Water Reclamation Worker

The Water Reclamation Worker is a non-exempt, entry-level position that reports to the Assistant WWTP Superintendent.  The Water Reclamation Worker receives training to develop the knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform a wide variety of unskilled and semi-skilled duties and tasks supporting the operation of the Water Reclamation Facility. Duties and tasks include equipment and plant operation, mechanical maintenance, the safe and effective operation of vehicles, biosolids treatment and handling, janitorial maintenance, laboratory cleanup, data entry and basic treatment process control sampling and testing.

This job description is an overview and is intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed.  It is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all the functions and tasks required of the position.

SALARY RANGE/CAREER ADVANCEMENT:

Candidates will be hired at the level determined by their Colorado Wastewater Facility Operator Class Certification.  Advancement is dependent on candidates' ability to progress to higher certification levels.  Additionally, step increases within each listed range occur on a yearly basis.

Water Reclamation Worker: $40,667 - $51,107

• Entry level

Water Reclamation Worker I: $44,288 - $55,351

• Requires A State of Colorado Wastewater Facility Operator class "D" certification or higher, or an equivalent wastewater treatment certification from another state

Water Reclamation Worker II: $45,887 - $57,384

• Requires a state of Colorado Wastewater Facility Operator class "C" certification or higher

• Requires at least one year of experience at a wastewater treatment facility

Wastewater Operator B: $49,944 - $62,802

• Requires a State of Colorado Wastewater Facility Operator class "B" certification or higher

• Requires at least two years of experience at a wastewater treatment facility

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Assists with plant maintenance and operation as directed

• Assists with process control testing, sampling and biosolids drying bed operations

• Handles dangerous process chemicals including solid and liquid forms of chlorine and ferric chloride

• Uses common hands tools, portable power tools,) respirators and confined space safety equipment

• Enters permit-required confined spaces to perform inspection, maintenance, or repair of equipment or vessels

• Removes and handles process residuals such as screenings, grit, scum and biosolids

• Cleans tanks, launders, and other process vessels and equipment

• Communicates with others verbally and in written reports and forms

• Operates loaders, trucks, tractors, semi-tractor/trailer and biosolids handling equipment

• Operates trucks and other heavy equipment on public roads

• Performs minor maintenance on light and heavy vehicles including spare tire installations, cleaning, fueling, oiling, and lamp replacement

• Performs vehicle pre-trip inspections in accordance with the State and City policies

• Performs a wide variety of maintenance tasks including janitorial maintenance

• Maintains building ventilation filters and screens

• Inspects plant lighting systems and replaces fluorescent and incandescent lamps

• Removes snow from walks and facility roads using shovels and other motorized equipment

• Paints buildings, process equipment and piping

• Performs landscape maintenance and gardening, including the operation of motorized lawn mowers, weed mowers and lawn/farm tractors

• Ability to preform all the job duties in a safe manner 

IMPORTANT FUNCTIONS:

• May perform the duties of similar classifications of equal or lower pay grade

• May be required to clean basic lab-ware and other laboratory equipment to laboratory quality control standards

• May be required to enter data into a computer using Microsoft Office products or similar programs

• Typically performs many of the duties of a Maintenance Mechanic

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

This position requires moderate to heavy physical work which must be performed with or without accommodations, including:

• Heavy lifting of up to 50 pounds is an essential function of this position

• The individual must comply with respiratory protection equipment fit standards by maintaining shaved facial hair within and near the interface of the mask-to-face seal for full-face masks and half-face respirators

• Requires good hearing to communicate with other staff members, hear audible alarms and listen to equipment to detect possible problems

• The incumbent must be able to perform a full range of body movements and manual dexterity to inspect and maintain facility equipment including pipes, valves, motors, pumps, and electrical system components; operate and adjust equipment or controls; perform data entry work on a computer; drive City vehicles; and perform other essential functions

The Water Reclamation Worker shall possess the following knowledge, skills and abilities:

