UTILITY OPERATOR 1 - WASTEWATER

St. Tammany Parish Government; Saint Tammany (LA); On-site; USD 40,000 - 56,000; Full time

Job summary

St. Tammany Parish Government is seeking a Wastewater Operator 1 who will maintain wastewater systems and support compliance with state and federal regulations. Under supervision, duties include monitoring plants, operating chemical injection pumps, and performing routine maintenance.

The role requires a high school diploma or GED, a valid driver’s license, and LDH Class 1 certification (or ability to obtain within 12 months). On-call work, weekends, and holidays are possible.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required.
• Minimum of one year experience in wastewater operations.
• Class 1 Operator Certification or ability to obtain within 12 months.
• Valid Driver’s License required.

Responsibilities

• Monitor and maintain wastewater plants per LDEQ requirements.
• Perform routine maintenance and chemical dosing, including chlorine.
• Complete required compliance paperwork and records.
• Assist in repairs of lift stations and sewer systems.
• Investigate customer complaints and maintain safety practices.
• Maintain certification by continuing education courses.
• Be available for on-call, weekends, and holidays as scheduled.

Skills

Safety procedures

Reading & interpreting manuals

Teamwork

Communication

Education

High school diploma or GED

LDH Class 1 Operator Certification or ability to obtain within 12 months

Job description

Title: Utility Operator 1 - Wastewater
Department: Utilities
Reports To: Supervisor 2
Pay Plan: 80hrs per pay period
Type: Full Time
FLSA: Non Exempt
Emergency Classification: Class I
Summary: Under the direction of their assigned Supervisor, the Wastewater Operator shall maintain wastewater systems assigned to the position in a manner that conforms with and tends to further compliance with all applicable regulating agencies and the Department of Utilities policies.

Essential Job Functions

• Monitor and maintain wastewater treatment plants in accordance with Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality (LDEQ) requirements including but not limited to:
  • General housekeeping (Scum box cleaning, algae/duckweed removal)
  • Operation of Chemical Injection pumps
  • Chlorine addition
  • Basic operational diagnosis and correction of plant operations
  • Complete required paperwork needed for compliance
  • Assist in repairs of lift stations, sewage collection system, and sewage force mains
  • Investigate customer complaints
  • Check Blowers, Motors, belts, diffusers, etc.
  • Inspection of Wastewater plants
• Required to maintain appropriate wastewater certification status, including Continuing Education courses
• May be required to operate equipment in the course of completing assigned duties
• Shall be available to work additional time during emergency situations
• This position may be required to be on call on nights, weekends and holidays
• This position is required to work scheduled routes on weekends and holidays
• Regular, consistent attendance is required
• Any other duties as assigned

Competencies

General knowledge of how wastewater treatment plants, sewage collection systems, and lift stations work. Must have a general knowledge of the rules and regulations governing the utility. Must be able to read, understand and communicate job related material. The ability to determine the best method of repair and assemble the applicable parts and fittings to accomplish the repair. Must know and follow all safety procedures. Employee must have the ability to operate a variety of equipment and tools. Specialty equipment includes but is not limited to flow meters, D.O meters, etc. Must be able to operate wastewater system serving < 1,000 people in accordance with LDH, DEQ, and EPA regulations.

Work Environment

The incumbent typically performs in an outdoor environment. This includes construction sites, open and empty land, wooded areas, both urban and rural roads, drainage and muddy/swampy areas, hot, humid, cold, and wet conditions that are consistent with outdoor projects. The incumbent may also be exposed to wildlife and bugs in the environment. This position may include work performed in an office environment for training, plan reviews, meetings, project preparation, and progress reviews.

Physical Demands

Medium work. Medium work involves lifting no more than 50 pounds at a time with frequent lifting, lowering, pulling, pushing and carrying of objects weighing up to 25 pounds. If someone can do medium work, we determine that he or she can also do sedentary and light work. Must be able to bend, stoop, kneel and climb in order to complete various job duties. Must be able to stand, sit and walk for extended periods, sometimes on uneven or rough terrain in various weather conditions.

Required Education/Qualifications

A high school diploma or equivalent GED required. Minimum of one year experience in relevant wastewater system operations. A Class 1 Operator Certification from LDH in wastewater treatment and / or wastewater collection or have the ability to obtain said certification within 12 months of hire date. Must have valid Driver’s License.

DISCLAIMER

If selected for a position with St. Tammany Parish Government, applicants are required to successfully complete a drug screen, physical and background check prior to employment. Failure to complete any requirement, may result in a rescinded offer.

St. Tammany Parish Government is an EOE/M/F/Disability/Veteran