Waste Water Operator- (1st Shift)

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Operates and maintains treatment facility for neutralization, metal precipitation, complexed metals removal in the form of Zinc.
• Treats and disposes of sludge generated by treatment processes.
• Tests grab samples for Zinc every 2 hours.
• Performs an imhoff test every two hours.
• Checks levels of reagent tanks.
• Reads and records turbidity meter readings in the daily log (PC 1 only).
• Cleans turbidity meter once a day.
• Collects readings for the high and low set points on the pH and ORP (PC 1 only. Rack Repair in PC 3 performs this function).
• Collects and tests 24 hour composite sample to check for metal concentrations.
• Makes any chemical changes and/or adjustments necessary to ensure compliance with EPA standards (or city’s standards -- whichever is greater).
• Cleans and calibrates probes once per shift.
• Performs assignments from the daily check list once per shift.
• Fills out Statistical Process Control Charts (SPC) as required.
• Checks bulk caustic and bulk sulfuric acid once a week.
• Responds to any imbalances in WWT system, including malfunction of chemical metering pumps, pH/ORP probes and changes in chemistry applications.
• Recharges DI unit as needed (PC 3 only)
• Performs nickel recovery test;
• Blow down sand filter three times per week: Monday, Wednesday and Friday.
• Checks rectifier for the EP pots – power is set according to the number of pots in the system.
• On Tuesday – pots are pumped, cleaned and refilled with new solution.
• On Saturday – pots are pumped and refilled.
• Once a shift – check that rectifier is set correctly, pots are working OK and pots are filled with chrome solution to correct level – add chrome solution as needed.
• Tests PPM (parts per million) and pH on both nickel rinse (r-l) and the product from the NRU once per shift.
• Makes up or requests nickel reagents for testing.
• Visually checks the sprays on the chrome rinses and adjusts metering valve to keep rinses clean.
• Tests for iron once per week in the evaporator.
• Cleans and empties the filter press that separates and dries the sludge. Duties include, but are not limited to:
• Distributes sludge evenly into the hopper for later removal.
• Replace filter press cloth when needed.
• Arranges for the removal of this sludge as needed.
• Checks moisture balance each time filter press is cleaned.
• Acid clean filter press once per week - rotate shifts.
• 1st shift operator - send out a sample of sludge for analysis when the hopper is half-full.
• Orders chemicals and supplies as needed (1st shift only).
• Checks emergency shower and hazardous waste areas once a week (1st shift only).
• In charge of UPS mailings and recording, weighing and logging of mailing slips (PC 1 only).
• Records daily activities and readings in assigned logs.
• Computer input of chemical usage (PC 3 only).
• Cleans up all chemical spills or hazardous waste immediately and cleans up all water on floors.
• Maintains a clean and safe work environment at all times.

Other Job Duties

• Other job duties as assigned by the supervisor.

Training Requirements

• Statistical Process Control, on-the-job training with a test given at the end of the training period.

Typical Machines and Equipment Involved

• General lab equipment (i.e., hot plate, spectrophotometer, and moisture determination balance machine), pumps, mixers, monitor control panel, filter press and filter press auger (PC 1 only).

Tools and Gages

• Mechanical tools, pH and ORP meters, barrel pumps, hand cart and lift table.

Typical Products Involved

• Nickel, chrome, acids, caustics, reducing agents and chemical waste sludge.

Method of Job Assignment

• Verbal and written.

Qualifications

• Ability to learn Statistical Process Control.
• Math, basic wet chemistry and problem solving ability are helpful.
• Mechanical and plumbing aptitude definitely a plus.

Physical Demands

• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is required to do essential tasks including, but not limited to: Carrying, Cleaning, Climbing, Coordination (eye/hand), Hearing, Holding, Pulling and Pushing, Reading, Raking*, Reaching, Responding, Seeing, Speaking, Stooping, Standing, Turning Pages and Dials, Typing/Keyboard*, Walking and Writing.

Non-Essential Physical Tasks

• Bending, Collating, Coordination (hand/foot), Dialing, Driving (high lift), Filing, Folding and Unfolding, Inserting, Lifting, Locking and Unlocking, Maintaining, Opening and Closing, Pounding, Scheduling, Stretching, Sorting, Sweeping, Stapling, Threading, Turning, Twisting and Weighing.

Note

• Raking essential in PC 1 only.
• Typing is essential for computer input in PC 3.

Work Environment

• Plant Water Treatment Room (area).
• Plant type environment with desk and lab combined.
• Subject to slight odor, dirt, chemicals and noise.
• Climbing required.
• Possible uncomfortable environmental temperatures at times.

Hazards

• Minor scratches, bruises, burns and skin irritations due to oils and chemicals.