• Ability to conduct basic process control sampling and testing

• Ability to operate heavy equipment including semi-tractor/trailers on public roads

• Ability to lift objects weighing up to 50 pounds, climb and work from ladders and scaffolds, climb stairs conduct walking inspections

• Knowledge of and ability to perform simple mechanical tasks

• Knowledge of and ability to use common hand tools

• Knowledge of and ability to make minor repairs to plant equipment

• Ability to complete forms and keep records

• Ability to communicate effectively

• Ability to understand and perform mathematical calculations related to wastewater treatment including algebra-level math to calculate areas, volumes, flow rates, and loading rates

• Ability to follow and comply with all safety procedures, directions and standards

• Ability to use Personal Protective Equipment effectively

• Knowledge of basic janitorial maintenance skills

• Skill to perform data entry at moderate speeds, and use a computerized system to query for information

• Knowledge of Microsoft Office products and;

• Ability to work successfully with and provide good customer service to supervisors, other City employees, the public and other agencies and organizations

The Water Reclamation Worker shall possess the following minimum qualifications in addition to the knowledge, skills and abilities listed above:

• A high school diploma or its G.E.D. equivalent;

• A valid driver's license at the time of application, and a valid Colorado driver's license within 30 days of employment

• License restrictions that may hinder your ability to drive on City business, such as an interlock, will be cause for disqualification

• During the course of employment, a valid license must be maintained, and the employee must notify the City immediately upon changes to the status of their license

• A minimum of six (6) months verifiable experience operating a computer using Microsoft Office products. An equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered and;

• A minimum of six (6) months verifiable experience performing algebra-level mathematical calculations.  An equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered.

A State of Colorado Wastewater Facility Operator Class "D" certification or higher, or an equivalent wastewater treatment certification from another state and a Colorado Class "A" Commercial Driver's License or an equivalent certification from another state are preferred.

In addition to the meeting the minimum qualifications at the time of application, within six months of appointment the employee must:

• Upgrade and convert the Colorado driver's license to a Colorado Commercial Class "A" Driver's License, if needed; and

• Obtain a State of Colorado Wastewater Facility Operator Class "D" Certification or higher and/or convert the certification from another state to a State of Colorado Wastewater Facility Operator Class "D" Certification or higher, if needed.

SPECIAL CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT:

This position may be exposed to noise, moving parts, heights, dangerous chemicals and conditions, disease, extreme weather, and other dangerous conditions.  This position must be willing to work overtime, afternoon shift, graveyard shift, step up, holidays, weekends, be on stand-by, be called back for emergencies, and be willing and able to work in confined space locations and may be required to enter toxic atmospheres using a respirator or self-contained breathing apparatus.  This position will be required to perform heavy lifting and climbing stairs and ladders.

Knowing violation of water quality treatment standards and/or falsification of certification statements is punishable by criminal statutes.  Failure to achieve certification as Wastewater Facility Operator 'C' within three years from appointment or pass practical testing for maintenance skills within three years may result in demotion, termination, or transfer.

All required licenses and certifications listed above must be maintained throughout the term of employment.  Failure to obtain or maintain licenses and certifications will result in demotion or termination.

Due to Federal and State Criminal Justice System access requirements, classifications that access and maintain criminal justice information may also be required, as a condition of employment, to not have been convicted of and/or have pending charges of a felony or misdemeanor crime that would deny or otherwise restrict access to criminal justice information.  This requirement applies to all existing City employees as well as external candidates seeking to fill positions that meet the given criteria.

BENEFITS:        

The City of Pueblo offers a very rich benefits packet!  Click on the "Benefits" hyperlink at the top of this (online) job posting to view a summary of the benefits associated with this position.   For a more comprehensive view on the lush benefits offered by the City, please go to www.pueblo.us/benefits.

CIVIL SERVICE EXAM:        August 6, 2024

Please note that the Civil Service Commission may use a Training & Experience (T&E) evaluation of your application to establish an eligibility list for this classification.