Operator 1 - Waste Water Treatment Plant

Spring Hill, City of (TN); Spring Hill (TN); On-site; USD 32,000 - 42,000; Full time

Job summary

The City of Spring Hill is seeking an entry-level Water Reclamation Facility Operator I to learn and perform routine duties in operation, monitoring, and maintenance of the city's wastewater treatment processes. Training will be provided on-the-job under supervision, with the potential to pursue operator certification in Tennessee as part of career progression.

No prior wastewater experience is required; this role emphasizes safety, basic measurement, recordkeeping, and teamwork while developing

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required.
• No wastewater treatment operator certification required.
• No prior wastewater treatment experience required; related mechanical, utility, industrial, maintenance, or construction experience is beneficial but not required.
• Must possess and maintain a valid State of Tennessee driver's license.
• Must be able to work rotating shifts, weekends, holidays, overtime, on-call, and emergency assignments as required to maintain continuous facility operations.
• Must successfully complete required City safety and job-specific training.

Responsibilities

• Assist with operation and monitoring of wastewater treatment and water reclamation processes under supervision.
• Start, stop, and monitor pumps, motors, valves, and other treatment equipment as trained.
• Observe flow, levels, pressures, and other basic process conditions and report abnormalities.
• Perform routine facility rounds and inspections.
• Record equipment readings and maintenance data.
• Assist with preventive maintenance and minor repairs.
• Assist with chemical deliveries and handling.
• Clean and maintain tanks, clarifiers, and grounds.
• Follow safety procedures and use PPE.
• Participate in on-the-job training and cross-training.

Skills

Learn wastewater basics

Follow procedures

Read gauges

Record keeping

Teamwork

Safety rules

Tool use

Physical fitness

Education

High school diploma or GED

Job description

The Water Reclamation Facility Operator I is an entry-level position responsible for learning and performing routine duties associated with the operation, monitoring, cleaning, and maintenance of the City's water reclamation treatment processes, equipment, buildings, and grounds. Under the supervision and direction of the Water Reclamation Facility Superintendent, designated supervisor, or experienced operator, the employee receives on-the-job training and performs assigned tasks in accordance with established procedures and safety requirements.

This position is intended as the entry point in the City's water reclamation operator career progression. Prior wastewater treatment certification is not required. The employee is expected to develop basic knowledge and proficiency in facility operations, equipment, safety, sampling, recordkeeping, and maintenance through training and practical experience.

Treatment Plant Operations

• Assists with and learns the operation and monitoring of wastewater treatment and water reclamation processes under the direction of qualified staff.
• Assists with starting, stopping, and monitoring pumps, motors, valves, gates, chemical-feed equipment, and other treatment equipment as trained and assigned.
• Observes flow, levels, pressures, dissolved oxygen, solids, and other basic process conditions and reports abnormal readings or conditions to experienced operators or supervisory personnel.
• Follows established operating procedures and supervisor instructions when performing treatment plant duties.

Facility Rounds & Equipment Monitoring

• Performs routine facility rounds and inspections using established checklists and procedures.
• Observes pumps, motors, blowers, valves, filters, clarifiers, chemical-feed systems, instrumentation, and other equipment for visible or audible signs of abnormal operation.
• Records assigned equipment readings and operating information accurately and reports unusual conditions promptly.
• Assists experienced staff with equipment inspections, preventive maintenance, and basic troubleshooting activities.

SCADA & Process Monitoring

• Learns the basic use of SCADA and computerized monitoring systems under supervision.
• Observes alarms, trends, equipment status, and process information and reports abnormal conditions to qualified staff.
• Does not make independent process-control changes unless specifically trained, authorized, and directed.

Laboratory & Sampling

• Assists with collection of wastewater, process, solids, and effluent samples in accordance with established procedures.
• Performs basic laboratory or process-control testing after receiving appropriate training and instruction.
• Assists with cleaning, calibration, and care of laboratory, process-control, and field-testing equipment.

Records & Documentation

• Completes assigned operating logs, inspection forms, equipment readings, maintenance records, chemical-use records, and other routine documentation.
• Maintains accurate and legible records and reports missing, unusual, or questionable information to supervisory personnel.

