Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator

Job Overview

Under general supervision, this position assists in the operation of a major segment of the wastewater treatment plant during an assigned shift; which includes operation, maintenance, and cleaning of the facility. Receives training and instruction in the operation of equipment; reads gauges and records data; lubricates and operates pumps and equipment; cleans storm screen and grit chambers; may operate vacuum filter system and performs custodial tasks throughout the facility.

Operates a computerized Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition System (SCADA) to monitor the flow and processing of wastewater, biosolids, and effluent.

• Monitors wastewater treatment and biosolids processing equipment such as pumps, motors, air compressors, blowers, thickeners, valves, and gates.
• Monitors control panels and computer terminals; makes adjustments or changes manually or by remote control to regulate flow of wastewater.
• Monitors and controls the application and supply of chemicals, dissolved oxygen, or other materials to the treatment and processing of sewage and sludge.
• Observes variations in operating conditions; logs and interprets readings from computer, meters, gauges, charts, and instruments; observes and reports variations in visual appearance, sound, or smell.
• Maintains legible, accurate records and logs of shift operations.
• Ensures efficient operation of pumps and chemical treatment equipment.
• Monitors screening and grit removal systems for proper operation; rakes material collected in the screen and grit removal roll‑off containers to insure proper filling of the containers; notifies Wastewater Treatment Plant supervisor or Wastewater Sludge operator when roll‑offs need to be emptied; maintains the areas around the screens and grit removal systems.
• Notifies Maintenance Mechanic or Wastewater Treatment Plant Supervisor of mechanical failures or defects; assists in the repair of machinery and equipment.
• Prepares maintenance requests; performs minor equipment maintenance including lubrication and light painting.
• May use hand tools and grease guns in the performance of some job duties.
• Cleans work areas including stairs, equipment, floors, and conveyor belts; picks up trash and performs other custodial duties as necessary; performs various grounds maintenance duties as required.
• Trains new or less experienced operators on operational duties.
• Answers telephones and responds to requests for information or assistance from employees, officials, and the public.
• Collects wastewater and sludge samples and may perform process control lab testing.
• Investigates and acknowledges alarms throughout the wastewater treatment facility; notifies maintenance personnel to respond to alarms as necessary.
• Performs a variety of duties in response to power outage emergencies; responds to power outages by properly resetting, restarting and bringing systems essential to proper plant operations back online.
• Monitors chemical inventories and notifies management when inventories need to be replenished.
• Performs other duties as assigned within the scope of the job.

• High school diploma or GED; preferred some experience in a wastewater treatment plant.
• Knowledge of standard practices and procedures used in wastewater treatment and sludge processing.
• Knowledge of SCADA systems and characteristics of plant machinery.
• Experience troubleshooting operational problems.
• Ability to learn the operation of wastewater treatment equipment.
• Ability to read meters and charts and maintain accurate operating records and data.
• Ability to perform manual labor.
• Ability to maintain plant operations within established standards.
• Ability to inspect machinery and equipment.
• Ability to follow safety rules and procedures including SDS guidelines and wear required PPE.
• Ability to communicate effectively in verbal and written form.
• Ability to operate a computer, tablet, and related electronic devices with appropriate training.
• Ability to maintain effective working relationships with employees, contractors, vendors, and the general public.
• Ability to work various shifts including nights, weekends, holidays, and overtime as…