Water Reclamation Operator

About the Role

Under general supervision, the Water Reclamation Operator performs work of moderate difficulty on an assigned shift in the operation of pumps, valves, engines, treatment processes, and other equipment in the Water Reclamation Plant.

Responsibilities

• Monitor and adjust instrumentation systems associated with an activated sludge treatment process, lift stations, and related functions.
• Start and regulate, both manually and using computer equipment, the operation of electric motors, pumps, valves, engines, samplers, bar screens, and emergency stand-by equipment controlling the flow of municipal and industrial sewage, sludge, gases, and chemicals.
• Control the feeding and ensure the constant flow of chemicals into the treatment process through adjustments in valves, filling bins, changing tanks, or computer equipment.
• Adjust and control the flow of sewage, air, and return sludge under everyday and emergency conditions (including combined sewer overflow) by coordinating regulation through computer equipment and manual operations.
• Assist in the training of new operators.
• Check oil levels of engines, gear boxes, air compressors, blowers, etc.
• Lubricate bearings; clean meters, gauges, and probes.
• Inspect valves and equipment to detect leaks and other malfunctions, making necessary adjustments to correct deficiencies and restore normal operations.
• Perform preventive maintenance as required at assigned work locations; exercise standard and emergency equipment.
• Check for alarms on each shift.
• Make calculations to determine and distribute the flow of sewage according to conditions and specifications.
• Read meters, gauges, charts, graphs, and schematics; monitor river and weather conditions.
• Obtain samples throughout the treatment process and conduct analyses (such as pH, dissolved oxygen, chlorine residual, temperature, etc.); monitor and record pressures, temperatures, flow rates, and other data.
• Complete chain of custody sheets for samples.
• Maintain logs of all activities that take place on shifts.
• Submit work order requests to supervisor for Water Reclamation equipment repair as needed.
• Perform maintenance duties related to the cleanliness and upkeep of the Water Reclamation Plant.
• Clean up spills as needed.
• Load, unload, and dump trucks or trailers as required (may involve using an overhead crane or forklift).

Requirements

• Graduation from high school or General Educational Development (GED) equivalency.
• A Class I Wastewater Treatment Professional Operator Certification issued by the State of Ohio EPA OR designation as an operator in training (OIT) by the State of Ohio after passing the Class I Wastewater Treatment Certification exam.
• An individual with an equivalent license from another state must obtain reciprocity from the State of Ohio EPA before their application will be considered.
• An individual designated as an operator in training (OIT) must apply for a Class I Wastewater Treatment Certified Operator license within three (3) months after achieving the minimum experience required for the license.
• Position assignment may require possession of a State of Ohio driver’s license.

Preferred Qualifications

• One (1) year of experience in the operation of equipment in a wastewater treatment plant.

Skills

• Knowledge of the operation and maintenance of wastewater treatment facilities and equipment.
• Understanding of hazards and safety precautions related to the work.
• Operation of computerized process control equipment.
• Basic chemistry, math, and hydraulics.
• Oral and written communication.
• Use of basic hand tools.
• Following written and oral instructions.
• Recordkeeping.
• Handling chemicals and raw sewage.
• Mechanical skills.
• Operating a computer.
• Ability to work with individuals of diverse backgrounds.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with subordinates, peers, superiors, vendor representatives, and clients.

Physical Demands

The physical demands described must be met to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities.

• Occasionally stand, sit, climb, push, pull, drag, and/or carry up to 55 pounds.
• Frequently walk in all-weather conditions.
• Occasional stooping, kneeling, crawling, and crouching.
• Constant speaking and listening.

Work Environment

The work environment described will be encountered while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities.

• Frequently work indoors and outdoors.
• Occasionally work in extreme heat.
• Frequently work in conditions where fumes and mists are present.
• Occasionally work in conditions with poor ventilation, dust, and gases.
• Occasionally exposed to various hazards.
• Must be able to wear required PPE whenever necessary.
• The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.

Benefits

• Health Insurance: The City of Toledo offers a self-funded medical plan with a broad network of health services options, including multi-tiered prescription drug plans and dental and vision care services. Employees pay a monthly premium depending on coverage selection (single, single plus one, or family). Coverage is also available for qualifying domestic partners.
• Group Life Insurance: Coverage provided depending on collective bargaining agreement or Municipal Code.
• Ohio Public Employees Retirement Plan (OPERS): The City contributes 14.00% of the employee’s annual base salary, and employees contribute 10.00%. OPERS is a pension plan providing fixed retirement benefits based on years of service. More information.
• Deferred Compensation & 401(K):
  • 457(b) Plan: Voluntary governmental deferred compensation plan allowing pre-tax savings through salary deferral. Contributions and earnings are tax-deferred until withdrawal. More information.
  • 401(k) Plan: Voluntary pre-tax savings contributions retirement plan. The City does not make contributions on the employee’s behalf. Contributions are tax-deferred until withdrawn during retirement.
  • Roth 401(k) Plan: Voluntary post-tax savings contributions retirement plan. Contributions are deducted post-tax and limited by IRS regulations.