Maintenance & Repairs

• Assists with preventive maintenance, lubrication, equipment inspections, and minor repairs under direction.
• Uses hand tools and power tools appropriate to assigned work after receiving required training.
• Reports equipment deficiencies, leaks, unusual noises, odors, vibration, or other abnormal conditions.

Chemicals & Supplies

• Assists with chemical and supply deliveries as assigned.
• Handles, transfers, and stores treatment chemicals and operational supplies only after receiving required training and while following established safety procedures.
• Maintains clean and orderly chemical and supply storage areas.

Cleaning & Facility/Grounds Maintenance

• Cleans and maintains tanks, clarifiers, filters, channels, equipment, buildings, work areas, and facility grounds.
• Performs routine housekeeping and grounds maintenance including mowing, trimming, washing, sweeping, and general cleanup.
• Safely operates mowers, lawn equipment, skid steers, utility vehicles, and other equipment after receiving appropriate training and authorization.

Emergency & Abnormal Conditions

• Assists qualified staff during equipment failures, power interruptions, high-flow events, severe weather, process upsets, and other abnormal or emergency conditions.
• Immediately reports alarms, spills, equipment failures, unsafe conditions, or other unusual events to supervisory personnel.
• Follows emergency response procedures and supervisor direction.

Safety, Regulations & Procedures

• Performs all duties in accordance with City safety requirements, policies, and established operating procedures.
• Uses required personal protective equipment and follows safe work practices.
• Participates in required safety, operational, and equipment training.
• Develops a working understanding of environmental and operational requirements applicable to assigned duties.

Training & Career Development

• Participates in structured on-the-job training, cross-training, and instruction provided by supervisors and experienced operators.
• Develops basic knowledge of wastewater treatment processes, equipment operation, sampling, maintenance, safety, and recordkeeping.
• May pursue State of Tennessee wastewater treatment operator certification as part of future career progression; certification is not required for appointment to Operator I.

Perform other related duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required.
• No wastewater treatment operator certification is required.
• No prior wastewater treatment experience is required; related mechanical, utility, industrial, maintenance, or construction experience is beneficial but not required.
• Must possess and maintain a valid State of Tennessee driver's license.

Additional Requirements

• Successful completion of a background investigation.
• Must be able to work rotating shifts, weekends, holidays, overtime, on-call, and emergency assignments as required to maintain continuous facility operations.
• Must successfully complete required City safety and job-specific training for assigned duties.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Ability to learn basic wastewater treatment processes, equipment, and facility procedures.
• Ability to follow verbal and written instructions, standard operating procedures, safety rules, and checklists.
• Ability to read basic gauges, meters, equipment displays, and operating forms after training.
• Ability to accurately record information and communicate abnormal conditions to supervisors and coworkers.
• Ability to safely use common hand tools, power tools, vehicles, and equipment after training.
• Ability to work cooperatively as part of an operations and maintenance team.
• Ability to perform physically demanding work in indoor and outdoor wastewater treatment environments.

Physical Requirements

• Stand and walk for extended periods on level, uneven, wet, or slippery surfaces.
• Bend, stoop, kneel, crouch, reach, push, pull, grasp, and perform repetitive movements.
• Climb and descend stairs and ladders and access equipment located above or below grade.
• Safely use hand tools, power tools, and treatment equipment after training.
• Work in confined spaces and elevated areas when properly trained and equipped.
• Wear required personal protective equipment.
• Lift and carry up to 50 pounds.
• Safely operate City vehicles and assigned equipment.

Working Conditions

Work is performed throughout the Water Reclamation Facility and related utility facilities in both indoor and outdoor environments. The employee regularly works in a wastewater treatment environment and may be exposed to wastewater, biological hazards, treatment chemicals, fumes, odors, airborne particles, dust, extreme noise, moving mechanical equipment, electrical hazards, wet or slippery surfaces, uneven terrain, confined spaces, elevated work areas, extreme heat, extreme cold, and inclement weather.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

The City of Spring Hill is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.

Reasonable Accommodation

The City is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). If you require a reasonable accommodation during the application or selection process, please contact the Human Resources Department at [e-mail].

Job Description Disclaimer

This job description is intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed by employees assigned to this position. It is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, or qualifications. The City reserves the right to assign, modify, or remove duties and responsibilities as operational needs require. Nothing in this job description creates an express or implied contract of employment. Employment with the City remains at will unless otherwise provided by applicable law or written agreement.