Waste Water Treatment Plant Operator

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 materials. Work is performed on rotating shifts. Work includes monitoring the plant's operation through observation, mechanical readings and the results of standard chemical and biological tests and making necessary adjustments in the process as conditions or test results dictate.  Work also includes a variety of equipment, grounds and facility maintenance and substantial record keeping of work activities. 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 storms, and exposure to various hazards such as loud noises, moving mechanical parts, electrical current, chemicals, fumes, odors, dusts, mists, gases, poor ventilation, working in small spaces such as sewer pipes, and oils.  Workers may be required to wear respirators when changing chlorine tanks. 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 reviewing records for adherence to operations standards, instructions, and safety practices.
 

Essential Duties and Tasks

• Makes regular tours of plant and monitors all working points; checks all pump motors, bar screens, engines, generators, settling tanks, primary and final clarifiers, chlorinators, digesters, and other equipment for proper functioning; adjust blowers and pumps as needed.
• Takes grab samples on established schedule and other times as needed at various points in the plant, reads and records D.O. PH, flow and/or temperature levels at influent, intermediate, effluent, jet aeration basin points in the plant.
• Makes visual inspections of equipment, basins, and equipment; takes and records various readings.
• Transfers solids, supernates liquids, loads from and to the aerobic digesters; monitors levels in digester and transfers as needed; draws and removes sludge; sets valves for loading trucks; and drains pressure relief valve.
• Records data from various meters, gauges and dials; logs daily, weekly, and monthly activities.
• Performs general preventive and scheduled maintenance; assists the plant Manager and maintenance workers on major maintenance and repairs; sprays filters, clarifiers, splitter boxes, bar screens, and other equipment; washes clarifiers.
• Regulates and adjusts motors, pumps, blowers, valves and other apparatus to meet changing operating conditions.
• Performs routine grounds and building maintenance including mowing and weed eating, painting and performs custodial cleaning of plant buildings.
• Performs standard laboratory chemical and biological tests; runs PH test daily and BOD’s and fecals on weekends; collects samples for testing.

Desirable Education and Experience
Graduation from high school supplemented by course work in chemistry or biology and some experience in the operation and maintenance of machinery and equipment, preferably in a wastewater treatment plant; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

Special Requirements

• Must possess a valid North Carolina Drivers License.

Knowledges, Skills, and Abilities

• Working knowledge of the operating characteristics and maintenance requirement of wastewater treatment plant.
• Working knowledge of hydraulic, chemical and mechanical principles pertinent to wastewater treatment plant operations.
• Working knowledge of applicable federal, state, and local laws, ordinances, and permitting requirements.
• Working knowledge of the occupational hazards of the work and of necessary safety precautions.
• Working knowledge of the application of information technology to the work including SCADA.
• Ability to detect flaws in the operation of mechanical equipment and to determine proper remedial measures.
• Ability to conduct routine laboratory test.
• Ability to understand and follow moderately complex oral and written instructions.
• Ability to read meters, charts, and technical manuals and drawings accurately and to maintain records of shift operations.
• Ability to operate light to medium equipment.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with peers and supervisors.
• Ability to work independently.