Operator - Waste Water Treatment Plant

The Water Reclamation Facility Operator I is an entry-level position responsible for learning and performing routine duties associated with the operation, monitoring, cleaning, and maintenance of the City's water reclamation treatment processes, equipment, buildings, and grounds. Under the supervision and direction of the Water Reclamation Facility Superintendent, designated supervisor, or experienced operator, the employee receives on-the-job training and performs assigned tasks in accordance with established procedures and safety requirements.

This position is intended as the entry point in the City's water reclamation operator career progression. Prior wastewater treatment certification is not required. The employee is expected to develop basic knowledge and proficiency in facility operations, equipment, safety, sampling, recordkeeping, and maintenance through training and practical experience.

• Assists with and learns the operation and monitoring of wastewater treatment and water reclamation processes under the direction of qualified staff.
• Assists with starting, stopping, and monitoring pumps, motors, valves, gates, chemical-feed equipment, and other treatment equipment as trained and assigned.
• Observes flow, levels, pressures, dissolved oxygen, solids, and other basic process conditions and reports abnormal readings or conditions to experienced operators or supervisory personnel.
• Follows established operating procedures and supervisor instructions when performing treatment plant duties.

• Performs routine facility rounds and inspections using established checklists and procedures.
• Observes pumps, motors, blowers, valves, filters, clarifiers, chemical-feed systems, instrumentation, and other equipment for visible or audible signs of abnormal operation.
• Records assigned equipment readings and operating information accurately and reports unusual conditions promptly.
• Assists experienced staff with equipment inspections, preventive maintenance, and basic troubleshooting activities.

• Learns the basic use of SCADA and computerized monitoring systems under supervision.
• Observes alarms, trends, equipment status, and process information and reports abnormal conditions to qualified staff.
• Does not make independent process-control changes unless specifically trained, authorized, and directed.

• Assists with collection of wastewater, process, solids, and effluent samples in accordance with established procedures.
• Performs basic laboratory or process-control testing after receiving appropriate training and instruction.
• Assists with cleaning, calibration, and care of laboratory, process-control, and field-testing equipment.

• Completes assigned operating logs, inspection forms, equipment readings, maintenance records, chemical-use records, and other routine documentation.
• Maintains accurate and legible records and reports missing, unusual, or questionable information to supervisory personnel.

• Assists with preventive maintenance, lubrication, equipment inspections, and minor repairs under direction.
• Uses hand tools and power tools appropriate to assigned work after receiving required training.
• Reports equipment deficiencies, leaks, unusual noises, odors, vibration, or other abnormal conditions.

• Assists with chemical and supply deliveries as assigned.
• Handles, transfers, and stores treatment chemicals and operational supplies only after receiving required training and while following established safety procedures.
• Maintains clean and orderly chemical and supply storage areas.

• Cleans and maintains tanks, clarifiers, filters, channels, equipment, buildings, work areas, and facility grounds.
• Performs routine housekeeping and grounds maintenance including mowing, trimming, washing, sweeping, and general cleanup.
• Safely operates mowers, lawn equipment, skid steers, utility vehicles, and other equipment after receiving appropriate training and authorization.

• Assists qualified staff during equipment failures, power interruptions, high-flow events, severe weather, process upsets, and other abnormal or emergency conditions.
• Immediately reports alarms, spills, equipment failures, unsafe conditions, or other unusual events to supervisory personnel.
• Follows emergency response procedures and supervisor direction.