Plant Operator I (Water or Wastewater)

DeKalb County Government; Decatur (GA); On-site; USD 42,000 - 68,000; Full time

Job summary

DeKalb County Government is seeking a Water/Wastewater Operator to operate treatment facilities in compliance with federal, state, and local regulations. The role covers water treatment, distribution, storage, and wastewater collection and plant operations, with duties including sampling, testing, SCADA monitoring, and routine maintenance.

The position requires a high school diploma or GED, three years of relevant experience, and valid Georgia driver’s license plus a State of Georgia Class I

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required.
• Three years of experience operating a water or wastewater treatment facility.
• Valid Georgia driver's license and a Georgia Class I Water or Wastewater Operator license.

Responsibilities

• Operates all aspects of water treatment and wastewater operations to maintain compliance with regulations.
• Performs sampling, monitoring, testing and laboratory analysis as needed.
• Maintains equipment, performs repairs, and conducts routine plant inspections and calibrations.
• Monitors SCADA systems and prepares reports and documentation.

Education

High School Diploma or GED

State of Georgia Class I Water or Wastewater Operator License

Job description

Purpose Of Classification

The purpose of this classification is to operate water and wastewater treatment facilities in compliance with federal, state and local regulations for the operation of water treatment, distribution, storage facilities and/or wastewater collection, lift stations or treatment facilities.

Purpose Of Classification

The purpose of this classification is to operate water and wastewater treatment facilities in compliance with federal, state and local regulations for the operation of water treatment, distribution, storage facilities and/or wastewater collection, lift stations or treatment facilities.

This classification is safety sensitive, subject to random drug testing in accordance with the County’s Drug & Alcohol Policy.

Essential Functions

The following duties are normal for this position. The omission of specific statements of the duties does not exclude them from the classification if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment for this classification. Other duties may be required and assigned.

Performs all aspects of operation, sampling, monitoring, and testing required to maintain compliance with federal, state and local regulations that govern water treatment and wastewater operations; performs laboratory analysis; and physically checks equipment to ensure correct operation feed, dosages, and calibrations necessary to properly operate facilities and systems.

Assists in the performance of regular and unscheduled repairs and maintenance on plant equipment and machinery; conducts weekly checks of the treatment plant; rotates equipment; changes and connects chlorine and other specialized water treatment plant equipment; monitors chemical feed equipment, operates solids processing equipment; and operates load lugging trucks.

Collects potable water and wastewater samples and performs laboratory analysis such as pH, turbidity, chlorine levels, fluoride levels, dissolved oxygen levels, and total suspended solids, total volatile solids, and temperature on grab samples; and calibrates lab equipment and instruments.

Monitors the SCADA systems for any changes that may affect the plant processes such as pressure changes, chemical pumps faulting out, distribution storage tank levels, chemical tank levels, turbidity levels, and filter function.

Prepares reports and records testing results; completes forms and various paperwork; enters data into the computer; and takes telephone calls and responds to customer complaints.

Maintains a safe and clean work environment (both inside the facilities and on the grounds) per OSHA and DeKalb County standards.

Assists in the training of entry level operators and lower classifications of operators (II and III) as needed. Participates in continuing education classes and testing to maintain and renew Georgia and DeKalb County certification and licensure requirements.

Minimum Qualifications

High School Diploma or GED required; three years of experience in operation of a water or wastewater treatment facility; or any equivalent combination of education, training, and experience which provides the requisite knowledge, skills, and abilities for this job.

Specific License or Certification Required: Must possess and maintain a valid Georgia driver’s license; must possess and maintain a valid State of Georgia Class I Water or Wastewater Operator License.