Wastewater Plant Operator III

City of Johnson City; Johnson City (TN); On-site; USD 45,000 - 62,000; Full time

Job summary

The City of Johnson City in Tennessee seeks a Wastewater Plant Operator III to oversee and participate in the operation of the Regional Wastewater Treatment Plant. The role ensures safe, economical plant operation and compliance with public health standards on assigned shifts.

Key responsibilities include directing daily plant operations, supervising staff, running tests, maintaining records, and coordinating with contractors. Pre-employment screening applies.

Qualifications

• Thorough knowledge of modern wastewater treatment plant operations and safety.
• Ability to supervise and direct plant staff.
• Ability to run and troubleshoot dewatering equipment.
• Ability to manage high flows and coordinate with contractors and management.

Responsibilities

• Oversees the operation of the wastewater treatment plant.
• Schedules and directs plant operations and maintenance.
• Collects samples and runs pH, DO and other tests.
• Trains subordinate plant operators.
• Maintains logs, records and monthly reports.
• Responds to emergency calls and coordinates chemical deliveries.
• Acts as backup operator for the plant as needed.

Skills

Supervisory skills

SCADA monitoring

Record keeping

Safety practices

Troubleshooting

Education

Associate's degree in Environmental Health or related field

Wastewater Plant Operator's Grade IV Certificate (Tennessee)

Tools

SCADA systems

Dewatering 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 Reginal Wastewater Treatment Plant; 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 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