Wastewater Plant Operator I

City-of-Deniso; Denison (TX); On-site; USD 38,000 - 48,000; Full time

Job summary

City-of-Deniso seeks a semi-skilled wastewater plant and pumping facilities worker to monitor operations and perform maintenance. You will collect samples, operate equipment, and prepare routine reports under supervision.

The role requires following guidelines, applying judgment for non-standard situations, and occasional training of new staff. Physical tasks include lifting and basic field duties and shift work in various weather conditions.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required.
• Valid operator’s license at time of placement.
• Texas C Wastewater certificate required at placement.
• Valid driver’s license and clean driving record for City’s auto liability coverage.

Responsibilities

• Monitors lift stations and plants for proper operation.
• Checks tank levels and sludge levels.
• Prepares daily and monthly wastewater operation reports.
• Takes samples of wastewater to City and commercial labs.
• Changes chlorine cylinders.
• Serves and repairs pumps, chlorinators, blowers and other equipment.
• Replaces valves and lines around pump stations and plants.
• Follows written guidelines and consults supervisor when needed.
• Performs duties with guidance from senior staff and adheres to procedures.
• Liaises with coworkers; may have incidental contact with the public at job sites.

Skills

Water & wastewater ops

Pumps & motors repair

Regulatory compliance

Hand & power tools

SCBA operation

Shift work

Record keeping

Education

High school diploma/GED

Texas C Wastewater certificate

Valid driver’s license

Job description

Performs semi-skilled work of average difficulty in the maintenance and operation of wastewater plants and pumping facilities. Performs related work as required.

The following duties are typical for this position. These are not to be construed as exclusive or all-inclusive. To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to demonstrate competence and satisfactory performance of these duties. Other duties may be required and assigned.

1. Monitors lift stations and plants for proper operation.
2. Checks tank levels and sludge levels.
3. Makes daily and monthly reports on wastewater operations
4. Takes samples of wastewater to City and commercial labs.
5. Changes chlorine cylinders.
6. Services and repairs pumps, chlorinators, blowers and other equipment.
7. Replaces valves and lines around pump stations and plants.
8. The employee refers to written guidelines which include charts, blueprints, manuals and regulations. These guidelines are available for most job-related decisions, but the employee must use some judgment to apply and interpret guidelines. If guidelines do not adequately cover a situation, the employee would consult the supervisor or make a decision based on circumstances and knowledge. These guidelines may be specific and clear or general in nature. The employee is expected to adhere closely to guidelines.
9. The employee performs a moderate number of related and occasionally routine duties which require the use of moderate personal judgment and decision making. Technical knowledge and experience supplemented by guidance from senior employees are required to determine the proper course of action to follow in performing duties.
10. The employee may demonstrate tasks or instruct new employees, but performs no other supervisory duties.
11. The employee reviews oral and written instructions. The supervisor establishes a framework of assignments that the employee may complete independently and establishes procedures for carrying out assignments. The employee normally accomplishes these assignments without direction and with only spot review. The employee receives direction or assistance for new, difficult or unusual assignments. All problems, deviations and unfamiliar situations are referred to the supervisor. The supervisor reviews work in progress and at completion to see that it is being accomplished and adheres to established procedures.
12. Most contact is with fellow employees and supervisors although the employee may have incidental contact with the general public while working at job sites.
13. The employee’s contact with the public and co-workers involves giving and/or receiving factual information or responding to routine inquiries.

KNOWLEDGE SKILLS AND ABILITIES

1. Good knowledge of the operation, equipment and materials used in water and wastewater plants and lift stations
2. Good knowledge of the maintenance and repair of pumps and electric motors
3. Good knowledge of the regulatory requirements of Federal, State and local governments
4. Knowledge and skill in the use of hand and power tools to repair and maintain equipment, buildings and grounds
5. Knowledge and skill in the operation of a front end tractor to load sand or sludge
6. Some knowledge of the operation, equipment and materials used in water or wastewater plants and stations.
7. Some knowledge of the maintenance and repair of pumps and electric motors
8. Ability to understand and follow oral and written instructions
9. Ability to maintain records and prepare brief narrative and statistical reports
10. Ability to perform moderate physical exertion
11. Ability to use a SCBA unit after training
12. Ability to work shiftwork

Nothing in this job description limits management’s right to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time. The duties listed above are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related or a logical assignment to the position. The job description does not constitute an employment agreement between the employer and employee and is subject to change by the employer as the needs of the employer and requirements of the job change.

MINIMUM REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Must have high school diploma/GED
• Must have a valid operator’s license at time of placement
• Must have a State of Texas “C” Wastewater certificate required at the time of placement
• Must have a valid driver’s license and good driving record sufficient for coverage by City’s auto liability carrier

The physical and work environment characteristics described in this description 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 or as otherwise required by law. Employees needing reasonable accommodation should discuss the request with the employee’s supervisor or Employee Services.

• Frequent amounts of walking
• Frequent amounts of driving
• Ability to lift and/or carry objects ranging from 1-25 pounds
• Occasionally lift and/or carry objects ranging from 25-70 pounds
• Ability to turn knobs, levers, cranks, wrenches, valves and handles
• Frequently able to step up and down to enter and exit City properties
• Occasionally required to squat, kneel and crawl as job requires
• Frequently required to bend, climb, reach above head or below shoulder level
• Ability to work in inclement weather as required