Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator

The Wastewater Plant Operator 2 performs skilled work in the efficient and effective operation of the City’s Wastewater Treatment Plant. The employee is under the direct supervision of the Chief Plant Operator. The employee is subject to pre‑employment, reasonable suspicion, post‑accident (incident), random, promotion and transfer, return‑to‑duty and follow‑up drug and alcohol testing. The employee is subject to a pre‑employment, post‑offer physical abilities test and examination with a written statement from the physician as to the employee’s ability to meet the physical strength and dexterity requirements of the position.

• Checks various operational parameters in the plant; reports process and equipment status to supervisor; makes adjustments as directed.
• Collects samples in the plant and runs limited routine tests as directed.
• Makes legible and correct entries in logs, charts and records both manually and by computer keyboard.
• Assist in the washing and cleaning of the clarifier weirs.
• Assist in the maintenance of plant landscaping and related work.
• Assists in overhaul of equipment.
• Calibrates and adjusts chemical feeders.
• Performs basic reporting, record keeping and mathematical calculations, and communicates with supervisors, co‑workers and the public in English, orally and in writing.
• Detects and responds to odors and colors indicative of hazardous gases, upset processes and laboratory test points.
• Work and makes operational changes to the supervisory and control data acquisition program.
• Must be able to perform mathematical calculations with fractions, decimals, percentages and the metric system.

Perform related duties as assigned.

Knowledge and Abilities:

• The advanced activated sludge processes and the various modifications:
  Conventional activated sludge, extended aeration, understanding of nitrification and denitrification, and UV disinfection.
• Solids dewatering by centrifuge and solar drying systems.
• Biological treatment by diffused air systems (biolac basins).
• Basic daily laboratory plant work.
• Knowledge of Excel, Word, Power Point, SCADA Systems and preventative maintenance systems.
• Must be able to interpret data, review trends and adjust systems operations.
• Possess report‑writing skills.

• Monitor instrumentation and assist in making operational adjustments to unit processes to maintain process efficiency within predetermined limits.
• Learn or assist in restarting the plant after a shutdown and operate all unit processing in the treatment plant.
• Collect samples as necessary for plant operation, follow proper protocol for sample collection, transport and chain of custody, and perform all analyses required for operational control.
• Demonstrate good workmanship, performing tasks neatly and in a timely manner.
• Report on time for work and perform duties for an entire shift and workweek, including occasional overtime and possible evening, night, weekend and/or standby shifts.

High school diploma or general equivalency degree. Two years or more experience in the operation and maintenance of a wastewater treatment facility. Must possess Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator 2 Certification or higher. Collection Systems certificate desirable.

We offer a complete benefits package to full‑time employees including health care, dental, vision, retirement, deferred compensation plans, flexible spending accounts, life insurance, short‑term disability, holidays, vacation, and sick leave.

Part‑time employees receive bi‑weekly earned sick leave at a rate of 1 hour for every 30 hours worked with a maximum accrual of 48 hours.

To learn more details, visit our Benefits page.