Wastewater Treatment Plant Pretreatment Operator

The principal function of an employee in this class is to perform skilled technical and maintenance work in the operation, maintenance and repair of wastewater treatment facilities and systems. The Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator reports directly to the Wastewater Treatment Plant Supervisor but is granted some latitude for independent judgment and initiative. The primary duties of this class are performed in and around a wastewater treatment plant, a laboratory and field environment that includes working in adverse weather conditions, confined spaces, and exposure to hazardous materials.

This list is ILLUSTRATIVE only and is not a comprehensive listing of all functions and duties performed by the incumbent of this class. Duties may include, but are not limited to the following:

• Regularly checks the operation of all equipment for proper functioning as part of the preventative maintenance program; takes action, as appropriate, to extend the operating life of all plant equipment; starts and regulates the operation of electric motors, pumps and valves which control the flow of sewage or sludge.
• Operates, inspects, adjusts, and performs routine mechanical maintenance on pumps, valves, motors, and other equipment integral to wastewater treatment operations; identifies and reports electrical or controls-related issues for repair by qualified personnel.
• Handles chemicals according to prescribed standards.
• Maintains a daily log of plant operations and a daily inventory of chemicals used.
• Reads gauges, charts, graphs, SCADA, etc. and understands their significance.
• Performs routine mechanical repairs and maintenance within the employee’s training and assigned responsibilities.
• Performs required laboratory tests, including but not limited to quantitative and qualitative laboratory analysis of wastewater, biosolids and sediments for chemical and microbiological contaminants according to protocols such as Standard Methods, EPA 600, SW-846, ASTM, etc.
• Perform strict quality control (QA/QC) procedures including calibration of instruments, analyzing standards, keeping logs, and performing statistical analysis of data.
• Operate and perform routine maintenance on laboratory instruments.
• Perform interpretation and evaluation of analytical data.
• Modify, expand, and implement new analytical methods as necessary to adapt to different situations or improve efficiency.
• Record, calculate, and compile data utilizing computerized software, including spreadsheet and word processing applications.
• Perform routine laboratory duties such as preparing chemical reagents, media, and standard solutions.
• Operates biosolids dewatering equipment and hauls sludge to designated site.
• Maintains inventory of spare parts and tools.
• Collects samples of wastewater at various stages of the treatment process for laboratory determination of the effectiveness of the treatment process and to properly define the treatment stage.
• Cleans facilities and operation equipment as required by daily visual inspection.
• Maintains buildings, grounds, piping, roadways, and machinery.
• Operates backhoe, dump truck, and other equipment.
• Performs general building maintenance and grounds keeping.
• Performs all work duties and activities in accordance with City policies, procedures, and safety practices.
• Performs other related duties as required.

• Assists other employees with assignments and duties as necessary.
• Carries and responds to emergencies as assigned.
• Assists as back-up WWTP Operator.

• Heavy equipment including backhoe, dump truck and fork lift
• Light equipment such as mowers, trimmers, engine lift, hoists, and various hand and power tools
• Computer with associated software and systems

• General…