Water Reclamation Operator

POSITION SUMMARY

Under general supervision the Water Reclamation Operator will perform work of moderate difficulty on an assigned shift in the operation of pumps, valves, engines, treatment processes and other equipment in the Water Reclamation Plant; performs related duties as required.

• Responsible on an assigned shift for monitoring and adjusting instrumentation systems associated with an activated sludge treatment process, lift stations and related functions located outside of the Water Reclamation Plant.
• Starts and regulates, both manually and using computer equipment, the operation of electric motors, pumps, valves, engines, samplers, bar screens and emergency stand-by equipment which control the flow of municipal and industrial sewage, sludge, gases and chemicals.
• Controls the feeding and assures the constant flow of chemicals into the treatment process through adjustments in valves, filling bins, changing tanks or computer equipment as needed.
• Adjusts and controls flow of sewage, air and return sludge generated through everyday and emergency conditions (including combined sewer overflow) by coordinating regulation through computer equipment and manual operations; assists in the training of new operators.
• Checks oil levels of engines, gear boxes, air compressors, blowers, etc.
• Lubricates bearings; cleans meters, gauges and probes.
• Inspects valves and equipment to detect leaks and other malfunctions and makes necessary adjustments to correct deficiencies and restore normal operations.
• Performs preventive maintenance as required at assigned work locations; exercises standard and emergency equipment.
• Checks for alarms on each shift.
• Makes calculations as needed to determine and distribute flow of sewage according to conditions and specifications.
• Reads meters, gauges, charts, graphs, and schematics; monitors river and weather conditions.
• Obtains samples throughout the treatment process and conducts certain analyses (such as pH, dissolved oxygen, chlorine residual, temperature, etc.) of samples; monitors and records pressures, temperatures, flow rates and other data.
• Completes chain of custody sheets for samples.
• Maintains logs of all activities that take place on shifts.
• Submits work order requests to supervisor for Water Reclamation equipment repair as needed.
• Performs maintenance duties in connection with the cleanliness and maintenance of the Water Reclamation Plant.
• Cleans up spills as needed.
• loads, unloads, and dumps trucks or trailers as required (which may involve using an overhead crane or forklift).

Knowledge of:

• The operation of wastewater treatment facilities and equipment.
• Maintenance of wastewater treatment facilities and equipment.
• Hazards and safety precautions of the work.
• Operation of computerized process control equipment.
• Basic chemistry, math and hydraulics.

Skill in:

• Oral and written communication.
• Using basic hand tools
• Following written and oral instructions.
• Recordkeeping.
• Handling chemicals and raw sewage.
• Mechanical skills.
• Operating a computer.

Ability to:

• Work with individuals of diverse backgrounds.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with subordinates, peers, superiors, vendor representatives and clients.

• Graduation from high school or General Educational Development (GED) tests equivalency
• A Class I Wastewater Treatment Professional Operator Certification issued by the State of Ohio EPA

OR

• Designation as an operator in training (OIT) by the State of Ohio after passing the Class I Wastewater Treatment Certification exam.

• An individual with an equivalent license from another state must obtain reciprocity from the State of Ohio EPA before their application will be considered.
• An individual designated as an operator in training (OIT) by the State of Ohio must apply for a Class I Wastewater Treatment Certified Operator license within three (3) months after achieving the minimum experience required for the license.
• Position assignment may require the possession of a State of Ohio driver’s license.