Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator

About YCUA

The Ypsilanti Community Utilities Authority (YCUA) was formed in 1974 when the Charter Township of Ypsilanti and the City of Ypsilanti combined their respective water departments. YCUA has grown to become a regional provider of water and/or wastewater services to portions of eastern Washtenaw and western Wayne Counties. The estimated population within the YCUA service area is about 328,000 people.

Wastewater Treatment Plant Operators perform a variety of tasks related to the operation and maintenance of wastewater treatment facilities, including but not limited to monitoring wastewater systems for safe and efficient operation, recordkeeping, sampling, equipment cleaning, preventative maintenance, facility maintenance and repair, and miscellaneous custodial duties.

• Operation and control of the flow and processing of wastewater and its byproducts
• Monitor gauges, meters and controls and adjustment as necessary
• Operate valves, pumps, engines, generators and SCADA (Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition) to control and adjust flows during the treatment process
• Make rounds to inspect and monitor various wastewater treatment facilities and equipment
• Responsible for detecting possible equipment malfunctions and taking appropriate response actions
• Maintain necessary logs, records, and reports as required
• Perform lab tests
• Perform custodial duties
• Must fulfill the departmental overtime requirements
• Perform other related duties as required

• H.S. Diploma or GED required
• Passing score on Wastewater Plant Operator test required
• Valid Michigan Driver’s License required
• Must obtain a Class D Wastewater Treatment Operator license within 24 months of completing qualifying period, with no less than the first three eligible testing opportunities allowed by the State of Michigan (all three available testing opportunities must be completed when offered)
• Knowledge of elementary principles of chemistry, biology, and hydraulics preferred
• Mechanical ability necessary to analyze, monitor, and repair equipment
• Ability to follow directives accurately and thoroughly and work without close supervision
• Skill in organizing self and others, and ability to self-start in discharging responsibilities
• Ability to clearly communicate procedures, problems, and policies with fellow employees and the public in a tactful and courteous manner
• Ability to perform manual labor; ability to work in adverse environmental, extreme weather and field conditions