Job Description

Posting number: B274120-1

Department: Utilities (41/42)

Division: Water Treatment

Job classification: Water/ Wastewater Plant Operator I, 204

Posting type: Open

Categories: Water Treatment, Miscellaneous, Utilities

Summary

Operates and maintains wastewater treatment, sludge processing, and equipment handling. Tends to pumps, conveyors, blowers, chlorinators, vacuum filters, and other equipment used to treat wastewater. Collects samples and conducts routine chemical analyses of wastewater at various points in the plant process.

Examples of duties

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

The intent of this job description is to provide a representative summary of the major duties and responsibilities performed by employees in this job. Employees may be requested to perform job-related tasks other than those specifically presented in this description.

• Assists with activated sludge plant, including dewatering process and sludge blanket maintenance.
• Collects samples and residuals to be tested by in house-laboratory and external laboratory testing services; maintains and updates records of meters and samples.
• Observes plant operation and ensures adherence to state and federal agencies permits.
• Performs operation duties, such as adding chemicals, adjusting equipment, reading monitors, performing tests, and maintaining tanks and equipment.
• Monitors and maintains inventory.
• Performs related work as required.

COMPETENCIES FOR SUCCESSFUL PERFORMANCE OF JOB DUTIES

Knowledge of:

• Knowing of plant operations, permits, and safety requirements, including sludge dewatering and activated sludge processes.
• Knowledge of basic math.
• Knowledge of equipment and chemical changes.
• Knowledge of modern office procedures and methods including computers and applicable software.
• Knowledge of English grammar, spelling, and punctuation.

Skills and Abilities:

• Skill in notetaking and record keeping.
• Skill in the use of heavy equipment, including 18-wheeler.
• Skill in organization and time management.
• Ability to recognize sounds, smells, and visual changes and adapt to changing sludge, water, and polymer characteristics.
• Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships.
• Ability to meet schedules and deadlines of the work.
• Ability to build and maintain effective working relationships with others.
• Ability to communicate clearly and effectively both orally and in writing.
• Ability to maintain good planning and organizational skills.
• Ability to take and follow directions from supervisor.
• Ability to give directions to and gain compliance from assigned staff.
• Ability to perform strenuous work and routine work.
• Ability to maintain a valid Texas Driver License and a good driving record.
• Ability to project a positive and professional image of the City of Laredo.
• Ability to effectively communicate both orally and in writing in the English language and orally in the Spanish language.
• Ability to comply with all City of Laredo's policies and procedures.
• Ability to maintain good health and physical condition sufficient to permit the full performance of the duties of this position.

WORK ENVIRONMENT/CONDITIONS AND PHYSICAL DEMANDS

Physical Effort Requirements

Position will have the following exposures

• Occasional exposure to unpleasant environmental conditions and/or hazards. Occasional outside work.
• Exerting up to 35 pounds of force occasionally, up to 20 pounds of force frequently, and/or up to 20 pounds of force constantly having to move objects.

Work Environment Locations

Position will require the employee to work in the following types of work environments

Frequently

• Office or similar indoor environment
• Outdoor environment
• Construction site
• Vehicles

Sometimes

• Street environment (near moving traffic)
• Confined space
• Warehouse environment

Exposures

Position will require the employee to be exposed to the following environmental elements

Seldom

• Individuals who are hostile or irate
• Individuals with known violent backgrounds
• Communicable diseases

Sometimes

• Extreme cold (below 32 degrees)
• Extreme heat (above 100 degrees)
• Moving mechanical parts

Frequently

• Fumes or airborne particles
• Toxic or caustic chemicals or substances
• Loud noises (85+ decibels such as heavy trucks, jack hammers, construction)

Travel

Position will require the employee to travel

Never:

• National travel
• International travel

Seldom

• Regional travel

Sometimes

• Local travel

Qualifications

Required Education and Experience

• High School Diploma or G.E.D.

Foreign Education:

• Applicants who have completed education outside of the United States must submit a foreign credential evaluation completed by a professional credential evaluation agency that is a member of the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES) or the Association of International Credential Evaluators (AICE). The evaluation must verify the U.S. equivalency of the degree and identify the comparable U.S. degree level. Applicants are responsible for obtaining and submitting the required evaluation documentation.

Note: The City of Laredo is not responsible for any fees associated with obtaining a foreign credential evaluation or educational equivalency documentation.

Supplemental information

Required Licenses or Certifications

• Valid Texas Driver License. If applicant holds an out-of-state license, a State of Texas Driver License must be obtained within 6 months of employment.

The following Licenses and Certifications that must be obtained after employment:

• Water Operator License Class "D" from the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) must be obtained within twelve (12) months of employment**

**Continued employment is contingent on successfully obtaining required certification(s) and/or license(s) within the specified period of time indicated above from time of hire.

As part of the minimum requirements for all positions with the City of Laredo, a thorough background check and certified school transcripts will be required from all applicants who are offered employment.

Effective February 24, 1997, all selected applicants are required to undergo a drug and alcohol test prior to employment.

Effective January 7, 2008, all persons in safety-sensitive functions/positions, as per City of Laredo Drug and Alcohol Policy definition, shall be subject to random drug and alcohol testing.

A person with a disability who needs a reasonable accommodation related to a selection process is requested to contact the Human Resources Department at (956) 791-7480 two days prior to the scheduled interview and/or test if applicable.

City of Laredo is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action/Pro Disabled and Veteran Employer. We welcome differences in the form of gender, race, ethnicity, disability, geography, socioeconomic status, age, politics, religion, philosophy, sexual orientation, or gender identity. All applicants who share this goal are encouraged to apply. Must be able to function in a principle-based organization that has a culture built on character and core values.