Wastewater Operator

WASTEWATER COLLECTION SYSTEM OPERATOR

Pay Grade: 7 (Operator I), 8 (Operator II), 9 (Operator III) or 10 (Operator IV)

FLSA Designation:
Non-exempt

Effective Date:
October 2015

The primary function of an employee in this class is to perform semi‑skilled and skilled installation, maintenance, inspection, and repair work on a wastewater and storm sewer collection system. An employee in this class may be assigned to other maintenance or operation duties in the City’s Public Works Department. The work is performed under the direct supervision of the Collection System Supervisor with indirect supervision of the Wastewater Superintendent and Public Works Director.

The principal duties of this position are performed in an outdoor environment that may include working in adverse weather conditions and hazards involving the use of power tools, heavy equipment and exposure to hazardous material. Due to the on‑call nature of this position, the working hours vary and may include weekends, evenings, and holidays.

• Perform installation, maintenance, inspection, and repair work on wastewater and storm water collection systems, including main lines, lift stations, catch basins, and manholes.
• Respond rapidly to emergency situations such as system breaks or blockages, including locating affected areas, traffic control, and erecting safety barricades.
• Perform installation and repair work including digging and back filling trenches, installing and repairing pipelines to include cutting, tapping, threading, and making joint connections on copper, plastic, and other pipe material.
• Flush and clean valves and lines, including extensions and new or repaired lines.
• Operate specialized inspection, cleaning, flushing, and maintenance equipment.
• Raise, lower, or relocate sewer lines and manholes to accommodate other utilities or street installation and repair.
• Assist with operation, maintenance, and repair of wastewater treatment plant equipment, including but not limited to electrical, hydraulic, plumbing, and pumping equipment.
• Respond to citizen complaints in a timely manner, consistent with city policy.
• Maintain written work records, including complaint resolutions, maintenance and repair logs, flow records, and daily work logs.
• Maintain and repair tools and equipment.
• Maintain compliance with federal, state, county, city and other applicable public health, environmental and safety standards.
• May be assigned to operator duties in the wastewater treatment plant during holidays, weekends, or other short‑staffed periods and perform other related duties as required.

• Idaho Class I Wastewater Collection Operator and Class I Wastewater Treatment Operator License.
• Idaho driver’s license with Class B CDL, air brake and tanker endorsements without standard restriction.
• Methods, materials, tools, and standard practices for the installation, operation, inspection, maintenance, and repair of wastewater collection and treatment systems and related equipment.
• Basic mathematical and science principles related to operation of a wastewater collection and treatment system.

• High school diploma or GED equivalency and one (1) year wastewater collection and/or treatment or related system experience required OR any equivalent combination of experience and training which provides the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to perform the work.
• Accurately follow written and oral instructions.
• Accurately read and interpret system maps, diagrams and technical operational manuals.
• Accurately read and interpret meters, operational and testing equipment.
• Operate power equipment and hand tools.
• Operate specialized system inspection, cleaning, and maintenance equipment.
• Prepare written reports and maintain system performance records.
• Communicate clearly and effectively with the public and other employees.

Sufficient clarity of speech, hearing, manual dexterity and personal mobility and stamina, with or without reasonable accommodation, which permits the employee to:

• Discern verbal instructions, communicate with other employees and the public, and discern warning or emergency alarms, including vehicle backup warnings.
• Comprehend written work instructions and work orders, technical and operational documents and diagrams, and read and record meters and gauges.
• Operate a variety of power and hand tools, including specialized meter‑reading equipment, and make adjustments to equipment.
• Frequently lift and/or move objects up to 75 pounds, and work in an outdoor field environment.

Sufficient visual acuity is required by this job, with or without reasonable accommodation.