Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator I or II

About the role

This is an entry-level position responsible for operating, monitoring, and maintaining wastewater treatment plant systems and related equipment to ensure proper operations. The role has no supervisory responsibility.

Responsibilities

• Performs inspection, operation, and maintenance of lift stations, electrical controls, pumps, odor scrubbing devices, and valves to ensure proper operations.
• Records pump run times and flow totals.
• Checks calibration of pH and gas meters associated with odor scrubber equipment; inspects and adjusts operation of chemical feed pumps and lines.
• Performs scheduled preventive maintenance on motors and pumps; inspects operation of chlorination equipment.
• Performs general cleaning, maintenance, and repair tasks to keep equipment and tools in safe and operable condition; reports problem situations to immediate supervisor in a timely manner.
• Controls wastewater treatment plant operations in accordance with all established regulations, standards, and procedures.
• Performs and documents compliance and process testing in accordance with “Lab Standard Methods” such as pH, Total Suspended Solids, BOD (biological oxygen demand), Ammonia, Nitrite, Nitrate, Phosphorous, DO (Dissolved Oxygen), Total Chlorine, and bacteria testing (E.coli/Fecal Coliform).
• Performs and documents wastewater calculations/formulas, such as MLSS, F:M (Food to Micro-Organism) ratio, SVI (Sludge Volume Index), gallons per minute, GPD (gallons per day), etc.
• Performs and documents bio-solids calculations/formulas, such as Percent Solids, Paint Filter Test, IMHOFF Cone Calculation, Moisture Analysis, gallons per minute, GPS (gallons per day), etc.
• Assists in preparation of and completes various forms, reports, correspondence, logs, and other documents.
• Maintains a comprehensive, current knowledge of applicable laws and regulations; stays aware of new methods, trends, and advances in the profession of wastewater treatment.
• Performs all other related duties as assigned.

Requirements

• High school diploma or GED.
• Six (6) months of vocational/technical training in wastewater treatment plant operations and collections systems.
• One (1) year of relevant work experience and/or training involving wastewater treatment plant operations, wastewater collections systems, and equipment maintenance; or any equivalent combination of education, training, and experience.

Qualifications

• Must have and maintain a valid Arizona Driver’s license or obtain one within one (1) month of employment.
• Must obtain Arizona Grade I Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator Certificate and Arizona Grade I Wastewater Collection Systems Certificate within one (1) year of employment.
• Preferred: Arizona Grade II Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator Certificate and Arizona Grade I Wastewater Collection Systems Certificate, Arizona Grade I Water Distribution and Treatment, and a valid Arizona Driver’s Class A CDL with Air Brake Endorsement License (or ability to obtain within one (1) year).

Skills

• Strong ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills (both oral and written).
• Comfortable working under pressure with strict deadlines.
• Strong attention to detail and well organized.
• Must be a self-starter, able to work independently as well as effectively with teams of co-workers.
• Ability to perform simple math calculations including decimals, percentages, principles of fractions, and interpreting graphs.
• Must maintain a calm, non-defensive attitude during crisis or potential crisis situations.
• Ability to read and comprehend basic instructions, correspondence, and memos.
• Ability to write reports and correspondence.
• Computer Skills: Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite, Basic Excel Spreadsheets, and Outlook Email.

Physical Demands

• Regularly required to talk and hear.
• Regularly required to stand, walk, sit, use hands to finger, handle or feel objects, tools, or controls; and reach with hands and arms.
• May be required to carry, push, or pull objects and materials up to 80-100 pounds.
• Specific vision abilities required include close vision, ability to adjust focus, and manual dexterity in combination with eye/hand coordination.
• Exposed to climatic outdoor weather conditions, near moving mechanical parts, precarious places, fumes and/or chemicals, and airborne particles.
• Noise level is usually moderate but can be significant in certain circumstances.
• Required to drive between multiple work sites.

Schedule

• Must be flexible and on-call 24 hours per day to meet emergency needs.
• May be called upon to assist with other town branch operations.