Water & Wastewater Plant Operator I

About the role

The Water & Wastewater Plant Operator I is an "At-Will" employee. Under supervision of the Water & Wastewater Treatment Superintendent or chief operator, 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. The role involves working both inside water/wastewater facilities and outside environmental conditions. Essential functions require sustained periods of sitting and standing, and 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 operate light and medium equipment, tools and a vehicle. Ability to talk and hear in person and by telephone and a two-way radio, ability to hear malfunctions of equipment. Ability to see and read instructions, hazardous warnings, manuals, regulations and figures on a computer screen. Adequate written, oral and communication skills are required.

Responsibilities

• 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
• Monitors flow from springs and river sources
• Operates pre-treatment plant on seasonal basis
• Adjusts chemical feeds
• Gathers samples and runs routine laboratory tests on water
• Monitors a control board, reads gages and dials, prepares daily reports
• 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
• Monitors wastewater flowing into the plant, monitors a control panel and plant equipment, 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

Requirements

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

Skills

• 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