WASTEWATER OPERATOR I

Western Virginia Water Authority; Roanoke (VA); On-site; USD 42,000 - 56,000; Full time

Job summary

The Western Virginia Water Authority in Roanoke, VA is seeking a Wastewater Operator I to perform skilled plant operations, assist supervision, and collect samples. You will monitor equipment, log readings, and contribute to reports while ensuring safe, compliant operations.

Ideal candidates have a high school diploma (or GED) with related coursework and a Class I DPOR license, plus relevant experience. This role offers opportunities for growth within the Water Quality Division.

Qualifications

• Graduation from high school or GED with related coursework.
• Class I wastewater license from Virginia DPOR.
• Three or more years of related experience or equivalent education.

Responsibilities

• Oversees and directs work of assigned employees as needed.
• Monitors plant operations via instrument readings and calculations.
• Completes operation reports and generates maintenance work requests.
• Performs routine plant tours and assesses operating conditions.
• Performs minor or emergency repairs as needed.
• Coordinates with Shift Supervisor and other operators to ensure proper treatment processes.
• Maintains safety training and DPOR continuing education requirements.

Skills

Supervisory ability

Instrument readings

Safety awareness

Communication skills

Team collaboration

Education

High school diploma or GED

Course work in environmental studies/chemistry/sewage treatment

Job description

JOB POSITION: WASTEWATER OPERATOR I

Division: Water Quality

Status: Non-Exempt

Grade: 106

Job Code: 773

Reports to: Wastewater Operations Supervisor

Date: 07-01-07

Revised Date: 04-01-22

Last Reviewed Date: 04-01-22

SUMMARY OF JOB

Performs skilled work in the operations of the sewage treatment plant. Assist with supervision of other wastewater operators in the absence of the shift supervisor. Completes reports/evaluates operation of equipment/collects samples. Makes regular tours of plant and equipment. Assess operating conditions through instrument readings, required process calculations and knowledge of process. Regulates and adjusts equipment based upon assessment of operating conditions. Completes regular operation reports. Generates work requests for maintenance repair work. Makes minor or emergency repair. Records readings from meters/instruments. Monitors/completes required Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation (DPOR) continuing education requirements. Graduation from high school/GED equivalent supplemented by course work in environmental studies/chemistry/sewage treatment/other related areas. Previous experience preferred. Class I Wastewater license from the Virginia Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation for Waterworks and Wastewater Works. Assist with supervision of other wastewater operators in the absence of the shift supervisor.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Includes the following. Other duties may be assigned or scheduled.

• Oversees and directs work of assigned employees as needed.
• Identifies and reports work progress of assigned employee to responsible supervisor/manager.
• Reports problems and conflicts to supervisor immediately or as soon as possible.
• Makes regular tours of plant and equipment.
• Assess operating conditions in assigned area through instrument readings, performance of requires process calculations and knowledge of process.
• Regulates and adjust related equipment in assigned area based upon assessment of operating conditions.
• Communicates with Shift Supervisor and other operators to coordinate treatment process throughout plant.
• Completes regular operations reports.
• Evaluates operation of equipment.
• Generates work requests for maintenance repair work.
• Makes minor or emergency repair.
• Collection of samples throughout assigned areas of the process using approved collection methods.
• Records readings from meters and instruments.
• Monitors and completes required Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation (DPOR) continuing education requirements.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

Oversees the work of assigned employees as needed. Assists responsible supervisor in interviewing, hiring, and training employees; planning, assigning, and directing work; appraising performance; rewarding and disciplining employees; addressing complaints and resolving problems.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Ability to oversee assigned work of other personnel in assigned area.
• Ability to review and recommend improvements in processes and procedures for assigned area.
• Ability to think logically and comprehend data.
• Ability to work with minimal supervision.
• Ability to work safely and obey all safety rules.
• Ability to communicate effectively, both verbal and in writing.
• Ability to respond to inquiries from employees and customers orally or in writing as necessary.
• Ability to represent assigned area in meetings attended.
• Ability to identify problems and/or conflict and seek management assistance in dealing with problems and/or conflicts.
• Ability to analyze and solve technical and administrative problems.
• Ability to read and interpret documents such as safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, maps and procedure manuals.
• Ability to apply common sense understanding to carry out instructions furnished in writing, oral or diagram form.
• Ability to write reports, correspondences and procedure manuals in a clear concise manner.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with co-workers, other Water Authority departments and the general public.
• Ability to work alone or in a team environment.
• Must possess and maintain a good work ethic with a strong emphasis on good attendance, reporting to work on time, completing job assignments in a timely manner, maintaining a good work attitude, performing all job duties as assigned and/or scheduled.
• Working knowledge of equipment, materials, methods and procedures used in a wastewater treatment facility.
• Basic knowledge in the use of hand tools, sockets, wrenches, etc.

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE

Graduation from high school or GED equivalent supplemented by course work in environmental studies, chemistry, sewage treatment, or other related areas, plus three (3) or more years of related experience or equivalent combination of education and experience.

CERTIFICATE, LICENSE, REGISTRATION REQUIREMENTS

• Must possess a valid Virginia driver's license or have the ability to obtain one within 60 days of employment date. No more than six (6) demerit points on driving record if required to drive Water Authority vehicles.
• Must be in possession of a Class I license from the Virginia Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation for Waterworks and Wastewater Works.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS OF THE JOB

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to walk, stand, and sit; use hands to finger, handle or feel; reach with hands and arms; talk and hear.
• Specific vision abilities required by this job include ability to adjust focus. If corrective lenses are noted on driver's license, the lenses must be worn when operating Authority vehicles.
• Repetitive movement using equipment is involved.
• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stoop, kneel, crouch, bend, climb (ladders/stairs), balance or crawl.
• Employee must be able to stand for an extended amount of time at the jobsite.
• Employee must be physically able to walk several miles during the day.
• Employee must be physically able to regularly reach overhead.
• Employee must regularly push/pull up to 30 pounds.
• Employee must regularly lift, carry and/or move up to 30 pounds and occasionally 50 pounds. Assistance is required on weight amounts above those listed. Failure to do so could result in injury and denied Worker's Compensation benefits.

WORK ENVIRONMENT ENCOUNTERED IN THIS JOB

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Employee will be regularly exposure to moderate or high noise level, extreme outside weather conditions, uneven, steep, slippery terrain conditions, dusty conditions and wet and/or humid conditions.
• Employee will be subject to exposure to moving mechanical parts and heavy equipment operation.
• Employees will be subject to roadway hazards, i.e. traffic.
• Employee will be subject to outside hazards, i.e. poison ivy, bees, spiders, dirt, animals.

GENERAL STATEMENT AND SELECTION GUIDELINES

The above statements describe the general nature and level of work assigned to in this job position. They should not be construed as an exhaustive list of all job duties or tasks performed by personnel so classified.

• WVWA application
• Rating of education, experience, training and qualifications
• Reference checks
• Interview with WVWA management team
• Applicant must pass a pre-employment physical and drug/alcohol test
• A criminal background check and social security number verification will be performed. The results must match information provided by the applicant on the WVWA application
• Job related test might be required and would be administered to all applicants applying for the position