Wastewater Plant Operator I

City of Prattville; Prattville (AL); On-site; USD 35,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

The City of Prattville is seeking a Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator responsible for the operations and maintenance of wastewater treatment plants. This role includes monitoring processes, performing maintenance, and ensuring compliance with regulations. The ideal candidate will have a high school diploma and relevant experience or certifications. Opportunities for growth and advancement are available.

Qualifications

• Two years' experience in Wastewater plant operations preferred.
• Must test for a Grade II Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator certification within 18 months.

Responsibilities

• Performs wastewater treatment operations duties.
• Maintains records and completes reports.
• Responds to emergency after-hours calls.

Skills

Knowledge of wastewater treatment principles

Skill in oral and written communication

Ability to analyze situations

Education

High School Diploma/GED

Tools

Microsoft Word

Microsoft Excel

Job description

This position is responsible for the operations and maintenance of the city's wastewater treatment plants. The work consists of related plant operation and maintenance duties. Changing water conditions and regulatory changes contribute to the complexity of the position. FLSA status is Non-Exempt.

This position can start as an entry-level position in the Wastewater department with educational and growth requirements/opportunities. Applicants who currently possess a Grade II or higher Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator license/certification would start at a higher level.
The following duties are normal for this classification. The omission of specific duties does not exclude them from the classification if the work is similar, related, or logical assignments for this classification. Other duties may be required and assigned. Specific duties listed may not be required for all positions in this classification, but are determined by the normal requirements for this particular position.

PLANT OPERATION (60%)
Performs wastewater treatment operations duties.
Makes rounds at designated intervals to monitor wastewater samples and equipment.
Checks sludge blankets to determine the proper depth of sludge balance.
Hoses grit areas.
Obtains readings from raw sewage pumps and records RPMs.
Obtains chlorine readings to determine the amount being fed at specific times; logs amount remaining in tanks to aid in reordering.
Checks dissolved oxygen levels in aeration basins and digesters.
Runs settling tests and makes related adjustments.
Operates process equipment to include valves, pumps, engines, and generators; recognizes and resolves problems and critical conditions in unit processes.
Operates electrical controls to include times, etc.
Monitors control panels, meters, and related gauges.
Assists in performing laboratory tests and analyzing reports.

SYSTEMS & EQUIPMENT MAINTENANCE (15%)
Performs systems and equipment maintenance.
Inspects the plant for overall process conditions.
Lubricates and checks equipment for malfunctions; replaces critical parts as needed.
Inspects and services mechanical and electrical control systems.
Installs and starts up new equipment.
Performs minor plumbing, welding, and cutting.
Cleans and stores tools used in the performance of job duties.
Assumes responsibility for an assigned vehicle; performs daily checks and monthly inspections and arranges for routine and special maintenance with city shop.
Performs grease trap inspections.
Assists in sewer smoke testing.
Cleans sludge from drying beds.
Cleans clarifier weirs, bar screens, and other components.
Assists in maintaining plant buildings and grounds.

RECORDS & REPORTING (15%)
Maintains records and completes reports.
Maintains a daily log of rounds.
Records results of specific tests on wastewater samples according to ADEM time intervals.
Maintains maintenance records on all equipment, facilities, and assigned vehicles.
Assists in posting and filing records and reports.
Assists in assembling and reporting data from testing and lab analysis.
Evaluates plant processes through the analysis of data; keeps management informed and makes recommendations based on lab results.

OTHER RELATED DUTIES (10%)
Responds to emergency after-hours calls.
Assists in training new employees.
Performs related duties as assigned.
High School Diploma/GED is required.
Two (2) years' experience in Wastewater plant operations preferred.
Must test for a Grade II Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator intern certification/license within eighteen (18) months of employment and receive certification within twenty-four (24) months OR currently possess an Alabama Grade II-IV Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator license.
The following requirements are normal for this classification. Specific requirements may not apply to all positions within this classification but are determined by the normal requirements for the particular position. The following list was developed through job analysis; however, it is not exhaustive and other duties may be required and assigned.

Job duties are typically performed standing, walking, bending, crouching, or stooping. Employees frequently lift light and heavy objects, climbs ladders, uses tools or equipment requiring a high degree of dexterity, distinguishes between shades of color, and utilizes the sense of smell.
Job duties are typically performed in an office, at wastewater treatment facilities, and outdoors, occasionally in extreme or inclement weather. Employees are exposed to noise, dust, dirt, grease, machinery with moving parts, contagious or infectious diseases, and irritating chemicals.
Job duties may require the use of protective devices such as masks, goggles, gloves, etc.
Job duties require the ability to deal with and relate to people beyond giving and receiving instructions.
Job duties require the ability to talk, express, or exchange ideas by means of spoken words and/or hear and perceive the nature of sounds by ear.
Job candidates must be able to adapt to and perform under moderate stress.
Job duties require regular, punctual attendance consistent with the ADA, FMLA and other federal, state and local standards.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:
City of Prattville employees are required to obtain knowledge of the City of Prattville Policies and Procedures, and knowledge of their specific department rules, policies, and procedures.
This job description does not necessarily include all the duties which may be required of individual employees in the classification. Job descriptions may be revised as needed.

Knowledge of department and city policies and procedures, and relevant federal, state, and local laws and regulations.
Knowledge of work safety principles.
Knowledge of safety hazards in working with wastewater and associated chemicals and the required protections and precautions.
Knowledge of wastewater treatment principles, operations, materials, and equipment.
Knowledge of laboratory analysis principles.
Knowledge of SCADA systems and operations principles.
Knowledge of federal and state regulatory requirements.
Knowledge of computers and job-related software programs.
Skill in the operation and maintenance of a variety of mechanical and electronic equipment.
Skill in planning, organization, and decision making.
Skill in oral and written communication.
Skills in performing minor plumbing, welding, and cutting.
Ability to learn and understand manuals and guidelines.
Ability to analyze a variety of situations and make sound judgments.
Ability to calculate proper gauge settings and related figures.

SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION:
Must provide proof of your legal right to work in the United States.
Must possess and maintain a valid driver's license.
Must be able to lift at least 50 pounds.
Willing to work overtime.
Willing to cooperate with the workload of the department.
Willing to attend continuing education courses.
Willing to comply with City of Prattville rules and regulations.
Must submit to drug screenings for this safety sensitive position.
Must be familiar and able to effectively and efficiently utilize Microsoft Word and Excel, and any software programs utilized in coordination with the job.
Must accomplish the essential functions of the job, with or without reasonable accommodations, in a timely manner.

EEOC COMMITMENT:
The City of Prattville is committed to maintaining equal employment opportunity by considering job applicants and employees for hiring and advancement on the basis of job-pertinent individual differences and not on the basis of extraneous factors such as race, color, religion, sex, national origin, physical and mental disability, marital status, sexual orientation, genetics, status as current or former uniformed service member, or any other classifications protected by law.