WRD Wastewater Shift Operator

City of Valparaiso, IN; Valparaiso (IN); On-site; USD 33,000 - 40,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical plan

Dental plan

Vision plan

Paid time off

401(k)

Job summary

Valparaiso City Services is seeking a Wastewater Shift Operator to run the City’s Wastewater Treatment Facility per SOPs and safety standards. The role reports to the WRD Chief Operator and requires adherence to permits and regulatory guidelines.

The position involves operating disinfection and sampling processes, monitoring multiple treatment units, and performing routine maintenance tasks. Overtime and on-call rotation are expected.

Qualifications

• High School diploma or equivalent.
• Possession of a valid driver’s license and demonstrated safe driving record.
• Must obtain and maintain IDEM Class I & II Wastewater Certifications within specified timelines.
• Ability to operate equipment safely including forklifts, cranes, bench tools, and lab equipment.

Responsibilities

• Operate the wastewater facility according to SOPs and safety practices.
• Dose and sample wastewater overflows and monitor disinfection processes.
• Monitor equipment performance and make operational adjustments as needed.
• Collect wastewater and sludge samples per schedule and SOPs.
• Record level readings and maintain accurate process data.
• Assist maintenance and other departments as needed; participate in safety training.

Skills

Safe driving

SOP adherence

Field sampling

Education

High School diploma or equivalent

IDEM Class I Wastewater Certification

IDEM Class II Wastewater Certification

Tools

Forklift operation

Overhead crane operation

Lab equipment handling

Job description

The Valparaiso City Utilities Water Reclamation Department (WRD) Wastewater Shift Operator’s primary responsibility is to operate the City’s Wastewater Treatment Facility according to standard operating procedures. Reports to the WRD Chief Operator.

Qualifications Include:

• High School diploma or equivalent.
• Possession of a valid driver’s license and demonstrated safe driving record.
• Must obtain and maintain minimum IDEM certifications required by VCU: Class I Wastewater Certification within 2 years of hire and Class II Wastewater Certification within 3 years of hire.
• Demonstrated ability to utilize equipment and tools safely and effectively including forklifts, overhead cranes, bench tools, laboratory equipment by the end of probationary period.
• Must pass preemployment drug test and essential function screening.

Position Expectations Include:

• Adhering to regulatory permits (NPDES), Federal Clean Water Act, and standard operating procedures and safety practices of the treatment plant.
• Operating the CSO Disinfection Facility, properly dosing and sampling wastewater overflows.
• Monitoring performance of equipment, gauges, and charts in the treatment plant, including trash rack, bar screen, augers, blowers, aeration tanks, clarifier performance, gravity thickeners, and making correct operational adjustments as required.
• Collecting wastewater and sludge samples according to established schedules and standard operating procedures and protocol, including related process control testing.
• Recording level reading throughout wastewater treatment plant.
• Completing ongoing activities, including back washing filters; leveling and emptying of dumpsters; and transferring processed material to anaerobic digesters, supernatant, and lagoon transfers.
• Performing general facility cleaning in such areas as office, restrooms, treatment process areas, and WRD grounds as directed.
• Assisting maintenance staff and/or other departments in completing work assignments as necessary.
• Conduct field sampling.
• Labeling and painting as required.
• Taking inventory of materials and equipment.
• Performing routine facility maintenance such as basic landscaping and snow removal.
• Attending safety and training programs as scheduled and applying skills and knowledge obtained.
• Successfully completing all other required training (e.g., CPR, First Aid).
• Working extended hours, overtime, and serving “oncall” on a rotational basis.
• Serves on City committees as required.
• Performing related job functions/duties as assigned.

Benefits Include:

• Robust Medical, Dental and Vision Plans
• Health Savings Account (with Generous Annual Employer Funding)
• Life Insurance (Employer paid and Supplemental Plans)
• Disability Insurance Plan
• Paid Time Off and Holidays
• Employee Assistance and Employee Health Programs
• Tuition Reimbursement Programs
• Career Growth and Training Opportunities
• 401 (k) with Employer Match

Compensation:

Valparaiso City Services provides a competitive salary structure. Pay for this position is between $24.05 and $28.76 per hour dependent on the candidate’s experience and qualifications. The position is non-exempt (overtime eligible) commensurate with FLSA requirements and is scheduled for 40 hours per week. Please note any overtime requires prior authorization from the appropriate party(ies). This job advertisement is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time, with or without notice.

Equal Employment Opportunity

Valparaiso City Services is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to recruit, select, develop, and promote employees based on individual ability and job performance. Our policy is to provide equal employment opportunity to all people in all aspects of employer-employee relations without discrimination because of race, color, creed, religion, sex, national origin, ancestry, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, physical or mental disability, or veteran status. Valparaiso City Services has established a culture that welcomes equity, inclusion, and opportunity for all employees and applicants. We encourage you to apply if you feel you have the transferable skills to be successful in this position. If you are a qualified individual with a disability and require reasonable accommodation in applying for this position, you can request assistance by contacting the Valparaiso Human Resources Department at [e-mail].