Plant Operator A - D Water Reclamation Facility

Job Summary:

Performs all necessary technical and physical functions needed to operate and maintain the wastewater treatment processes and equipment of the treatment plant under the guidance and direction of the Wastewater Treatment Manager and Lead Plant Operator.

The Salary and hiring ranges are as follows:

• Plant Operator A: Hiring Range is $38.60 to $46.32 per hour. Salary Range is $38.60 to $54.04.
• Plant Operator B: Hiring Range is $34.46 to $41.35 per hour. Salary Range is $34.46 to $48.25.
• Plant Operator C: Hiring Range is $30.77 to $36.92 per hour. Salary Range is $30.77 to $43.08.
• Plant Operator D: Hiring Range is $25.05 to $29.43 per hour. Salary Range is $25.05 to $33.82.

Salary ranges are determined based on qualifications and experience. Applicants must hold at least a State of Colorado Class D Wastewater Operator Certification.

This position will remain open until filled. The initial review of applications and selection for interviews will begin two weeks after the posting date.

A current resume is required, and a cover letter is preferred.

Please view our video Working at Loveland to learn more about our exceptional Loveland community and the benefits of working for the City.

Our ideal candidate has a background that demonstrates sound water treatment plant practices in all areas, is an exceptional communicator, and is comfortable working independently and with a team. Operators work variable and rotating hours, including evening and weekend shifts.

Essential Job Functions:

• Operate the plant in accordance with state and federal water quality regulations. Maintain a working familiarity with the plant NPDES permit and pending regulatory changes.

• Maintains the appropriate level Colorado Wastewater Treatment Plant Operators' Certification and updates job knowledge as necessary.

• Control and monitor mechanical, microbiological, and chemical wastewater treatment processes. This includes the following:

• Utilize Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) instrumentation and direct observation to continuously monitor and interpret data transmitted from local and remote equipment locations. Use SCADA information, plant schematics, and O&M manuals to identify, locate, and resolve treatment problems.

• Utilize phase contrast microscope for analysis of process microorganism species.

• Assist Lead Operator in making appropriate process changes based on data and treatment goals.

• Perform routine laboratory analyses and adjusts treatment processes based on laboratory results.

• Load, unload, and regulate treatment chemicals and supplies.

• Assist maintenance staff in joint maintenance/operations activities. Utilize preventative maintenance program software in conjunction with maintenance activities.

• Perform preliminary troubleshooting of equipment problems and prepares equipment for work requiring more extensive repair.

• Assist in maintaining facilities and property, including cleaning and upkeep of process buildings and equipment.

• Maintain and troubleshoot automatic samplers and laboratory equipment.

• Maintain logs and records of plant data, including entering and retrieving data on a personal computer.

• Operate wastewater facility and systems consistent with energy efficiency goals.

• Monitor electrical power, natural gas, propane, and other resource usage and strives to minimize consumption while maintaining wastewater treatment permit compliance mandates.

• Remain alert to conditions and events occurring at the Wastewater Treatment Plant indicating anticipated or needed maintenance and repair. Assist in and performs troubleshooting of plant processes to improve overall treatment efficiency and quality.

• Assist in maintaining a clean and safe work environment, including monitoring work in progress to pinpoint hazards.

• Conduct job duties with a continuing awareness of the environmental implications of decisions and a focus on providing municipal services in a sustainable manner.

• Operator A: Regulate, calibrate, and/or adjusts preliminary treatment process, clarifiers, activated sludge system including all subsystems, anaerobic digesters, dewatering process, chemical feeders, pumps, and valves to control liquid stream and solids stream treatment processes.

• Operator A: Perform duties as necessary to act as Lead Plant Operator during absences of the Lead Plant Operator May act as Operator in Responsible Charge (ORC), as mandated by Colorado State Certification Board and City of Loveland WWTP Operating Plan.

• Operator A and B: Train and assist less experienced staff as needed with operation of the treatment plant.

• Complete special projects as assigned.

Other Job Functions:

• Plan for, practice, and respond to emergencies including but not limited to power outages, chemical spills, and equipment failures.
• Provide first response troubleshooting of equipment and processes when emergencies arise.
• Arrange for and provide coverage for the Stand-by operator during times of unattended operation, Communicates operational information to management team.
• Take proper safety precautions to prevent accidents. Responsible for the safety of self, others, materials, and equipment. Uses all required safety equipment and follows all safety regulations, policies and procedures. Report all accidents and damage to city property. Understand and comply with all city and department policies; participates in professional trainings and development; and adheres to attendance and workplace attire policies.
• Operator A-B: Serve on various plant committees and projects such as safety, emergency response, plant design review, and treatment optimization studies.
• Operator A-B: Assist with the development of the annual operations work plan. Assists in formulating and updating standard plant and process operating procedures including development and implementation of safety related procedures and programs.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Qualifications:

Education:

• Required: High School or GED

Experience:

• Operator A: 4 Years Specialized training or education in treatment plant operation.
• Operator B: 3 Years Specialized training or education in treatment plant operation.
• Operator C: 2 Years Specialized training or education in treatment plant operation.
• Operator D: 1 Year Specialized training or education in treatment plant operation.

