Water Plant Operator, Lead - Columbia Canal Water Plant

WATER PLANT OPERATOR, LEAD - COLUMBIA CANAL WATER PLANT

112

$53,449.00 - 68,147.50

APPLICATION DEADLINE: 7/29/2024

JOB SUMMARY

This position performs skilled technical and manual work in the daily operation of the City's wastewater treatment plant; provides instruction and leadership of lower-level operators as assigned; to prepare and maintain required records and reports; and performs related work as required. The incumbent works within a general outline of work to be performed, and develops work methods and sequences under general supervision.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

• Provides direct supervision of wastewater plant operators engaged in monitoring and performing all daily plant operations to achieve compliance and maximum efficiency of operations;

• Inspects equipment and processes to determine efficiency of operations, maintenance requirements, and cleanliness;

• Troubleshoots technical and mechanical problems; initiates corrective action as necessary;

• Monitors and records readings from meters, gauges and instruments;

• Starts up, shuts down, regulates and adjusts motors, pumps, compressors, grinders, blowers, valves and other apparatus to meet changing operating conditions;

• Adjusts chemical rates as needed and approved;

• Orders chemicals and supplies as needed; unloads delivery trucks;

• Cleans and maintains assigned vehicles and equipment;

• Advises and consults with appropriate WWTP staff on unusual operational issues and/or the need for adjustments/repairs of equipment that may potentially affect compliance and/or efficiency with respect to the overall process control of the WWTP;

• Provides assistance to the Assistant WWTP Superintendent with plant safety and other work related programs;

• Assists in ensuring plant compliance with City/department policies and procedures, SCDHEC regulations, and all other applicable laws, regulations, and standards of quality and safety;

• May temporarily assume duties and responsibilities as assigned in the absence of the Wastewater Plant Chief Operator;

• Provides instruction and leadership of assigned crew members; reviews work for completeness and accuracy. Supervises assigned lower-level operators: duties include scheduling, instructing, assigning, training, reviewing work, maintaining standards, coordinating activities, allocating personnel, acting on employee problems, and recommending and implementing employee discipline. Offers advice and assistance as needed;

• Performs all duties in accordance with applicable policies, procedures, regulations, and standards of quality and safety;

• Prepares and maintains accurate and complete work records;

• Completes special projects as assigned;

• Performs general clerical work as required, including preparing records and reports, completing forms, copying and filing documents, entering and retrieving computer data, answering the telephone, etc.;

• Attends meetings, training, seminars, etc., as appropriate to enhance job knowledge and skills;

• May be required to work nights, weekends and/or holidays;

• Serves on call 24 hours per day to ensure uninterrupted service for customers; and

• Performs other related duties as assigned.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS TO PERFORM WORK:

• High school diploma or GED;

• Three (3) years of relevant prior experience;

• Valid South Carolina Class "D" Driver's License;

• Class "A" Biological Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator license;

• Will be required to demonstrate competency and complete the necessary requirements in the Apprenticeship Program for Wastewater Plant Operators.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Knowledge of basic algebra involving variables and formulas and/or basic geometry involving plane and solid figures, circumferences, areas and volumes. Requires using mathematics involving the practical application of fractions, percentages, ratios and proportions; or measurements, logarithmic or geometric construction;

• Knowledge of personal computer equipment with skill in the use of Microsoft Office, utilizing Outlook, word processing, and spreadsheet software programs preferred;

• Ability to coordinate or determine time, place or sequence of operations or activities based on analysis of data or information and may implement and report on operations and activities;

• Ability to provide information, guidance or assistance to people to directly facilitate task accomplishment; may give directions or assignments to helpers or assistants;

• Ability to lead, operate or repair complex machinery or equipment that requires extended training and experience, such as wastewater plant equipment, or the application of complex software or systems; may involve installation and testing;

• Ability to perform coordinating work involving guidelines and rules, with constant problem-solving;

• Ability to read technical instructions, regulations, procedures, manuals and charts to solve practical problems; composing routine reports and specialized reports, forms and business letters with proper format; speaking compound sentences using normal grammar and word form;

• Ability to perform specialized technical or entry-level professional work requiring general understanding of operating policies and procedures and their application to problems not previously encountered; application of specialized technical or professional principles and practices or the use of a wide range of administrative methods in the solution of problems; requires normal attention with periods of concentration for accurate results and occasional exposure to unusual pressure; and

• Ability to guide others, requiring frequent decisions affecting co-workers and others who depend on the service or product; works in a somewhat fluid environment with rules and procedures but with many variations from the routine.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

The work is considered heavy in nature and involves walking, standing, stooping, crouching, crawling, reaching and constantly lifting, pushing or raising objects exerting between 35 and 50 pounds of force on a recurring basis and 100 pounds of force on a frequent basis. The work requires the following physical abilities to perform the essential job functions: balancing, climbing, crawling, crouching, fingering, handling, hearing, kneeling, lifting, mental acuity, pulling, pushing, reaching, repetitive motion, speaking, standing, stooping, talking, visual acuity, and walking.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

Work environment may involve exposure to bright/dim light, dusts and pollen, extreme heat and/or cold, wet or humid conditions, extreme noise levels, vibration, fumes and/or noxious odors, moving machinery, electrical shock, heights, toxic/caustic chemicals, disease / pathogens, confined spaces; and is dynamic that requires sensitivity to change and responsiveness to changing goals, priorities, and needs.