Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator

Cityofbr; Big Rapids, Northern (MI, KY); Hybrid; USD 54,000 - 58,000; Full time

Job summary

City of Big Rapids is seeking a Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator to manage and optimize plant processes, perform analyses, and ensure regulatory compliance. The role involves operating equipment, collecting samples, and maintaining records.

The position requires knowledge of wastewater treatment, ability to use computer tools (Excel, SCADA), and a valid Michigan license. Supervisory oversight is by the Wastewater Superintendent, with an annual hourly rate of $26–$28 depending on licensing and

Qualifications

• Knowledge of municipal wastewater treatment processes and equipment.
• Knowledge of computer programs including Excel and Word.
• Ability to read and understand English.
• Ability to communicate clearly in writing and verbally.
• Ability to plan, organize, and complete work assignments.
• Possession of a valid Michigan driver’s license.
• Possession of a High School Diploma or GED.
• Possession of or ability to obtain a Michigan Class D Wastewater Operator License (advance to Class C).
• Possession of additional college or professional credits.

Responsibilities

• Operate mechanical equipment and wastewater treatment processes.
• Start up, monitor, adjust, and shut down equipment or systems.
• Perform sampling and analyses of wastewater streams.
• Monitor compliance with NPDES permit.
• Maintain inspections of electrical, mechanical, pneumatic, and hydraulic systems.
• Document work activities and results; use SCADA/Excel for records.

Skills

Knowledge of wastewater treatment

Read and understand English

Clear written and verbal communication

Plan, organize, and complete work

Ability to work with public/government

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Michigan Class D Wastewater Operator License (Class C possible)

Tools

SCADA

Excel

Microsoft Word

Job description

Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator

City of Big Rapids
Contact Person: Michelle Stenger
Telephone: [phone]
Email: [e-mail]

Supervised by: Wastewater Superintendent

Hourly Rate : $26.00 - $28.00 depending on experience and licensing.

SUMMARY

Perform technical, semi-skilled, and labor work in the business, operation, and maintenance of a wastewater treatment plant.

RESPONSIBILITIES, DUTIES AND FUNCTIONS

An employee in this position may be called upon to conduct and/or participate in any or all of the following functions:

• Operate mechanical equipment and physical, chemical, or biological processes


• Start up, monitor, adjust, and/or shut down equipment or systems to control the various treatment processes.


• Preliminary screening, grit and grease removal


• Flow equalization


• Activated Sludge secondary treatment (aeration, return sludge, waste sludge, secondary clarification)


• Chemical flocculation


• Ultraviolet disinfection


• Aerobic digestion


• Sludge thickening and storage


• Collect and analyze samples of raw, partially treated, treated and non-domestic waste streams.


• Analyze wastewater, sludge, and quality assurance samples to determine process adjustments and compliance with NPDES permit requirements.


• Perform physical measurements (temperature, pH, dissolved oxygen)


• Perform gravimetric analyses (Total Solids, Suspended Solids, Sludge Solids, and Volatile Solids)


• Perform biological analyses (Biochemical Oxygen Demand, Fecal Coliform)


• Perform chemical analyses (Phosphorus, Nitrogen)


• Other testing as required.


• Perform routine equipment condition checks, lubrication, or adjustment to ensure proper operation of pumps, blowers, and various mechanical devices.


• Dismantle, repair, replace, and reassemble equipment components as needed to ensure proper performance.


• Perform inspections, corrective, preventive, and predictive maintenance and repair of electrical, mechanical, pneumatic, and hydraulic systems and equipment.


• Requisition, receive, store, inventory, and control use of equipment, materials, and supplies.


• Plan, schedule, coordinate, and document work activities and accomplishments.


• Keep facilities neat, clean, orderly, and follow safe work practices, rules, standards, and policies.


• Perform other activities as may be assigned by the Superintendent or lead person.


• Prepare neat and accurate records of observed data, analyses conducted, and work performed.


• Work with computer records, entry of data, Excel programs, software programs, word documents, and SCADA process controls.


• Represent the city by working with the public and other governmental agencies providing services that require knowledge of EPA, Michigan, and Big Rapids code enforcement policies for city public utilities.

DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS

Knowledge of the equipment, materials, methods, and procedures used in municipal wastewater treatment.
Knowledge of operation and maintenance of wastewater treatment systems.
Knowledge of physical, chemical, and biological processes used in wastewater treatment.
Knowledge of computer program operation, including excel, word and software programs.
Knowledge of algebra.
Knowledge of EPA, Michigan, and Big Rapids code enforcement policies for city public utilities.
Ability to plan, organize, and complete work assignments.
Ability to read and understand English.
Ability to communicate clearly in writing and verbally.
Ability to work effectively with employees, government officials, the community, and the Utility users.
Ability to use a personal computer and software applications.
Ability to walk, crawl, climb, and maneuver where physical mobility is required.
Ability to lift fifty (50) pounds.
Ability to see well.
Ability to hear well.
Possession of or ability to obtain a valid Michigan driver’s license.
Possession of a High School Diploma or GED.
Possession of or ability to obtain, at a minimum, a valid Michigan Class “D” Wastewater Operator License with ability to advance to Class “C”.
Possession of additional college or professional credits.