Wastewater Plant Operator I

Job Description

This position is responsible for performing specialized duties in the operation of a wastewater treatment plant.

Examples of Duties

• Operates equipment to control water flow and maintain proper operating levels.

• Monitors the SCADA system and adjusts treatment operations to ensure proper plant operations.

• Services, maintains, operates, and repairs facilities and equipment, including large-scale pumping devices, chemical feed systems, storage facilities, and related equipment.

• Collects samples; performs laboratory analyses to ensure that treatment facilities are operating efficiently; carries out corrective actions based on chemistry and biology of plant operations and regulatory requirements.

• Makes rounds of plants; reads gauges and meters; records readings.

• Maintains, calibrates, and repairs a variety of mechanical and electrical equipment, including pumps, motors, controllers, valves, charts, and plant instrumentation.

• Maintains chemical analysis records; prepares operations and maintenance logs, records, and reports, including required local, state, and federal reports.

• Maintains plant facilities;

• Reads and interprets plans, maps, and specifications.

• Responds to after-hours emergencies.

• Attends required training classes.

• Performs related duties.

Minimum Qualifications

• Knowledge and level of competency commonly associated with completion of specialized training in the field of work, in addition to basic skills typically associated with a high school education.

• Sufficient experience to understand the basic principles relevant to the major duties of the position, usually associated with the completion of an apprenticeship/internship or having had a similar position for one to two years.

• Possession of or ability to readily obtain a valid driver's license issued by the State of North Dakota for the type of vehicle or equipment operated.

• Wastewater Treatment Plant: Qualifications for grade increase from Grade 12 to Grade 13 for Wastewater Plant Operator II.

1.Passing of the NDDEQ testing requirements and possessing a valid Grade 02 Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator certification.

2.Obtain sufficient general understanding of all plant flows and processes.

3.Has knowledge and the ability to make all the necessary flow and chemical adjustments under normal operating conditions.

• Wastewater Treatment Plant: Qualifications for grade increase from Grade 14 to Grade 15 for Wastewater Plant Operator IV.

1.Passing of the NDDEQ testing requirements and possessing a valid Grade 04 Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator certification.

2.Under the discretion of both the Wastewater Superintendent and Supervisor, operator must display effective work behavior within the department and towards the City of Bismarck, which include the key characteristics of professionalism, leadership skills, attention to details and knowledge of standards. They must engage constructively with the work team to create a solid and positive work environment with their co-workers, taking and receiving advice, and offer productive input as appropriate.

3.Takes on additional responsibilities outside the scope of their assigned work and job description. Work examples include involvement in plant projects working together with the engineering firms, vendors, and contractors throughout the project. Stepping up and providing direction on department projects to insure completion through efficiency, quality, safety, and department policies.

4.Obtain and maintain a very good understanding of all the plant flows and processes, and has the knowledge and ability to make all necessary flow and chemical adjustments under normal and adverse operating conditions.

5.Wastewater plant operator has completed volumes 1 & 2 of Sacramento online training course.

Supplemental Information

• Knowledge of treatment principles, operations, and equipment.

• Knowledge of computers and job-related software programs.

• Knowledge of chemistry, mathematics, hydraulics, and biology and effects on treatment and processes.

• Knowledge of division and city policies and procedures and federal, state, and local laws and regulations.

• Skill in the interpretation of plans, maps, and specifications.

• Skill in the operation and maintenance of mechanical and electronic equipment.

• Skill in planning, organization, and decision making.

• Skill in thinking clearly under difficult circumstances.

• Skill in oral and written communication.