Plant Operator (Wastewater Operations)

Department:

Public Works

Division: 

Wastewater Operations

The wage for this position is set by the IUOE Collective Bargaining Agreement, starting at Step A: $36.00.

Position Salary Range: $36.00 - $42.16

Currently, the typical schedule for a person in this position will be four (4), 10-hour shifts, 7:00am - 5:30pm, either Sunday through Wednesday or Wednesday through Saturday. This position also requires being on paid standby duty for a 7-day period each month, working holidays, weekends, and nights. A response time of 30 minutes from your residence to the Wastewater Treatment Plant is required during assigned standby duty.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS

• High school diploma or equivalent.

• Three (3) years of experience in wastewater operations.

LICENSES, CERTIFICATIONS & OTHER REQUIREMENTS

• Valid driver's license upon hire date.

• Washington State Group III Wastewater Operator Certification upon hire date.

DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS

• Prior experience working with and reporting to wastewater related regulatory agencies.

• Level 3 or 4 Wastewater Treatment Plant operations experience.

GENERAL SUMMARY

Under the direction of the Wastewater/Stormwater Manager or designee, operates and monitors wastewater treatment plant and compost facility equipment to meet quality specifications; responds to, evaluates, and takes corrective action necessary for after-hours emergency calls concerning the stormwater and sewer collection systems and the water distribution system.  Ability to work rotating shifts, to include weekends and holidays.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

Duties listed are representative of the types of tasks and functions performed by positions of this class of work. Percentage of time and rank of importance of duties are not listed since both will vary by position and work location.

• Monitors instrumentation, adjusts pumping rates, collects samples, and maintains and records data to evaluate plant process control, plant effluent quality, and compost facility operation.

• Performs routine checks of equipment at treatment plant and lift stations.

• Performs routine preventative maintenance duties such as greasing and oil changes.

• Loads, unloads, and changes chlorine cylinders.

• Performs housekeeping duties to ensure safe, clean, orderly condition at the treatment plant and related facilities.

• Performs routine operator-laboratory tests to measure effluent quality and process control parameters.

• Trains, directs, oversees and provides guidance to assigned entry-level staff executing ongoing operational programs and special projects in the division.

• Uses computer to input data and monitor treatment plant and related facilities.

• Operates and troubleshoots equipment used in treatment plant, compost facility, collection system, and lift stations, including light vehicles, dump trucks, and tractors.

• Performs other duties as assigned.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES

Identify specific and realistic knowledge, skills and abilities necessary to competently perform this job. 

Knowledge of:

• Applicable Federal, State, and local laws, rules, codes and regulations related to assigned activities.

• Treatment plant equipment and tools.

•  Lift stations and wastewater collection systems.

• Modern office practices, methods, procedures and equipment.

• Record-keeping principles, procedures, and techniques.

• Applicable health and safety policy, procedures and practices.

Skills and abilities to:

• Learn, read, interpret, and apply and explain rules, regulations, policies and procedures.

• Assist with the training and directing of assigned staff. Make decisions and determine appropriate course of action within defined guidelines.

• Apply basic mathematics and chemistry related to wastewater treatment and compost facility operations.

• Follow oral and written instructions.

• Follow health and safety regulations.

• Observe legal and defensive driving practices.

• Communicate effectively both orally and in writing; comprehend and use English effectively including producing all forms of communications in a clear, concise and understandable manner to intended audiences.

• Organize and prioritize a variety of projects and multiple tasks in an effective and ti