Wastewater Field Technician #2464 - Water & Wastewater Treatment Authority - WWTA

Under limited supervision, performs the operation and maintenance of the County Sanitary Sewer Collection System and Wastewater Treatment Plants, Grinder, STEP and STEG systems, and inspects service connections and new sewer construction.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: (Essential functions, as defined under the Americans with Disabilities Act, may include the following tasks, physical requirements, knowledge, skills, abilities, and other characteristics.  This list of tasks is ILLUSTRATIVE ONLY, and is not a comprehensive listing of all functions and tasks performed by incumbents of this class.)

Monitors daily operations, maintenance, and test sampling of the WWTA wastewater treatment plant and Sewer Collection System; inspect sewer construction projects; troubleshoots and maintains electrical controls, pump stations, wastewater treatment plants, Grinder, STEP and STEG systems, and sewage collection system, is responsible for workplace safety; reviews blueprints and construction project plans and specifications.

Conducts, records, and submits testing data for wastewater treatment plant to TDEC, responds to operational breakdowns of collection system and treatment plants, Grinder, STEP and STEG systems, and broken sewer lines; maintains and files daily reports and records of construction projects and plant operations; assists with communication between the Wastewater Treatment Authority (WWTA), County departments, contractors, and the general public.  

Performs other related duties as assigned.

Knowledge of wastewater and sanitary sewer construction plans and other documentation and specifications for the construction and maintenance of WWTA sewers and treatment facilities.

Knowledge of WWTA rules and regulations and County policies and procedures.

Knowledge of Federal and State codes and regulations relating to wastewater treatment, sanitary sewer operations, and workplace safety.

Knowledge of the fundamental principles of supervision, sewer and wastewater system construction and maintenance project budgets.

Skill in reading, interpreting, understanding, and applying applicable Federal and State rules and regulations, Hamilton County Policies and Procedures, WWTA rules and regulations.

Skill in working with engineering specifications, construction plans and drawings, and coordinating contractor activities.

Skill in establishing and maintaining cooperative working relationships with the public, department staff, other County departments, and contractors.

Skill in effectively communicating in both oral and written form and in the efficient and timely performance of quality work.

Knowledge of Federal and State codes and regulations relating to wastewater treatment, sanitary sewer operations and workplace safety.

Knowledge of occupational hazard and effective /proper safety standards, practices and procedures related to equipment operation, heavy labor, and use of hand/power tools and equipment. 

Knowledge of personal protective equipment (PPE) application, use, and care.

Knowledge of the Hamilton County area (locations and addresses). 

Skill in reading, interpreting, understanding, and applying applicable Federal and State rules and regulations, Hamilton County Policies and Procedures, and WWTA rules and regulations.

Skill in establishing and maintaining cooperative working relationships with the public, department staff, other County departments, and contractors.

Skill in effectively communicating in both oral and written form and in the efficient and timely performance of quality work.

Skill and proficiency in routine vehicle maintenance, service and refueling. Proficiency in identify and working with and around utility locates (call in identify markings). 

Skill in strong time management, analytical, organization, and prioritization skills. 

Skill in working with a variety of hand tools and other equipment such as shovels, rakes, pry bars, chains, chain saw, etc.

An Associate’s Degree in Environmental Science or a closely related field and a valid driver’s license.

OR

The equivalent of a High School Diploma and at least two (2) years of experience in the operation and maintenance of a sewer system. A valid driver’s license is required.

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

A State of Tennessee Certification as a Collection System Operator II is required at the time of hire or must be obtained within two (2) years of date of hire.  

Candidates must have the ability to respond to emergency after hour call-outs, including on holidays and weekends, and participate in a stand by or on-call rotation.

Prior to operating a County-owned vehicle, all employees are required to complete the HC Defensive Driving course and/or an Emergency Vehicle Operations Course (EVOC) provided at the department level. 

SAFETY SENSITIVE:

This position has been identified as “safety sensitive” under the definition of 49 CFR Part 40-Department of Transportation Workplace Drug and Alcohol Policy. This position will be subject to drug and alcohol testing for the following:  1) post offer pre-employment 2) when there is reasonable cause 3) after an on-the-job accident or contributing to an accident 4) on a random basis 5) prior to return to duty after suspension and/or 6) as follow-up. This is additional and also subject to the Rules and Regulations of The Employee Handbook.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

A State of Tennessee Certification as a Wastewater Treatment Operator Grade III or a Collection System Operator II is preferred at the time of hire.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

Work requires moderate physical effort involving considerable driving and walking with limited sitting and standing.   Regular visits to construction, collection system, and treatment plant sites are required. Occasional lifting and carrying up to one hundred (100) pounds is required.  Required to enter confined spaces.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:

This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of all activities, 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.

Any overtime hours offered in this position are not guaranteed, are an estimate, and are subject to change.

All positions within Hamilton County Government are considered work in-person and require regular and punctual attendance.

All positions within Hamilton County Government may require work on Holidays or weekends. Additionally, irregular hours and shift work may be required, including possible extension of shift hours, at times with short notice.

AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER
Hamilton County does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, religion, age, or disability in employment or the provision of services. A copy of Hamilton County's Equal Employment Opportunity Plan (EEOP) & Utilization Report is available on the County’s Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Office home page.

https://www.hamiltontn.gov/Department_EqualEmploymentOpportunityOffice.aspx