Certifications:

• Required: State of Colorado Class D Wastewater Operator Certification (minimum).

• Operator A: Must obtain and maintain a State of Colorado Class A Wastewater Operator Certification.

• Operator B: Must obtain and maintain a State of Colorado Class B Wastewater Operator Certification.

• Operator C: Must obtain and maintain a State of Colorado Class C Wastewater Operator Certification.

• Operator D: Must obtain and maintain a State of Colorado Class D Wastewater Operator Certification.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Must be able to work under minimal supervision and exercise good judgment.
• Possess good verbal and written communication skills, and good problem-solving skills.
• Detailed knowledge of methods, equipment and procedures used in wastewater analysis.
• Thorough experience and knowledge of SCADA and HMI systems.
• Knowledge of mathematics, sciences and regulatory standards relative to wastewater discharge standards for the City's NPDES discharge permit and / or water quality standards
• Assimilate and interpret scientific data as required for the methodologies utilized.
• Effectively train personnel in operations and lab procedures and techniques orally and in writing.
• Perform all instrument calibrations, sampling and testing procedures, such as turbidity, pH, settle meter, dissolved oxygen, alkalinity, TIN (Total Inorganic Nitrogen), ammonia, phosphorus, etc. used in wastewater treatment.
• Must have knowledge of wastewater construction, rehabilitation, specifications and safety practices.
• Understand design/construction drawings and provide review comments and discussions with Water and Power staff, engineers, and contractors.
• Perform flow, dosage, loading and other applicable calculations manually.
• Maintain effective working relations with co-workers and supervisor.
• Work variable and rotating hours, including evening and weekend shifts.
• Hazardous chemical or emergency response experience.
• Experience in collection system operations and/or cogeneration operation.

Physical Demands and Working Conditions:

• Frequent: Light to moderate physical effort that includes frequent standing or walking or maintaining arms and hands in the same position for repetitive tasks. Frequently works with light objects and light hand tools.

Working Environment:

• Occasional: Exposure to hazards that are predictable or well protected against
• Frequent: Exposure to heat and noise along with working outside in the elements.

Additional Working Demands / Conditions:

Incumbent is subject to call-back work and must be capable of responding to emergency situations upon short notice. Mandatory duty rotation will include after-hour and weekend work and incumbent must be able to make competent decisions while on duty. May be required to be available by cellular phone 7 days a week. Incumbent must be able to respond within 30-minutes to the Water Reclamation Facility at 920 S Boise Ave when called.

• Available to work nights, weekends, holidays, and various 10-hour shifts as determined by the Lead Operator. Current shifts are 5:00 am to 3:30 pm, with a 7:00 am to 5:30 pm rotation after probationary period.
• Required to work various shifts including nights and weekends as needed.

This job description is not designed to contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee.

Benefit Eligible Benefits Package Includes:

• Two (2) Medical plans, Dental, Vision (for self/ spouse/ children)
• A Dedicated, exclusive Employee Health and Wellness Center
• Discounted Chilson Center passes
• Paid vacation, holidays, floating holidays, and medical leave
• Flexible spending including Dependent Care
• Life Insurance, AD&D, Short-term and Long-term disability, and voluntary Critical Illness Coverage
• Retirement 401a, 457, Roth (pre-& post tax) and company match
• A Comprehensive Employee Assistance Program
• Voluntary 529 College Invest program
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Employee Referral Program
• Personal and Professional Development opportunities
• Employee Recognition Program
• Exceptional work-life balance
• Market based pay & regular performance reviews
• Local Government employment is eligible for Public Loan Forgiveness Program

Reasonable accommodation will be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

City of Loveland job descriptions are designed to describe the general nature and level of work necessary to perform well in the job; they are not intended to provide an exhaustive list of responsibilities, skills, and qualifications. City of Loveland job descriptions may be updated periodically, and additional activities, duties or responsibilities may be assigned by management as deemed appropriate.

The City of Loveland provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, genetic information, age, or any other status protected under federal, state, and/or local law.

The City of Loveland participates in E-Verify. In accordance with E-Verify requirements, upon your date of hire the City of Loveland will provide the federal government with your Form I-9 information to confirm that you are authorized to work in the U.S. E-Verify Notice of Participation. Learn more about your right to work. Visit E-Verify.gov for more information.

Employment offers will be conditional on the successful completion of a criminal history background check and driving record.