Wastewater Plant Operator

City of Chelsea; Chelsea (MI); On-site; USD 52,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

City of St Joseph is seeking a wastewater plant operator to operate and maintain the city's wastewater treatment plant and pumping stations. The role involves monitoring readings, adjusting chemical dosages, and performing preventive maintenance to ensure compliant operation.

Ideal candidates hold a high school diploma with college chemistry/biology coursework, a Class D wastewater operator license, and a Michigan CDL (Group B) or ability to obtain within six months.

Qualifications

• High school education or higher, with college-level chemistry/biology/algebra courses.
• Valid Michigan CDL (Group B) or ability to obtain within six months.
• Class D wastewater operator license.
• Knowledge of wastewater treatment and water distribution systems.
• Laboratory safety practices and record-keeping.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships.
• Clear spoken and written communication.

Responsibilities

• Take readings and monitor flow levels to control and maintain satisfactory treatment.
• Operate metering instruments, lifts, pumps, blowers and related equipment.
• Calculate and adjust chemical dosages and wasting rates.
• Clean, calibrate and maintain equipment as part of preventative maintenance.
• Participate in building, installing or repairing equipment.
• Perform maintenance to keep plant and facilities clean and safe.
• Maintain and repair buildings and grounds as needed.
• Maintain lift and pumping stations and report major repairs.
• Take samples and conduct routine chemical tests for treatment control.
• Record data and prepare required reports.
• Carry out laboratory tests (e.g., suspended solids, BOD, phosphorus) and maintain reagents.

Skills

Clear communication

Record keeping

Laboratory safety

Teamwork

Education

High school education or higher

College-level chemistry/biology/algebra courses

Tools

Laboratory equipment

Job description

Function

Operate and maintain the wastewater treatment plant and various lift and pumping stations.

Key Responsibilities and Duties

• Take readings and check flow levels in the various chambers and tanks of the treatment plant to control and maintain satisfactory treatment
• Operate metering instruments, lifts, pumps, blowers, and other treatment processing equipment
• Calculate and control chemical dosages and wasting rates as related to satisfactory plant operations
• Clean, calibrate, and lubricate equipment as part of the plant’s preventative maintenance schedule, reporting the need for emergency repairs or major equipment repairs
• Participate in the building, installation or repair of equipment
• Perform necessary maintenance duties to sustain a clean and safe plant including painting, plumbing, electrical and mechanical repairs
• Participate in the maintenance of buildings and grounds including mowing, snow removal, minor building and fence repair
• Maintain various lift and pumping stations located throughout the city by cleaning, lubricating, and carrying out preventive maintenance as planned, reporting the need for emergency or major equipment repairs
• Take samples and conduct routine chemical tests to record and control the treatment plan operations
• Participate in the recording of sample data and preparation of necessary records and reports
• Carry out and record results of a variety of standardized laboratory tests to determine suspended solids levels, volatile solids, BOD, phosphorus levels, and other critical parameters in the laboratory process
• Clean, calibrate, and maintain laboratory equipment and make up reagents and other standard testing compounds
• Perform other related work as required to support the City of Chelsea

Necessary Qualifications

A qualified candidate will demonstrate the following skills and background.

• Holds a high school education or higher, supplemented by college-level courses in chemistry, biology, algebra, and other related subjects
• Holds a valid Michigan Commercial Driver's License (Group B designation or higher) or the ability to obtain one within six months and maintains it thereafter as a condition of continued employment
• Holds a Class D license as a wastewater operator.
• Exhibits knowledge of the principles, procedures, and equipment of wastewater treatment and water distribution systems to effectively and efficiently manage such systems
• Demonstrates knowledge of the procedures and practices of laboratory safety
• Demonstrates an ability to maintain and prepare accurate records
• Exhibits an ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with fellow employees
• Exhibits an ability to express oneself in speech and writing clearly

Physical Demands & Work Environment

The physical demands and work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of the job. Reasonable accommodation may be provided to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential job functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to use hands and fingers, handle, feel or operate objects, use tools or controls, and reach with hands and arms. The employee is frequently required to stand and talk and hear. The employee is occasionally required to walk, sit, climb, balance, stoop, kneel, crouch, crawl, and smell.

The employee must frequently lift or move up to 10 pounds and occasionally move up to 100 pounds. Specific vision abilities with or without prescription glasses required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and the ability to adjust focus.

While performing the duties of this job the employee regularly works in outside weather conditions. The employee frequently works near moving mechanical parts and is frequently exposed to wet or humid conditions and vibrations.