Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator III/BORC

General Statement of Duties

An employee in this class performs a variety of operational and maintenance duties designed to produce safe treatment and disposal of domestic and commercial waste material. Work includes monitoring the plant’s operation through observation, taking readings, and the results of standard chemical and biological tests to make necessary adjustments in the process as conditions or test results dictate. Work also includes a variety of equipment, grounds, and facility maintenance with substantial record keeping of work activities. Employees may be required to complete and submit reports to the N.C.state Department of Water Quality and/or the Federal EPA regarding the performance of Wastewater Treatment Plant. Employees are subject to hazards associated with wastewater and plant operations including working both inside and outside environments, in extreme hot and cold weather, and exposure to various hazards such as loud noises, moving electrical current, chemicals, fumes, odors, dusts, mists, gases, poor ventilation, working in small spaces such as sewer pipes, and oils. Work around wastewater is also subject to the final standards of OSHA on blood borne pathogens. Work is performed under regular supervision and reviewed by observation, conference, and the reviewing records for adherence to operations standards, instructions, and safety practices.

Duties and Responsibilities/Knowledge, Skills, Abilities

Working knowledge of the operating characteristics and maintenance requirements of a wastewater treatment plant.
Working knowledge of hydraulic, chemical and mechanical principals pertinent to wastewater treatment plant operations.
Working knowledge of lift station operation and maintenance.
 Working knowledge of applicable federal, state, and local laws, ordinances, and permitting requirements.
Working knowledge of the occupational hazards of the work and of the necessary safety precautions.
 Ability to detect flaws in the operation of the mechanical equipment and to determine proper remedial procedures.
 Ability to conduct routine laboratory tests.
 Ability to understand and follow moderately complex oral and written instructions.
 Ability to read meters, charts, technical manuals, and drawings accurately and to maintain records of operations.
  Ability to operate light to medium equipment such as tractors and backhoes.
  Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with peers, subordinates, and supervisors.
Will serve as Back Up Operator in Responsible Charge (BORC)
Makes regular tours of the plant and checks bar screens, engines, generators, pumps, settling tanks, filters, final clarifiers, digesters, and other equipment for proper operation.
Makes adjustments to plant equipment, records readings on meters, cleans various equipment, performs preventative maintenance, and regulates and adjusts equipment based on changing operational conditions.
In the absence of the ORC, plans and assigns work to subordinates, inspects the operations of the plant through observation and analysis of laboratory results, ensures proper preventative maintenance and repairs, and may oversee the operations of a state certified laboratory.

Desirable Education and Experience

High school diploma supplemented by coursework in chemistry, biology, wastewater treatment, or related field with moderate experience in wastewater treatment plant operations, lab work or mechanical maintenance; or equivalent combination of education and experience.

***Salary depends on experience and/or education. ***This job classification will be eligible for a $500 (taxable) Hiring Incentive. Policy Requirements Apply***