Water Processing Tech

Primary Responsibilities

• Operates and controls electric motors, pumps, and valves to regulate flow of raw water into treatment facility
• Dumps specified amounts of chemicals into water or adjust automatic devices that admit specified amounts of chemicals into tanks to clarify water
• Starts agitators to mix chemicals and allow impurities to settle to bottom of treatment tanks
• Turns valves to regulate water through filter presses
• Pumps purified water into holding tanks to be sent to METRO water sites
• Tests water samples to determine acidity and impurities
• Completes specific system maintenance activities such as systems cleanup, pit sludge removal, and changing filter media
• When effluent is out of compliance, operator is expected to determine cause and take corrective action

Job Requirements

• High School or Equivalent
• 1 to 2 years’ experience with wastewater treatment preferred
• Be able to gain, understand, and apply Federal, State, and Local Environmental laws regarding wastewater treatment
• Must be able to use Excel, Word, and Outlook
• Must be able to do basic math, algebra, and geometry
• If needed must be able to obtain “Operator in Training Certification” from State of Washington Department of Ecology
• Must be able to understand and apply basic principles of chemistry (i.e. pH, acids/bases)
• Must pass classwork in RCRA and DOT
• Must be able to obtain a basic understanding of process flow and reactions occurring within each component of the wastewater treatment and acid recovery system
• Must be able to pass preemployment background, drug/alcohol, and physical screenings
• Must be able to work independently, as a team, and be able to work with both internal and external customers
• Able to think strategically and problem solve

Physical Requirements

• Must be able to use a variety of hand tools such as wrenches, screwdrivers, hammers, etc.
• Must be able to work in a dusty environment around metals
• Sight – hand and eye coordination, depth perception needed to operate, adjust, and quantify chemicals and equipment
• Hearing – must be able to hear others and warning sounds of forklift and other heavy machinery
• Speech – must be able to communicate effectively with others while working
• Smell – must be able to smell various chemicals and gasses
• Must be able to stand and walk for long periods – frequent to constant
• Must be able to squat, stoop, twist, climb, crawl, reach, grasp, and fine manipulation, and bend occasional to frequent
• Must be able to be able to lift/carry 50+ lbs - occasional