Waste/Water Treatment Operator

Under the general supervision of the Foreman

• Starts, stops, and adjusts the operation of all equipment as necessary for proper operation of the waste treatment plant and the domestic and cooling water treatment plants.
• At the water treatment plant:
  • Collects samples.
  • Runs prescribed chemical tests such as hardness, pH, turbidity, sludge percent chlorine residual, etc.
  • Adjusts equipment as indicated by test results to maintain prescribed quality of water.
  • Calculates daily consumption of water, chemicals, dosages, etc.
• At the waste treatment plant:
  • Pumps sludge at prescribed intervals.
  • Collects and composites waste water samples from influent and effluent flows as directed.
  • Runs prescribed operational tests on samples including residual chlorine, pH, slide %, suspended solids, B.O.D. samples, etc.
  • Calculates daily flow of lab water.
  • Cleans sand filters and sludge beds periodically.
• At both plants:
  • Makes inspections, takes readings, checks operating equipment periodically for proper control of the process, and cleans filters as necessary.
  • Records analyzed results, hourly equipment readings, operational and test data, etc., on daily and weekly log sheet.
  • Fills chemical hoppers, day tanks, etc., changes chlorine cylinders and moves chemical skiploads as necessary.
  • Does facility housekeeping of assigned areas and cleans laboratory equipment.
  • Performs miscellaneous related duties as assigned.

Position Requirements

• Basic knowledge of mechanical systems including pumping equipment operation is required.
• 1-3 years related experience in operating water treatment equipment and certification as an IEPA water systems operator or wastewater treatment operator is desired.
• Good knowledge and use of a PC are required.
• Ability to work in a team environment.
• Good skills in oral and written communications.
• Ability to work weekend and shift work.
• Complies with all Laboratory and Division Environmental Safety and Health (ES&H) policies, work rules, and safe work practices.

Specific Duties

• Performs routine inspections and readings for proper operation.
• Collects daily samples.
• Performs prescribed chemical tests such as hardness, pH, turbidity, sludge percent chlorine residual, etc. and records analyzed results.
• Adjusts equipment as indicated by test results to maintain prescribed quality of water.
• Calculates and records daily consumption and flow of water, chemicals, dosages, etc.
• Pumps and processes sludge at prescribed intervals.
• Collects wastewater samples from influent and effluent flows as directed.
• Performs prescribed operational tests on samples including residual chlorine, pH, slide %, suspended solids, and B.O.D. samples and records analyzed results.
• Cleans sand filters and sludge beds periodically.

Requirements

Basic knowledge of mechanical systems including pumping equipment operation is required. 1-3 years related experience in operating water treatment equipment and certification as an IEPA water systems operator or wastewater treatment operator is desired. Good knowledge and use of a PC are required. Ability to work in a team environment. Good skills in oral and written communications. Ability to work weekend and shift work. Complies with all Laboratory and Division Environmental Safety and Health (ES&H) policies, work rules, and safe work practices.