Water & Wastewater Plant Operator I

Description of Work

The Water & Wastewater Plant Operator I is an "At-Will" employee. Under supervision of the Water & Wastewater Treatment Superintendent or chief operator, this position performs entry-level technical work in the operation, servicing, and general maintenance of equipment in a water treatment plant; assists in back-up operation of the wastewater treatment plant.

Essential Functions

• Operates equipment in a water treatment plant including filters, pumps, valves, reservoirs and related equipment
• Controls flow of water through the plant
• Maintains reservoirs
• Seasonally assists in establishing new springs as a water source by digging ditches, laying and maintaining lines
• Maintains grounds around the plant, controls weeds, performs janitorial duties, removes snow from walks, picks up and hauls trash
• Installs and maintains cathodic protection on water lines
• After some exposure, fills in as operator of the wastewater treatment plant
• Draws and hauls grit
• Maintains wastewater treatment plant equipment, monitors flow, takes samples and performs routine tests on water in-flow, in-process and effluent to determine level of treatment and treatment needs
• Prepares and submits reports on a daily basis
• Operates trucks and hauls materials for other departments
• Participates in on-going training in treatment of water and wastewater
• Performs other duties as assigned

Minimum Qualifications

• High School diploma, or equivalent
• Some experience with mechanical equipment preferred
• Ability to acquire Level I Certification in water treatment operation within one year, and Level I wastewater operator within two years
• Possession of a valid driver's license required

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Communication - Ability to communicate effectively in oral and written form
• Customer Service - Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with supervisor, employees, staff, and representatives of other agencies and the public in a courteous manner
• Technical Understanding - Some knowledge of plant equipment, maintenance and related functions
• Working knowledge of chemistry, mathematics and biology
• Ability to learn water and wastewater characteristics, treatment plant principles, operations and equipment
• Ability to operate a computer

Job Profile

• Work Environment - Water & Wastewater Plant Operator I will work both inside water/wastewater facilities and outside environmental conditions
• Physical Requirements - The essential functions require sustained periods of sitting and standing. The job requires the ability to stand, walk, sit, ride, climb, bend, kneel, crawl, twist, reach, grasp, push, pull and perform similar body movements, with the necessity to carry and lift objects weighing up to fifty (50) pounds. Hand/eye/foot coordination adequate to perate light and medium equipment, tools and a vehicle
• Sensory Requirements - Water & Wastewater Plant Operator I shall possess adequate written, oral and communication skills