Water Reclamation Operator

City of Toledo; Toledo (OH); On-site; USD 42,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

City of Toledo seeks a Water Reclamation Operator to oversee pumps, valves and treatment processes on an assigned shift. You will monitor instrumentation, regulate chemical feeds, read meters, collect samples and perform routine maintenance at the Water Reclamation Plant.

Qualified candidates have a high school diploma (or GED) and Ohio Class I Wastewater Treatment Certification (or OIT eligibility). The role requires safety awareness and the ability to work with a diverse team in varying

Qualifications

• Knowledge of the operation of wastewater treatment facilities and equipment.
• Knowledge of maintenance of wastewater treatment facilities and equipment.
• Hazards and safety precautions of the work.
• Operation of computerized process control equipment.
• Basic chemistry, math and hydraulics.

Responsibilities

• Monitor and adjust instrumentation systems for activated sludge treatment and lift stations.
• Start and regulate pumps, valves, engines, samplers, bar screens and standby equipment.
• Control chemical dosing and ensure proper flow in treatment processes.
• Adjust flow of sewage, air and return sludge via computer and manual controls; assist new operators.
• Check oil levels and lubricate engines and bearings.
• Inspect valves and equipment for leaks; perform adjustments to restore operations.
• Perform preventive maintenance and role-specific equipment checks.
• Read meters, gauges and charts; monitor river and weather conditions.
• Collect samples and perform analyses (pH, DO, chlorine, temp); log data.
• Submit work orders for equipment repair; maintain plant cleanliness and spares.

Skills

Oral and written communication

Using basic hand tools

Following written and oral instruction

Recordkeeping

Handling chemicals and raw sewage

Mechanical skills

Operating a computer

Education

High school diploma or GED

Class I Wastewater Treatment Professional Operator Certification (OH EPA)

Operator in training (OIT) designation

Job description

POSITION SUMMARY:

Under general supervision the Water Reclamation Operator will perform work of moderate difficulty on an assigned shift in the operation of pumps, valves, engines, treatment processes and other equipment in the Water Reclamation Plant; performs related duties as required.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

• Responsible on an assigned shift for monitoring and adjusting instrumentation systems associated with an activated sludge treatment process, lift stations and related functions located outside of the Water Reclamation Plant.
• Starts and regulates, both manually and using computer equipment, the operation of electric motors, pumps, valves, engines, samplers, bar screens and emergency stand‑by equipment which control the flow of municipal and industrial sewage, sludge, gases and chemicals.
• Controls the feeding and assures the constant flow of chemicals into the treatment process through adjustments in valves, filling bins, changing tanks or computer equipment as needed.
• Adjusts and controls flow of sewage, air and return sludge generated through every day and emergency conditions (including combined sewer overflow) by coordinating regulation through computer equipment and manual operations; assists in the training of new operators.
• Checks oil levels of engines, gear boxes, air compressors, blowers, etc.
• Lubricates bearings; cleans meters, gauges and probes.
• Inspects valves and equipment to detect leaks and other malfunctions and makes necessary adjustments to correct deficiencies and restore normal operations.
• Performs preventive maintenance as required at assigned work locations; exercises standard and emergency equipment.
• Checks for alarms on each shift.
• Makes calculations as needed to determine and distribute flow of sewage according to conditions and specifications.
• Reads meters, gauges, charts, graphs, and schematics; monitors river and weather conditions.
• Obtains samples throughout the treatment process and conducts certain analyses (such as pH, dissolved oxygen, chlorine residual, temperature, etc.) of samples; monitors and records pressures, temperatures, flow rates and other data.
• Completes chain of custody sheets for samples.
• Maintains logs of all activities that take place on shifts.
• Submits work order requests to supervisor for Water Reclamation equipment repair as needed.
• Performs maintenance duties in connection with the cleanliness and maintenance of the Water Reclamation Plant.
• Cleans up spills as needed.
• loads, unloads, and dumps trucks or trailers as required (which may involve using an overhead crane or forklift).

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

Knowledge of:

• The operation of wastewater treatment facilities and equipment.
• Maintenance of wastewater treatment facilities and equipment.
• Hazards and safety precautions of the work.
• Operation of computerized process control equipment.
• Basic chemistry, math and hydraulics.

Skill in:

• Oral and written communication.
• Using basic hand tools
• Following written and oral instructions.
• Recordkeeping.
• Handling chemicals and raw sewage.
• Mechanical skills.
• Operating a computer.

Ability to:

• Work with individuals of diverse backgrounds.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with subordinates, peers, superiors, vendor representatives and clients.

REQUIRED EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE, AND CERTIFICATIONS:

• Graduation from high school or General Educational Development (GED) tests equivalency
• A Class I Wastewater Treatment Professional Operator Certification issued by the State of Ohio EPA

OR

• Designation as an operator in training (OIT) by the State of Ohio after passing the Class I Wastewater Treatment Certification exam.

ADDITIONAL OR SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

• An individual with an equivalent license from another state must obtain reciprocity from the State of Ohio EPA before their application will be considered.
• An individual designated as an operator in training (OIT) by the State of Ohio must apply for a Class I Wastewater Treatment Certified Operator license within three (3) months after achieving the minimum experience required for the license.
• Position assignment may require the possession of a State of Ohio driver's license.

PREFERRED EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE AND CERTIFICATIONS:

• One (1) year of experience in the operation of equipment in a wastewater treatment plant is preferred

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

The physical demands described within this job description 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.

In this position, the employee will occasionally stand, sit, climb, push, pull, drag and/or carry up to 55 pounds. The employee will frequently walk-in all-weather conditions. Occasional stooping, kneeling, crawling and crouching may occur with this position. Speaking and listening are constant essential functions of this position.

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

The work environment described within this job description will be encountered while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

The employee is frequently indoors and outdoors. This employee will occasionally work in extreme heat. This employee will frequently work in conditions where fumes and mists are presents. In addition, this employee will occasionally work in conditions where poor ventilation, dust and gases are present. This employee will be occasionally exposed to various hazards. The employee must be able to wear required PPE whenever necessary. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.

If you need assistance or an accommodation, or if you have questions about completing the online application, please contact the Department of Human Resources at (419)-245-1500.

Class Code: Water Reclamation Operator (3516)