Treatment Plant Operator Trainee, I, II, III - Wastewater Treatment

Abilene; Abilene (TX); On-site; USD 42,000 - 66,000; Full time

Job summary

The City of Abilene seeks an entry-level Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator Trainee to learn chemical dosing, analysis, and plant control to meet state and federal standards.

As operator levels advance, responsibilities expand to include process control, maintenance, and reporting, with on-site work and potential after-hours on-call requirements.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED is required.
• Texas driver’s license within 90 days of employment.
• TCEQ license requirements vary by Operator level (D/C/B/A).

Responsibilities

• Calibrates and operates laboratory tests to assess wastewater quality.
• Monitors SCADA systems and adjusts chemical feeders for treatment.
• Maintains plant records and prepares required reports.

Skills

Lab equipment

SCADA interpretation

Safety awareness

Communication

Driving

Education

High school diploma or GED

Texas driver’s license

TCEQ license (as required)

Tools

SCADA software

Laboratory meters

Job description

GENERAL DESCRIPTION

Under the general supervision of the Wastewater Treatment Division Manager to perform activities pertaining to the operation of a Wastewater Treatment plant. Th e the entry level trainee position focuses on learning and understanding how to perform a variety of chemical dosing calculations, chemical analysis, lift station management, electronic and manual record keeping as well as treatment plant process control activities to produce wastewater compliant with State of Texas and Federal Regulations.

Treatment Plant Operator I and II

Performs a variety of chemical analysis, lift station management, and treatment plant process control activities to produce wastewater compliant with State of Texas and Federal Regulations.

Treatment Plant Operator III

Performs a variety of technical work involved in the operation and maintenance of a Wastewater Treatment plant.

SUPERVISION EXERCISED

This position exercises no supervisory responsibilities; however, the Treatment Plant Operator I, II and III will assist with training the Treatment Plant Operator Trainee.

IMPORTANT AND ESSENTIAL DUTIES

Calculates dosages for various chemicals, and the purpose for which the chemicals are used.

Controls and monitors treatment plant chemical feed pumps and various types of equipment to treat and disinfect wastewater.

Performs and records the results of various laboratory tests to assess wastewater quality and to determine optimal chemical treatment, chlorine residual, temperature and other related tests.

Assesses and interprets data from laboratory tests to improve and maintain wastewater quality.

Backwashes filters using both manual and automatic sequences.

Performs efficient plant and laboratory operations, including maintenance of equipment, pumps, filters, and machinery, testing, quality control, and recordkeeping procedures.

Standardizes laboratory equipment and adjust chemical feeders for optimal wastewater treatment.

Maintains plant records, including operations logs, daily diaries, and chemical inventories; compiles both paper and electronic copies of reports as required by department policy.

Monitors SCADA Systems, pumps, chemical feeders, laboratory equipment, meters and gauges to determine status of various functions of the plant; perform equipment and laboratory preventive maintenance duties.

Reads, calculates, and records wastewater discharge on an hourly and daily basis.

Assists in performing minor repairs, operations adjustments, and preventive maintenance on plant equipment as needed.

Checks motors and pumps for excessive vibrations, noise and temperatures; reports problems to appropriate personnel.

Operates a vehicle on a daily basis.

Treatment Plant Operator I and II

Controls and monitors treatment plant chemicals, machines, and equipment to properly treat wastewater.

Performs and records the results of various laboratory tests to assess wastewater quality and to determine optimal chemical treatment, such as, chlorine residual, temperature and other related tests.

Removes solids from treatment units and backwashes filters as needed.

Maintains the efficiency of plant and laboratory operations, including maintenance of equipment, pumps, filters, and machinery, testing, quality control, and record-keeping procedures.

Calibrates laboratory equipment and adjusts chemical feeders for optimal wastewater treatment.

Maintains plant records, including operations logs, daily diaries, and chemical inventories; compiles reports as required by departmental policies.

Monitors SCADA Systems, pumps, chemical feeders, laboratory equipment, meters and gauges to determine status of various functions of the plant; performs equipment and laboratory preventive maintenance duties.

Reads, calculates, and records wastewater discharge hourly/daily basis.

Performs minor repairs, operations adjustments, and preventive maintenance on plant equipment as needed.

Reads and records chemical usage; fills chemical feeders; mixes chemicals; changes reagents.

Checks motors and pumps for excessive noise and temperature variations; reports problems to appropriate personnel.

Performs grounds maintenance and housekeeping duties as needed.

May be required to work on call after hours to respond to emergencies.

Treatment Plant Operator III

Oversees that the plant is operating efficiently; maintain records; prepare reports regarding the operation of the plant and quality of the plant product; suggest methods of improving plant efficiency.

