Job Description

Posting number: PW2607-17

Department: Public Works

Job classification: Wastewater Plant Operator I

Posting type: Open

Categories: Public Works, Wastewater

Summary

Wastewater Plant Operator Apprentice

$19.89 per hour - $28.84 per hour

Assists the Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator as an apprentice performing duties as assigned.

Wastewater Plant Operator I

$23.02 per hour - $33.38 per hour

Cost effectively operates and maintains municipal wastewater treatment plant facilities meeting or exceeding the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) and Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) standards.

Examples of duties

Wastewater Plant Operator Apprentice

Under close supervision and guidance from a minimum Class C licensed operator, performs various assigned duties at the Wastewater Treatment Facility in order to learn critical elements of safety, wastewater treatment and plant operations. Typical duties include:

1. Wastewater quality analysis including, wastewater sample collection, testing and interpretation, maintaining prescribed standards or modifying as necessary.
2. Monitors and maintains plant equipment, pumps, motors and the Supervisory Control and Data Accession (SCADA) system as necessary.
3. Records wastewater quality and plant operating information on standard reports capturing significant wastewater quality information for decision making.
4. Monitors and adjusts plant instrumentation, chemical levels, line pressures, pump functions, and chemical doses.
5. Maintains a clean and safe plant work area.
6. Performs related duties as directed when such duties are a logical and appropriate assignment to the position.
7. Regular and timely attendance are required for this position.
8. Interacts professionally and respectfully with the public, coworkers and others in the course of daily work.

Wastewater Plant Operator I

Performs various plant operating duties associated with the efficient operation and maintenance of the wastewater treatment facility from guidelines and standards provided by the Chief Plant Operator. Daily contacts include: peers, trainees and other local municipal wastewater quality plant personnel. Typical duties include:

1. Conducts laboratory analysis – analyses, monitors, collects, calculates, and records wastewater samples during treatment and makes biological modifications through treatment process.
2. Plant operations - monitors and records plant operations involving wastewater flows, chemical additives, preventive and repair maintenance, instrumentation operation, operation and adjustment of pumps, operates dewatering equipment, wastewater analysis, and facility record keeping.
3. Conducts preventive equipment maintenance activities - grease, repair, adjust, clean, paint, calibrate, lubricate, etc. plant equipment and instrumentation.
4. Facility maintenance and cleaning - includes sweeping and cleaning inside work areas and cleanliness of treatment facility.
5. Plant records - records instrument and equipment readings, making necessary calculations. Records results and reports abnormal situations to supervisor and files records.
6. May operate Supervisory Control and Data Accession (SCADA) computer system.
7. Performs related duties as directed when such duties are a logical and appropriate assignment to the position.
8. Regular and timely attendance are required for this position.
9. Interacts professionally and respectfully with the public, coworkers and others in the course of daily work.

Qualifications

Wastewater Plant Operator Apprentice

SKILLS, KNOWLEDGE AND ABILITY

• Knowledge of and ability to apply basic chemistry and mathematical principles.
• Ability to accept responsibility and account for actions.
• Ability to follow instructions, safety practices and standard operating procedures in performing assigned tasks.
• Ability to perform work accurately and thoroughly.
• Ability to communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.
• Ability to interpret charts, flow diagrams, maintenance manuals, and instructions.
• Ability to perform mechanical repairs.
• Ability to respond appropriately in emergency situations.
• Must be able to read and interpret lab data.
• Skill in use of personal computer including Microsoft Office, Microsoft Excel, e-mail and the internet.
• Must possess and exhibit the skills necessary to operate assigned tools and equipment in a safe and proper manner.
• Must have the ability to follow both written and verbal instructions
• Must have the ability to complete tasks as assigned.
• Ability to work in a team environment, contribute as a team member and treat co-workers and customers with respect.
• Ability to work any day of the week (weekends and weekdays) and long hours.

EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE AND OTHER REQUIREMENTS

Requires a high school diploma or equivalent. Requires Class D Wastewater Treatment license from the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) within 6 months of hire and Class C Wastewater Treatment license from TCEQ within 18 months of hire.

Requires the physical ability to perform assigned tasks at the City of Grapevine’s Wastewater Treatment Plant.

Must pass a Federal/National criminal background check. Must have a valid Texas driver's license with an acceptable driving record as defined by City policy.

Must pass a pre-employment basic physical, drug screen, pulmonary function test, and functional assessment screening (Level 2).

Wastewater Plant Operator I

SKILLS, KNOWLEDGE AND ABILITIES

• Knowledge and understanding of standard wastewater treatment plant equipment (pumps, motors, valves, ultraviolet light disinfection, dewatering equipment, safety etc.).
• Must have the ability to follow both written, verbal instructions and math skills sufficient to work with complicated formulas, equipment, chemicals, instruments, wastewater laboratory related equipment, and computers.
• Must have the ability to complete tasks as assigned.
• Ability to work in a team environment, contribute as a team member and treat co-workers and customers with respect.
• Ability to work any day of the week (weekends and weekdays) and long hours.

EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE AND OTHER REQUIREMENTS

High school diploma or equivalent, minimum of a valid state issued Class C Wastewater Treatment license.

Two years’ experience at a wastewater treatment plant using aerobic treatment methods.

May substitute one-year experience for 100 hours of training classes in wastewater treatment provided by the Texas Engineering Extension Service (TEEX) or TCEQ accredited schools.

Must pass a Federal/National criminal background check.

Must have a valid Texas driver's license with an acceptable driving record as defined by City policy.

Must pass a pre-employment basic physical, drug screen, pulmonary function test, and functional assessment screening (Level 2).

WORKING CONDITIONS

While performing the essential functions of this position, there will be routine and frequent exposure to:

• Bright/dim light
• Dusts and pollen
• Extreme heat and/or cold
• Wet or humid conditions
• Extreme noise levels
• Animals/wildlife
• Vibration
• Fumes and/or noxious odors
• Traffic
• Moving machinery
• Electrical shock
• Toxic/caustic chemicals
• Explosives
• Other extreme hazards not listed above

Safety equipment such as gloves, goggles, hard hats, safety vests, steel-toe boots, back support belts, and seat belts are provided and must be worn as required by department procedures and good safety practices.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

This job entails moderate physical labor, which requires strength and agility. While performing the duties of this job, the employee frequently is required to stand; reach with hands and arms; climb or balance; stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl; and talk and hear. The employee is occasionally required to sit or smell. The employee must occasionally lift, shovel, and carry 55 to 60 pounds and exert up to 115 pounds of force. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus.

Supplemental information

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by the person assigned to this position. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of responsibilities, duties and skills required. This job description does not constitute an employment agreement between the employer and the employee and is subject to change by the employer as the needs of the employer and the job requirements change.