Wastewater Treatment Operator

GENERAL DESCRIPTION

To operate, monitor, maintain, and trouble-shoot the wastewater treatment facility and its processes. Position is responsible for the technical aspects of plant operations; compliance with state and federal operating regulations; and underground sewer system. Work is performed with considerable independence under the direction of the Wastewater Plant Supervisor, subject to review through reports and results achieved.

SUMMARY OF DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

·         Assists with purchases and maintains inventory of materials and supplies.

·         Performs all aspects of sampling, monitoring, and testing required to maintain compliance with Federal State and Local regulations governing the wastewater treatment process, storm water and sludge management. These activities include:

1.       Morning rounds at the plant

2.       Skims the sludge on the slow mixers

3.       Releases the moisture from the compressor

4.       Changes the desiccant on the flow meter

5.       Opens the flow to the dry beds

6.       Repairs of RBC, slow mixer, clarifiers, pump, and motor when needed

7.       Greases the RBC, fine screens, rapid mixer, and generator monthly

8.       Changes the oil on the rapid mixer, slow mixers, fine screens, and compressor clarifiers every six months.

9.       Assists people disposing of trash and slash at the AWWT Plant

10.   Disposes of the grit bag into the grit bag roll off

11.   Cleans the sludge inside of the RBC pit when it is shut down

·         Communicates effectively both orally and in writing.

·         Assists with the installation and inspection of new sewer lines and services.

·         Performs the installation, maintenance, and repair of the physical plant and pump stations and all its components.

·         Assists with scheduled and unscheduled maintenance and repairs on all plant equipment and machinery.

·         Position is on call to respond to emergencies and breakdowns at the plant and pump stations.

·         Conducts necessary weekend checks of the treatment plant on a rotating basis.

·         Perform all work in accordance with Occupational Safety and Health Act regulations.

·         During the Wastewater Plant Supervisor’s absence, acts as the Department’s representative to the public.  

·         Ensures all departmental safety rules, policies, and procedures are followed.

·         Ability to work independently and to make routine decisions on the operation of the plant processes and equipment during the Wastewater Plant Supervisor’s absence.

·         Assists in the performance of regular and unscheduled maintenance and repairs on all plant equipment and machinery.

·         Maintains open communication with the Wastewater Plant Supervisor regarding the treatment process; pump stations operation and malfunctions; and recommendations for repairs and improvements to these systems.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

1.       A High School diploma or GED equivalency is preferred. Applicant must have adequate experience in operating a wastewater treatment facility, plus any combination of experience in maintenance duties, equipment operation, plumbing, custodial or general labor work totaling six months or more.

2.       Applicant must be able to qualify for a New Mexico Level I Certification within one year of employment.

3.       Ability to learn operations of plant processes and equipment; comprehend general knowledge of wastewater treatment machinery; and perform a wide variety of maintenance and repair task required.

4.       Ability to maintain and evaluate simple records and perform ordinary arithmetic calculations is required.

5.       Ability to maintain and establish effective working relationships with other employees and the public is required.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

·         Ability to descend and climb a maximum of 30 rungs to access system pump stations.

·         Work is physical and will require the employee to walk, reach, climb, balance, stoop, kneel, crouch, crawl, and frequently lift and move items up to 50 pounds.

·         Have adequate respiratory function to utilize a Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus.

·         Ability to detect and differentiate colors.

WORKING CONDITIONS

Work is performed both indoors and outdoors.  Operator may be exposed to inclement weather, fumes, odors, dust, and toxic conditions, susceptible to bodily injury.  Flexible hours with some evening, weekend, and holiday work may be required. Subject to being called out for emergencies. Occasional attendance at staff meetings and out of town training sessions and seminars may be required.