Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator

Description

Under general supervision, this position assists in the operation of a major segment of the wastewater treatment plant during an assigned shift; which includes operation, maintenance and cleaning of the facility. Receives training and instruction in the operation of equipment; reads gauges and records data; lubricates and operates pumps and equipment; cleans storm screen and grit chambers; may operate vacuum filter system and performs custodial tasks throughout the facility.

Examples of Duties

Operates a computerized Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition System (SCADA) to monitor the flow and processing of wastewater, biosolids and effluent.

Monitors wastewater treatment and biosolids processing equipment such as pumps, motors, air compressors, blowers, thickeners, valves and gates.

Monitors control panels and computer terminals; makes adjustments or changes manually or by remote control to regulate flow of wastewater.

Monitors and controls the application and supply of chemicals, dissolved oxygen or other materials to the treatment and processing of sewage and sludge.

Observes variations in operating conditions; logs and interprets readings from computer, meters, gauges, charts and instruments; observes and reports variations in visual appearance, sound or smells.

Maintains legible, accurate records and logs of shift operations.

Ensures efficient operation of pumps and chemical treatment equipment.

Monitors screening and grit removal systems for proper operation; rakes material collected in the screen and grit removal roll-off containers to insure proper filling of the containers; notifies Wastewater Treatment Plant supervisor or Wastewater Sludge operator when roll-offs need to be emptied; maintain the areas around the screens and grit removal systems.

Notifies Maintenance Mechanic or Wastewater Treatment Plant Supervisor of mechanical failures or defects; assists in the repair of machinery and equipment.

Prepares maintenance requests; performs minor equipment maintenance including lubrication and light painting.

May use hand tools and grease guns in the performance of some job duties.

Cleans work areas including stairs, equipment, floors and conveyor belts; picks-up trash and performs other custodial duties as necessary; perform various grounds maintenance duties as required.

Train new or less experienced operators on operational duties.

Answers telephones and responds to requests for information or assistance from employees, officials, and the public.

Collects wastewater and sludge samples and may perform process control lab testing.

Investigates and acknowledges alarms throughout the wastewater treatment facility; notifies maintenance personnel to respond to alarms as necessary.

Performs a variety of duties in response to power outage emergencies; responds to power outages by properly resetting, restarting and bringing systems essential to proper plant operations back on-line.

Monitors chemical inventories and notifies management when inventories need to be replenished.

Performs other duties as assigned within the scope of the job.

Typical Qualifications

Requires possession of a valid Class "D" Illinois Vehicle Operator's License or an equivalent license issued by the employee's state of residence.

Requires, as a condition of employment to possess or obtain a Class 4 IEPA Wastewater Treatment Certification within two (2) years of hire.

Requires knowledge, skill and mental development equivalent to completion of four (4) years of high school or GED with some experience in a wastewater treatment plant preferred.

Requires ability to learn the operation of wastewater treatment equipment.

Requires ability to read meters and charts and maintain accurate operating records and data.

Requires ability to perform manual labor.

Ability to maintain plant operations within established standards.

Knowledge of standard practices and procedures used in wastewater treatment and sludge processing.

Knowledge of SCADA systems and characteristics of plant machinery.

Ability to inspect machinery and equipment.

Follow safety rules and procedures as well as SDS guidelines including wearing required PPE.

Troubleshoot operational problems as they arise; working alone or with other operators, maintenance staff, Wastewater Treatment Supervisor correct discovered problems.

Ability to communicate effectively in verbal and written form.

Ability to operate a computer, tablet, and related electronic devices with appropriate training.

Ability to maintain effective working relationships with employees, contractors, vendors, and the general public.

Ability to work various shifts including nights, weekends, holidays, and overtime as assigned. Must also be available to respond to emergency situations 24 hours a day if necessary.

Ability to work independently with limited supervision.

Requires knowledge of the geographical area in the City of Rock Island.

Assists in the general maintenance and housekeeping of City owned property and buildings.

Requires ability to operate vehicles skillfully and safely; observes safe driving practices.

Requires ability perform work in a variety of weather conditions.

Comply with established safety standards and rules including the use of safety equipment, personal protective equipment and other devices and procedures necessary for protection.

Selected candidates must meet a residency requirement, which includes living in the state of Illinois and must report within 60 minutes after being called into work for an overtime assignment.

Supplemental Information

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk or hear; frequently required to sit; and occasionally required to stand, walk and reach with hands and arms.

The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds and requires ability to tolerate extremes of weather. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus.

The employee is occasionally exposed to fumes or airborne particles, toxic or caustic chemicals and risk of electrical shock. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate

Environmental Conditions: The work is performed inside and/or outside and includes being exposed to extreme cold, extreme heat, noise, vibration, mechanical hazards, electrical hazards, chemical hazards, atmospheric conditions that affect the respiratory system or skin and oils, may work in confined spaces, darkness or poor lighting conditions, trenches, and/or isolation.