Wastewater Plant Operator I

Company: City of Burlington, NC
Location: Burlington
Posted on: September 24, 2022

Job Description:

Job Description

An employee in this class is responsible for monitoring and operating one of the City's wastewater treatment plants. Emphasis of the work in on making hourly rounds of the plant, maintaining records, performing tests, documenting and/or repairing any noted malfunctions, troubleshooting mechanical problems, sampling, and performing related wastewater treatment plant tasks. Work is differentiated from the Wastewater Plant Lead Operator by having a lower level of certification and having no supervisory responsibility. Work is performed under the immediate supervision of the Wastewater Plant Lead Operator or the Wastewater Plant Chief Operator and is evaluated for efficient plant operation, accuracy in tests performed, and accuracy in documented results and is checked by reviewing documentation and observation of work in progress. This classification is considered non-exempt in compliance with the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA).

Examples of Duties

* Makes regular tours of plant and checks for the proper operation of bar screens, grit collector, engines, generators, pumps, aerators, settling tanks, filters, clarifiers, cooling, water filter, and other equipment and records readings from the SCADA, meters and instruments
* Regulates and adjusts motors, pumps, blowers, valves, and other apparatus based on changing operating conditions
* Collects state and process control samples for laboratory analysis and performs routine lab tests on process control samples
* Applies chemicals and observes their effect on plant operation
* Skims floatables from settling tanks, cleans bar screens, disposes of sand, trash, and other waste and washes basins and cleans clarifiers
* Performs minor repairs and assists Lead Operators as needed
* Performs preventive maintenance duties as assigned by the plant's card system
* Answers phones, and responds to questions as needed
* Performs all wastewater and plant duties as required

Qualifications

* General knowledge of the operating characteristics and maintenance requirements of a wastewater treatment plant
* General knowledge of state and federal wastewater treatment rules and regulations
* General knowledge of the occupational hazards associated with wastewater operations and necessary safety precautions
* Ability to make decisions about wastewater operations in the absence of a supervisor
* Ability to detect problems in the operation of mechanical equipment, lab test and report those problems to a supervisor or the appropriate employee
* Ability to conduct routine wastewater tests, read meters, SCADA and charts accurately, and record results
* Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationship with other city employees and the general public
* Ability to read and understand technical and complex procedures

Education and Experience

High School Diploma or GED equivalency supplemented with additional vocation training in mechanics, electronics, or chemistry, and some experience in wastewater treatment, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

Special Requirements

* Valid North Carolina Driver's License
* Must be able to acquire a grade 1 Wastewater certificate within 6 months of employment
* Must be able to acquire a grade 2 Wastewater certificate within 2 years of employment

Inclement Weather Classification: Essential

Supplemental Information

Physical Requirements and Working Conditions

Work in this class is described as strenuous. Work typically involves the ability to physically perform the basic life operational functions of balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, crawling, reaching, standing, walking, pushing, pulling, lifting, grasping, feeling, talking, hearing, and repetitive motions. Work necessitates visual acuity to determine the accuracy, neatness, and thoroughness of work assigned in preparing and analyzing figures, accounting, transcription, computer terminal viewing and extensive reading, conduct visual inspection of small defects or parts, operate a machine, use measurement devices, and to assemble parts at distances close to the eyes. Employee is subject to hazards including a variety of physical conditions, such as proximity to moving mechanical parts, electrical current, noise, vibration, oils, and atmospheric conditions. Employee is required to wear a respirator when necessary. Employee may frequently work in close quarters, crawl space, shafts, man holes, small enclosed rooms, small sewage and water lines, and other areas which could cause claustrophobia. Employee is required to function in narrow aisles, passage ways, and catwalks. Working conditions include both inside and outside environmental conditions.

Keywords: City of Burlington, NC, Burlington , Wastewater Plant Operator I, Professions , Burlington, North Carolina