Wastewater Plant Operator III

Johnsoncitytn; Johnson City (TN); On-site; USD 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

The City of Johnson City is seeking a Wastewater Plant Operator III to supervise and participate in the operation of the Knob Creek WWTP. The role ensures safe, economical operation on an assigned shift under the Chief Operator, with focus on maintaining records and plant performance.

Responsibilities include directing plant operations, maintaining logs and reports, coordinating chemical deliveries, and training junior operators to meet state health and safety standards.

Qualifications

• Completion of an associate's degree in Environmental Health or related field, preferably including chemistry courses.
• Possession of a Wastewater Plant Operator's Grade IV Certificate issued by the State of Tennessee.
• Considerable experience at the level of Wastewater Plant Operator II.
• Pre-employment physical, drug screening and background check required.

Responsibilities

• Oversees, supervises and participates in the operation of a wastewater treatment plant.
• Schedules and directs plant operations and maintenance.
• Continually checks chemical feeders or UV disinfection system and ensures finished product quality.
• Informs other operators of changes or adjustments needed to improve treatment.
• Reviews plant logs, gauges and meters to ensure proper equipment function.
• Orders supplies and responds to emergency calls.

Skills

Wastewater plant ops

SCADA monitoring

Safety compliance

Report writing

Supervisory ability

Education

Associate's degree in Environmental Health

Wastewater Grade IV Certificate

Tools

SCADA systems

Laboratory equipment

Job description

The City of Johnson City, Tennessee is accepting online applications for a Wastewater Plant Operator III. The employee performs intermediate technical work supervising and participating in the operation of the Knob Creek WWTP; does related work as required. An employee in this class is responsible for overseeing the safe, economical operation of a wastewater treatment plant in accordance with modern public health standards on an assigned shift. Employees in this class maintain a constant check on the sewage treatment and pump processes. The work is performed under the general supervision of the Chief Wastewater Plant Operator who reviews work through discussions and examination of plant records and reports.

Essential Functions of Position:

• oversees, supervises and participates in the operation of a wastewater treatment plant;
• schedules and directs plant operations and maintenance;
• continually checks chemical feeders or UV disinfection system and is responsible for the finished product at a treatment plant;
• informs other operators of changes or adjustments that need to be made to improve treatment;
• reviews plant log records, gauges, meters, and other plant testing and measuring devices to see that equipment is functioning properly;
• orders supplies and responds to emergency calls;
• performs the same duties as a Wastewater Plant Operator II;
• keeps abreast of professional developments in the field;
• collects samples and runs pH, D.O. and other operational tests;
• assists maintenance personnel with repair of machinery and equipment;
• prepares requisitions for plant supplies and materials;
• trains subordinate plant operators;
• conducts annual inspections required by State Department of Health and Environment;
• keeps records, and prepares daily and monthly reports on plant operations;
• Inform operators I and II of the Lone Worker program and ensure participation;
• Schedules and places orders for chemical deliveries;
• Responsible for regular maintenance and proper operation of automatic sampling equipment;
• Schedules solid waste services as needed;
• Act as a backup operator for the package treatment plant as needed;
• Communicate with other Operator III's and Chief WWTP Operator regarding sludge hauling schedules;
• Interacts with septage hauling companies and ensures haul tickets are completed properly;
• Monitors plant and pump station alarms through SCADA or field observations and reports issues in a timely manner;
• Ensures safety practices of workforce and facilities;
• performs related tasks as required.

Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

Thorough knowledge of the principles, practices, equipment, materials and operating procedures of a modern wastewater treatment plant; thorough knowledge of the occupational hazards connected with wastewater treatment plant operation and of necessary safety precautions; thorough knowledge of the bacteriological and chemical processes involved in the treatment of sewage; thorough knowledge of the occupational hazards connected with wastewater treatment plant operation and of necessary safety precautions; ability to maintain records and prepare reports; ability to supervise the work of others.

Ability to run and troubleshoot dewatering equipment as needed.

Ability to learn proper operation of new equipment and train subordinates.

Ability to manage high flows using existing equipment and facilities to minimize impacts on the plants.

Ability to work with outside contractors during construction projects or upgrades and maintain plant compliance

Ability to work with laboratory staff and management to schedule routine and non-routine samples.

Acceptable Experience and Training:

Completion of an associate's degree in Environmental Health or related field, preferably including or supplemented by courses in chemistry and considerable experience at the level of Wastewater Plant Operator II; or any equivalent combination of experience and training which provides the required knowledge, skills and abilities to perform in this position. Possession of a Wastewater Plant Operator's Grade IV Certificate issued by the State of Tennessee. Pre-employment physical, drug screening and background check required.

EEO