Wastewater Operator Technician

Primary Functions And Job Details

• Operates wastewater treatment equipment and all phases of sludge treatment.
• Follows Standard Operating procedures and follows safe practices in the performance of duties.
• Maintains the plant SCADA system.
• Operates wastewater treatment and plant equipment, including raw sewage pumps, motors, grit chambers, mechanical and manual screens, clarifiers, valves and oxygen generation system.
• Regulates and adjusts motors, flow meters, chlorinators, pumps and valves.
• Takes samples and performs calculations according to regulations set forth by the Department of Environmental Protection.
• Takes various readings from equipment and makes appropriate entries in plant logs.
• Operates the computer system to monitor and control the plant sludge process.
• Operates all phases of sludge treatment, including the use of pumps, thickening, belt presses, and lime stabilization process equipment and chemical conditioning.
• Aids with all maintenance repairs in the mechanical and electrical fields as required.
• Performs shift maintenance of all sludge handling and operations.
• Operates sludge processing equipment as directed.
• Performs custodial duties as assigned.

Typical Qualifications

• A High School diploma, completion of vocational school or a GED accompanied with at least three (3) years experience as a wastewater plant operator or sludge technician is preferred.
• A Bachelor’s Degree in biology, chemistry or related field is highly desirable.

Knowledge, Skills And Abilities

• Knowledge of safe practices related to Public Works.
• Considerable knowledge of the principles, practices and methods used in the treatment and sludge processes of a wastewater treatment plant.
• Considerable knowledge of the operation of mechanical and electrical equipment and the operational and safety hazards associated with this equipment.
• Working knowledge of all plant computer monitoring and control systems including lime stabilization areas.
• Proven ability to take readings, check records and make mathematical computations.
• Successful completion of a work-related plant operator test administered by the Bureau of Human Resources.
• Ability to operate a vehicle on private and public streets.
• Ability to read, write, speak and comprehend English.
• Ability to read and write legibly.
• Ability to work as part of a team and to collaborate successfully with others.
• Ability to adapt to new or changed situations and to show flexibility in making improvements in work processes and operations.
• Ability to exhibit customer-centered behaviors and to focus on customer needs.
• Ability to commit to excellence in service and to continuous improvement.

Environmental Conditions

• Indoors, environmentally controlled.
• Outdoor, exposed to inclement weather and extreme temperature.
• Exposure to noise, pollution.

Safety Equipment Used or Needed

• Personal Protective Equipment such as hardhats, gloves, safety glasses, ear protection, rain gear, steel toed safety shoes, rain boots and respirators.

Comments

• Knowledge, skills and/or abilities assessment tests may be conducted as part of the position screening process.
• Requires standing, bending, walking, sitting and climbing in the performance of duties up to eight (8) or more hours a day.
• Works around motorized or moving equipment and machinery.
• Requires occasional lifting up to 50 lbs.
• Requires the operation of automotive vehicles and other power equipment.
• Requires working under adverse conditions, which may involve unpleasant odors.
• Requires working long hours and must be available to handle emergency situations after hours, weekends and holidays.

Employment Policy

The City of Lancaster is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to providing reasonable accommodations to applicants with disabilities. If you need a reasonable accommodation to participate in the application or interview process, please contact CityHR@cityoflancasterpa.gov to request a needed accommodation.

Benefits

The City of Lancaster, PA provides a comprehensive benefits package for all benefits-eligible positions. Available benefits include Medical (PPO and HDHP/HSA options), Dental, Vision, Life Insurance, Flexible Spending Accounts, Critical Illness and Accident Insurance, Pension plans, and 457 Deferred Compensation. Employees also receive Sick, Vacation, and Personal Leave, as well as 13 paid holidays for non-essential positions. Essential positions receive bonus days in lieu of holidays.