Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator

Statement of Duties

On assigned shifts, responsible for the operation and maintenance of the Wastewater Treatment Plant and pumping stations and industrial pretreatment program (IPP); technical work in the planning, operation, repair, maintenance, and replacement of municipal wastewater collection and treatment systems; all other related work as required.

Works to anticipate, meet and exceed customer service expectations in a positive and professional manner.

Supervision

Works under the administrative direction of the Chief Plant Operator.

Performs highly responsible duties of both an administrative and technical nature requiring the exercise of independent judgment in the administration, operation, and maintenance of the treatment plant and pumping stations.

Job Environment

Work is generally performed under shop and pump station conditions, with exposure to outdoor weather conditions, loud noises, hazardous chemicals and toxic conditions, fumes or airborne particles, infectious disease, and electrical hazards; many functions are performed within an office setting. Required to be on call 24 hours a day on a rotating basis at the WWTF; on-call for emergencies/breakdowns/alarms/etc. and may be contacted at any time; may be required to work outside of normal business hours..

Operates an automobile, light truck, light equipment, hand and power tools such as pH meter, dissolved oxygen meter, flow meter, automatic sampler, electrical test equipment, lab equipment; operates standard office equipment.

Has frequent contact with other municipal departments, city, state, and federal officials, engineering/consulting firms, vendors, and commercial users. Has some contact with the general public. Contacts are in person, by telephone, and in writing and require discussing complex and technical subject matters.

Errors could result in lower standards of service, personal injury to self and/or others, damage to buildings and equipment, danger to public health and safety, time and monetary loss, and have significant legal and financial repercussions.

The essential functions or duties listed below are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment to the position.
On assigned rotation for operations, laboratory and maintenance.
Conducts predictive, preventative and corrective maintenance on a variety of plant and pump station equipment, machinery and instrumentation to include, bar screen/wash press, wet wells, grit removal systems, samplers, pumps, controllers, blowers, clarifiers, filters, mixers, meters, gauges, disinfection system, sludge handling/dewatering system, chemical storage, septage receiving, EQ basins, gates, valves, EOS systems and accessories of each for proper operation.
Collects samples and performs analytical tests to identify concentrations of chemical, physical or biological characteristics of wastewater required in accordance with local, state and Federal requirements; performs quality control tests on lab equipment and lab analyses; evaluates procedures and results for accuracy; assures that plant operates within required NPDES permit limits and requirements.
Monitors the performance of all equipment; conducts regular checks of the mechanical readings and conducts visual checks assuring for safety and efficient operation of equipment; records data accurately concerning plant operations; maintains accurate records of lab analysis and testing data; evaluates data and writes reports as required.
Records equipment and operational data on a computerized database and spreadsheet; has a working knowledge of the SCADA system and ability to navigate through the system.
Maintains familiarity with and executes safe work procedures associated with assigned work.
Maintains the plant and pump station areas by performing mowing, weeding, brush hogging, snow removal, painting, general janitorial and other related buildings and grounds maintenance duties, assuring for safety and beautification of facilities.
Assist the Chief and Lead operator with the Industrial Pretreatment, as required.
Maintains open communications with the Chief Operator and Lead Operators regarding the treatment process and pump station operations and malfunctions, as well as make recommendations for repairs and improvements to these systems.
Required to be on an on-call rotation to respond to after hour emergencies and breakdowns.
Ability to teach and learn from employees
Establishes and maintains effective working relationships with employees and the public.
Performs similar or related work, as required, or as situation dictates.
Attendance is an essential function of this position.

Education and Experience
High School diploma or equivalent; at least three (3) years experience in the operation
and maintenance of wastewater treatment facilities.

Special Requirements
Possession of:
New Hampshire Grade II, Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator License
New England Collection System License (Grade I)
New Hampshire Grade I Wastewater Laboratory Analyst License
Valid Drivers License

Knowledge, Ability and Skill

Knowledge: Thorough knowledge of state and federal regulations concerning municipal wastewater treatment and water quality standards. Basic knowledge of industrial waste treatment methods and sanitary sewer systems. Working knowledge of the materials, methods and techniques of wastewater treatment. General knowledge of electricity, and hydraulics. Comprehension of biology, chemistry, and physics.
Knowledge of Industrial Pretreatment Program and EPA Rules and Regulations.

Ability: Ability to communicate effectively, orally and in writing. Ability to resolve the more difficult customer service requests. Ability to interpret specific chemical and biological laboratory analyses. Ability to troubleshoot problems and improve operations. Ability to read and interpret blueprints and to run supervisory controls and data acquisition system (SCADA). Ability to use a lap top computer to access the SCADA system from a remote location.

Skill: Skill in the operation of the above listed tools and equipment. Excellent mathematical, mechanical and electrical skills. Skill in anticipating operating problems and in taking corrective actions to avoid serious malfunctioning of equipment.

Physical Requirements

Moderate to heavy physical effort required in connection with the operation and maintenance of wastewater treatment facilities and equipment. Frequent lifting in excess of 30 pounds required. Must be able to access all areas of the wastewater plant and able to walk, talk, listen stand and crouch for extended periods of time. The position has normal vision requirements including the ability to adjust focus and close and distant vision.