Troubleshoots and recommends corrective action towards a resolution of maintenance or operation problems.

Assists with conducting chemical and bacteriological analysis of treatment plant products using quality control data analysis data of plant product.

Based on the analysis of information from meter readings, gauges and other control/measuring devices, makes required adjustments.

Maintains effective communication and working relationships with employees, governmental officials, and the public.

Performs process control laboratory analysis.

Maintains and enters process control as well as other data into the appropriate computer systems.

Oversees that the plant is operating efficiently; maintain records; prepare reports regarding the operation of the plant and quality of the plant product; suggest methods of improving plant efficiency.

OTHER JOB RELATED DUTIES

Perform other job related duties and responsibilities as assigned.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

Knowledge of:

State and Federal requirements, rules and regulations for Wastewater Treatment.

Safe chemical handling practices.

Basic algebra and general math skills.

Methods, materials, practices, equipment, and facilities involved in Wastewater Treatment.

.

Workplace occupational hazards and standard safety precautions.

Safe driving principles and practices.

Skill to:

Operate and maintain various laboratory equipment and systems.

Use and maintain a variety of tools and equipment used in water and wastewater treatment and repair activities.

Visually, physically, and audibly identify anomalies associated with pumps and motors.

Make logical decisions based on available and/or acquired data through SCADA and computer systems.

Operate basic computer equipment.

Safely operate a motor vehicle in all types of weather.

Ability to:

Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.

Read, write and understand the English language and follow written and oral instructions.

Physically perform duties related to building and grounds maintenance, including mowing, weed-eating, sweeping, mopping, painting, and digging.

Establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with those contacted in the course of work, both internally and externally.

Follow and embrace the City of Abilene Core Values – Respect, Integrity, Service above Self, and Excellence in All We Do.

Perform as a team member in a manner that accomplishes the Division’s mission and treats team members with dignity, courtesy, and respect.

Experience and Training Guidelines

For positions with more than one level, all listed requirements at the lower levels are required at the higher levels.

Any combination equivalent to experience and training to provide the required knowledge, skills, and abilities may be qualifying.

Knowledge, skills, and abilities may be obtained through:

Treatment Plant Operator Trainee

Experience: This is an entry-level position. No previous experience is required.

Education/Training: A high school diploma or GED is required.

License or Certificate: A Texas driver’s license, the ability to obtain one within ninety (90) days of employment, or a military waiver is required.

A TCEQ Class D Wastewater Operators License within 24 months of employment is required.

Treatment Plant Operator I

Experience: One (1) year of experience in a Wastewater treatment plant is required.

License or Certificate: A TCEQ Class C Wastewater Operators License is required.

Treatment Plant Operator II

Experience: Three (3) years of experience in a Wastewater treatment plant is required.

License or Certificate: A TCEQ Class B Wastewater Operators License is required.

Treatment Plant Operator III

Experience: Six (6) years of experience in a Wastewater treatment plant is required.

License or Certificate: A TCEQ Class A Wastewater Operators License is required.

Special Requirements

All state licensed personnel must pass a State of Texas Criminal background check. The State of Texas has the authority to grant or deny the required license.

Ability to report to work in various types of weather as required.

Work a variable shift schedule with the potential for short notice schedule changes.

Exposure to cold, heat, noise, outdoors, vibration, confined work spaces, chemicals, explosive materials, mechanical hazards, and electrical hazards.

Essential duties require the following physical skills and work environment:

With or without accommodation, the “X” indicates the overall strength demand of the position during a typical workday:

___ Sedentary – lifting of no more than 10 pounds

___ Light – lifting no more than 20 pounds; carrying up to 10 pounds

_ X _ Medium – lifting no more than 50 pounds; carrying up to 25 pounds

___ Heavy – lifting no more than 100 pounds; carrying up to 50 pounds

___ Very Heavy – team lifting over 100 pounds; carrying more than 50 pounds

Physical Demand Codes:

Codes for how often:

N = No

E = Extensive (100 – 70% of the time)

M = Moderate (60 – 30% of the time)

I = Infrequent (20 – 10% of the time)

A = Almost Never (<10% of the time)

Code / Task

_E_ Standing

_M_ Sitting

_E_ Walking

_M_ Lifting

_M_ Carrying

_M_ Pushing/Pulling

_M_ Overhead Work

_M_ Fine Dexterity

_M_ Kneeling

_M_ Crouching

_I__ Crawling

_M_ Bending

_M_ Twisting

_M_ Climbing

_I_ Balancing

_E_ Vision

_E_ Hearing

_E_ Talking

__ _ Other: ____________________