Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator

City of St Joseph; Howell (MI); On-site; USD 42,000 - 64,000; Full time

Job summary

City of St Joseph seeks a semi-skilled technician to operate and maintain our wastewater treatment facilities, monitor equipment, collect samples, and help ensure regulatory compliance.

You will perform preventative maintenance, calibrate instruments, document plant data, and respond to system issues under the Wastewater Operations Manager's supervision. A high school diploma and several years of plant experience are required.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED with 2 years post-secondary training in biology or chemistry or closely related field.
• At least four years’ experience in a Wastewater Treatment Plant.
• Any equivalent combination of education and experience.

Responsibilities

• Operate and maintain wastewater processing equipment.
• Record data and monitor plant performance.
• Perform preventative maintenance and repairs on plant equipment.
• Collect samples and conduct basic lab analyses.
• Respond to plant issues and perform necessary repairs.

Skills

Wastewater treatment

Equipment maintenance

Laboratory procedures

Safety

Communication

Education

High school diploma

Two years post-secondary training in biology/ environmental science/ chemistry

Tools

Lab equipment

Instrumentation calibration

Job description

GENERAL PURPOSE: Performs a variety of semi-skilled and skilled technical and maintenance work in the operation, maintenance and repair of wastewater treatment facilities and systems.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED: Works under the general supervision of the Wastewater Operations Manager.

SUPERVISION EXERCISED: None

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Assist in operating and maintaining a variety of wastewater processing equipment.
• Monitors the performance of all equipment, gauges, and charts in the treatment plant and pump stations; Records statistical data concerning plant operations.
• Maintains, operates, repairs and replaces equipment as necessary.
• Performs preventative maintenance and repairs on plant and lift station equipment.
• Maintains a variety of records relating to inspections, maintenance activity, etc.
• Operates, maintains, and repairs malfunctions at the wastewater treatment plant; repairs gauges, pumps, filters, and other controls and equipment.
• Collects samples and identifies concentrations of chemical, physical, or biological characteristics of wastewater required in accordance with local, state, and Federal requirements,
• Gathers and tests wastewater samples for plant efficiency reports as required.
• Performs quality control tests on lab equipment and lab analyses; evaluates procedures and results for accuracy and determines appropriate methods.
• Assures that the plant operates within required standards.
• Contains and disposes of hazardous waste generated by the lab.
• Calibrates, modifies, or repairs instrumentation and control equipment, including recorders, flowmeters, and other water quality monitoring equipment.
• Operates and maintains sewage pump stations; cleans wet wells and operates pumps and valves to control and adjust flow and treatment process.
• Performs all duties in conformance to appropriate safety and security standards.
• Responds to complaints regarding wastewater system failures, leaks, or other problems; evaluates the situation and performs necessary repairs.
• Contacts residents and business owners in the area where services will be discontinued and explains when services will be shut off and how soon service will be restored.
• All other duties as assigned

PERIPHERAL DUTIES

• Serves on various employee or other committees as assigned.
• Maintains the drawings and schematics of electrical and other systems in the treatment plant.
• Monitors performance of electrical systems, circuits or equipment of the treatment plant.
• May provide back-up and support at Water Treatment Plant or DPW

TOOLS AND EQUIPMENT USED: Motor vehicle, generators, pumps, gauges, common hand and power tools, shovels, wrenches, detection devices, mobile radio, phone, calculator, and a variety of lab equipment.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS: The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to use hands to finger, handle, feel or operate objects, tools, or controls and reach with hands and arms. The employee frequently is required to stand. The employee is occasionally required to walk; talk or hear; sit; climb or balance; stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl; and smell.

The employee must frequently lift and/or move up to 25 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.

WORK ENVIRONMENT: The work environment characteristics described here 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.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee frequently works in outside weather conditions. The employee frequently works near moving mechanical parts and is occasionally exposed to wet and/or humid conditions. The employee occasionally works in high, precarious places and is occasionally exposed to fumes or airborne particles, risk of electrical shock, and vibration. The employee is frequently exposed to toxic or caustic chemicals.

The noise level in the work environment is usually moderately loud.

DESIRED MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Education and Experience:

1. Graduation from high school education or GED equivalent, and, supplemented by two (2) years post secondary college or technical training in biology, environmental science, chemistry, or a closely related field, and
2. At least four years’ experience in a Wastewater Treatment Plant;
3. Any equivalent combination of education and experience.

Necessary knowledge, Skills and Abilities

1. Working knowledge of equipment, facilities, materials, methods, and procedures used in wastewater treatment plant maintenance and operation activities; working knowledge of laboratory procedures and practices;Skill in operation of some of the listed tools and equipment.
2. Ability to perform process control calculations;
3. Ability to work safely;
4. Ability to communicate effectively verbally and in writing;
5. Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with employees, other departments, and the public;
6. Ability to understand and carry out written and oral instructions.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

1. Minimum of State of Michigan Class D Certification or must be able to obtain within two years from date of hire.