Wastewater Plant Operator

City of Bloomington, Indiana; Bloomington (IN); On-site; USD 52,000 - 76,000; Full time

Job summary

City of Bloomington, Indiana is seeking a wastewater treatment operator to monitor and control mechanical and electromechanical equipment in the treatment process. Daily sampling, lab testing, data entry, and reporting are key duties.

Responsibilities include operating pumps, adjusting chemical feed, and maintaining dissolved oxygen and pH measurements. Prior certification is preferred; ability to obtain within one year is required if not certified.

Qualifications

• Experience operating pumps and associated equipment in a wastewater treatment setting.
• Ability to perform chemical testing of water quality and interpret results.
• Knowledge of safety procedures in outdoor, hazardous environments.

Responsibilities

• Collects multiple samples of untreated wastewater daily and takes them to the lab for testing.
• Checks and transfers sludge, and operates pumps to ensure proper chemical entry and functioning.
• Reads meters, records data, and adjusts processing based on readings.
• Monitors headworks, raw sewage pump station, and notifies maintenance of problems.
• Operates belt filter press and handles sludge dewatering procedures.

Skills

Pump operation

Equipment monitoring

Laboratory testing

Data recording

Emergency response

Education

Class I Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator certification

Job description

Continuously monitors mechanical and electromechanical equipment, pumps, gauges, valves, meters, etc., used in the treatment of wastewaters.

This job description is illustrative only and is not a comprehensive listing of all job functions performed. The following are essential duties for this position, performed with or without reasonable accommodation:

Primary

• Collects multiple samples of untreated wastewater throughout the treatment process on a daily basis. Takes samples to the lab for testing and analysis.
• Checks supernatant and transfers sludge by pumping to appropriate tanks.
• Operates and adjusts pumps to ensure proper entry of chemicals into tanks and that settings and proper functioning occurs.
• Reads and records meter readings and prepares daily reports as assigned, makes appropriate adjustments in processing, and records any adjustments as required.
• Checks waste pump timers to make sure sludge withdrawals are pumped in correct volumes to sludge holding (digester) tanks.
• Checks operations at headworks area and raw sewage pump station and informs maintenance of any problems.
• Performs analyses on water samples including dissolved oxygen test, and suspended and settable solids, pH, chlorine, and dechlorination residual.
• Maintains operations dissolved oxygen and pH measuring equipment. Enters operational data into computer. Monitors all equipment and notifies Maintenance Coordinator and Plant Superintendent of any mechanical problems.
• Operates Belt Filter Press, including pumping sludge to belt press, mixing polymer solution to sludge, making appropriate adjustments to assure proper flow, moving truck and dumping sludge within the sludge barn.

Secondary

• Performs general housekeeping/janitorial duties as needed.
• Performs related duties as assigned. Experience working with equipment and machinery, especially pumps, preferred.
• Experience working outdoors in all sorts of weather and in settings with potentially hazardous conditions, preferred.
• Current class I (or apprentice) Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator certification, preferred. Otherwise, ability to obtain the certification within one year from hire, required.
• Ability to gain knowledge about wastewater treatment, all plant operations and equipment, and basic chemical testing of water quality.
• Knowledge and understanding of the NPDES permit system and all applicable federal, state, and local regulations concerning plant operations and water quality.
• Ability to interpret and compile statistical data pertaining to plant operations.
• Ability to respond to emergency situations and interruption of normal treatment processes.

Difficulty of Work

Moderate physical effort is exerted by incumbent in the set up and operation of equipment, including bending, stooping, and movement of extremities necessary to handle equipment controls. Moderate physical effort is frequently required for regular intervals of time. Walking up and down multiple flights of stairs, along with walking several miles per shift. Working 12 hour shifts and lifting up to 25 pounds on a regular basis. Performs majority of duties out of doors in all sorts of weather conditions and in settings with potentially hazardous conditions. Exposed to inadequate lighting and other hazards such as poisonous and explosive gases, and diseases associated with the handling of wastewater.