Wastewater Plant Operator - C1 (Stationary Engineer)

About the Role

Performs responsible work in operating and maintaining wastewater treatment facilities and equipment across various processes or units. This includes skilled operation and maintenance of fluidized-bed and/or multiple hearth incinerators, steam turbines, high-pressure boiler systems, blowers, process air compressors, and associated machinery.

Responsibilities

• Performs operational duties and routine maintenance during assigned shifts, potentially operating or monitoring multiple units.
• Operates fluidized-bed incinerators, steam generating facilities, steam turbines, and associated compressors, pumps, motors, valves, fluidized air blowers, and air compressors using Human Machine Interface (HMI), Operator Interface Terminal (OIT), and manual controls.
• Maintains proper operating conditions of the Waste Heat Boiler, including monitoring the automated Soot Blower System via HMI and OIT.
• Oversees and operates high-pressure steam boiler systems, including Water Treatment and Reverse Osmosis systems; inspects and replaces ion exchange tanks as needed.
• Starts up and shuts down preheat burners and scrubber systems.
• Monitors and maintains sand levels in the Sand Silo System, replenishing sand beds manually when necessary; monitors and replenishes softener tanks by adding salt.
• Monitors and maintains the Ash System using HMI, OIT, and/or manual controls.
• Controls and monitors equipment and processes manually and through control systems (e.g., computers, programmable controllers); records operating data and maintains logs.
• Inspects equipment by sight, sound, and touch to ensure proper operation and efficiency; monitors, interprets, and records gauges, charts, and meter readings; initiates changes based on operating conditions and test results.
• Monitors and responds to process alarms; adjusts controls to maintain proper operating conditions.
• Routes or adjusts process air flow by opening and closing valves and gates.
• Performs routine analytical tests (e.g., water treatment analysis using conductivity and pH devices) and records results.
• Follows proper procedures for equipment startup and shutdown; performs routine maintenance, lubrication, adjustment, and inspection; reports results and writes work requests following lock-out tag-out procedures.
• Assists in training new operators by providing operational opportunities, sharing knowledge, and allowing trainees to shadow.
• Maintains cleanliness and order in work areas, including general clean-up and painting of equipment.
• Observes safe work practices and assists in developing standard operating procedures for a safe working environment.
• May support operational needs related to incineration at other facilities in limited circumstances.
• Performs other similar duties as required or directed.

Requirements

• High school diploma, GED, or state-recognized equivalent.
• Three years of experience performing skilled work in the operation and maintenance of steam turbines and boilers.
• Experience with fluidized-bed and/or multiple hearth incinerators is preferred.
• Current and valid Stationary Engineer’s License issued by the State of Ohio.
• Valid driver’s license with a driving record in accordance with the District’s acceptable guidelines.

Skills

• Knowledge of hazards, safety precautions, tools, equipment, materials, and supplies pertinent to the trade.
• Ability to operate and maintain stationary engines, boilers, and associated equipment.
• Ability to read and understand operating manuals, blueprints, and drawings; keep records; and follow oral and written instructions.
• Ability to make sound judgments and decisions based on data interpretation and unit goals.
• Ability to work unscheduled hours during emergencies, unusual situations, or to fill vacant shifts, including rotating shifts.

Physical and Mental Requirements

• Ability to compare, compute, analyze, synthesize, copy, compile, coordinate, negotiate, and instruct; strong interpersonal and communication skills.
• Physical tasks include standing, sitting, balancing, kneeling, handling, feeling, hearing, walking, climbing, stooping, crouching, reaching, and fingering.
• Occasional lifting of up to 80 lbs; ability to lift and stack 80 lbs bags of salt and exert up to 46 lbs of push/pull force to move 55-gallon drums on dollies.
• Ability to lift and control brine bags while dumping into a 4-foot-high receptacle.
• Visual demands: near acuity, depth perception, far acuity, color vision, and accommodation.
• Work environments include office, site, and field; exposure to extreme weather, heat, cold, atmospheric conditions, vibrations, hazards, and confined/restricted spaces.
• Occasional confined space entry; ability to wear required respiratory protection devices, including no facial hair that interferes with the facepiece-to-face seal.

Benefits

• Comprehensive employee benefits package, including health insurance coverage and various retirement planning options (Ohio Public Employee Retirement System and Deferred Compensation Plans).
• Flexible Spending Accounts and Employee Assistance Program.
• Free parking at facilities and corporate discounts.
• Active Health & Wellness Program promoting work/life balance.