the maintenance of the City’s water distribution and sewer collection systems.

The following duties are normal for this position. However, they are not to be construed as exclusive or all‑inclusive. To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each duty satisfactorily. Other duties may also be required or assigned.

• Inspects, repairs, rehabilitates, and maintains the wastewater collection system, including locating sanitary sewer and water; repairing wastewater and water lines; installs flow meters; makes sewer taps; maintains air relief and sewer valves; and lift stations.
• Inspects manhole covers.
• Locates sewer and storm drains using electronic equipment.
• Inspects, maintains, and repairs and wastewater lines and water lines.
• Cleans, televises, and repairs sanitary sewers.
• Transports equipment and materials to and from work sites.
• Cleans, lubricates, and performs preventive maintenance or repair on equipment.
• Reads meters and gauges to ensure plant equipment is working properly.
  • Takes samples and run tests to determine the quality of the water being treated.
  • Collects, prepares, and analyzes water, wastewater, and sludge samples.
  • Collects and handles water and wastewater samples for process control and industrial sampling.
  • Documents and prepares test results for Federal, state, and local reports.
  • Calculates, reviews, and reports results.
  • Confers with Manager on laboratory findings that may affect compliance with state and federal regulations.
• Adjusts chemical feed rates and treatment plant processes added to the wastewater based on test results.
• Operates, maintains, and performs repairs of the wastewater treatment facility, equipment, buildings, and grounds, including system lines, equipment, meters, and pumps.
• Performs proper effluent quality monitoring, and all processes involved with facility functions, including sampling, monitoring, analysis, and treatment, as necessary.
• Inspects system operations and equipment, diagnoses and repairs mechanical, electrical and process control problems.
• Installs and replaces pumps, compressors, motors, and related equipment.
• Lubricates bearings, replaces seals, gaskets, springs, and gears.
• Inspects and cleans pumps, mechanical drives, electrical components, feeding systems, etc. as part of a formal preventive maintenance schedule to avoid unnecessary equipment malfunctions.
• Performs routine building clean and grounds maintenance, including mopping, bush trimming, lawn mowing and similar activities.
• Maintains and updates record keeping and performs data entry regarding equipment repairs, maintenance, and discharge monitoring data for various local state and federal reporting requirements.
• Ensures all activities are carried out in a safe manner; adheres to all safety regulations; ensures all regulations pertaining to the safe use of equipment are understood and followed.
• Reports all accidents to the appropriate authority. Follows all policies for reporting.
• Provides backup assistance to other department personnel as needed.
• Performs emergency repairs and work, as necessary.
• Reports to work for after hour needs, as assigned.
• Other duties as assigned.

• Maintains and repairs lift stations including electrical equipment, pumps, floats, structures, piping, and valves.
• Inputs, updates, and…