Wastewater Plant Operator A

FLSA: Non-Exempt

Purpose of Classification:

The purpose of this classification is to operate and maintain three wastewater treatment plants in compliance with the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPEDS) permit issued for each plant by Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC). Operates and maintains wastewater lift stations located on different sites. Maintains all buildings, equipment, and appurtenances, as well as maintaining the grounds of all plants and lift station locations. Operates and maintains on-site laboratories to perform analysis of the required parameters. Reports to the Wastewater Plant Supervisor.

Essential Functions:

The following duties are normal for this position. The omission of specific statements of the duties does not exclude them from the classification if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment for this classification. Other duties may be required and assigned.

Conducts visual inspections on a daily basis of various equipment and machinery and all wastewater treatment facilities, to include testing and cleaning run bar screen, checking grit removers, mixers, aerators, blowers, feed rates, return sludge pumps, clarifiers, chlorine feed systems, sulfur dioxide feed systems, etc. 

Records flow readings on a daily basis. 

Calibrates and checks equipment: takes samples; conducts laboratory tests and calculations as authorized under applicable certificate; prepares lab reports and reports any problems detected to Wastewater Supervisor. 

Performs scheduled maintenance at all plants including checking oil and grease in clarifiers, basin aerators, lowers, pumps, bar screens, grit removers, comminutes, and return sludge pumps. 

Checks all equipment for excessive wear. 

Operates plant electrical and mechanical process equipment: performs electrical and mechanical repair and maintenance at various plant sites, buildings, and appurtenances as well as to the plant grounds. 

Operates loader and dump truck; cleans and checks return sludge pumps; repairs and rebuilds pumps as required; fills digester; clears stoppages in lines; washes, cleans and checks clarifiers; changes oil in aerators; cleans and checks bar screens, etc. 

Maintains buildings, equipment, and appurtenances as well as maintaining grounds, which involves performing routine repair, cutting grass, etc. 

Operates and maintains site laboratory which involves analyzing various parameters including dissolved oxygen, ammonia, nitrogen, pH, BOD, TSS, TRC, etc.: ensures instrumentation in the labs are maintained and calibrated to ensure accuracy and precision; records analysis results and maintains in appropriate filing system; and ensures compliance with Environmental Protection Agency standards to maintain certification. 

Prepares forms and analyses for reporting to DHEC. 

Assists in coordinating and maintaining preventive maintenance of equipment and machines: makes minor repairs as required. 

Operates and maintains wastewater lift stations and plant equipment. 

Cleans building and lift stations: maintains and cleans plants; cuts brush; sprays weed killer; maintains fences; paints buildings and plants; etc. 

Attends continuing education classes and safety classes as required. 

Assists supervisor as needed in the performance of daily activities. 

Operates and utilizes various equipment, machinery and tools, including a loader, dump truck, bush hog, lawn mowers, calculator, copier, computer, diagnostic instruments, mechanics tools, hand tools, etc.

Additional Functions:

Maintains awareness of and monitors chlorine and sulfur dioxide systems functionality to ensure public health and safety.

Performs other related duties as required.

Minimum Qualifications:

Associate degree in Wastewater Treatment or a related field required; supplemented by three years of experience in wastewater treatment plant operations; or any equivalent combination of education, training, and experience which provides the requisite knowledge, skills, and abilities for this job. 

Specific License or Certification Required: Must possess and maintain a valid South Carolina driver’s license. Must possess and maintain Class A Biological Wastewater certification.

Specific Knowledge, Skills, or Abilities: Must be able to demonstrate proficiency in performance of the essential functions and learn, comprehend, and apply all City or departmental policies, practices, and procedures necessary to function effectively in the position.

Performance Aptitudes:

Data Utilization: Requires the ability to determine, calculate, tabulate, or summarize data/information, following a prescribed plan requiring the exercise of some judgment. Includes performing subsequent actions in relation to these computational operations.

Human Interaction: Requires the ability to work with and apply principles of persuasion and/or influence over others to coordinate programs or activities of a project, and resolve typical problems associated with the responsibilities of the job.

Equipment, Machinery, Tools, and Materials Utilization: Requires the ability to overhaul, restore, renovate, construct, and/or rebuild equipment, machinery, or objects, requiring adherence to prescribed standards and specifications. Requires the ability to operate and control the actions of the same equipment, machinery, and/or objects..

Verbal Aptitude: Requires the ability to utilize a wide variety of reference, descriptive, and/or advisory data and information.

Mathematical Aptitude: Requires the ability to perform addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division; the ability to calculate decimals and percentages; the ability to utilize principles of fractions; and the ability to interpret graphs.

Functional Reasoning: Requires the ability to apply principles of rational systems; to interpret instructions furnished in written, oral, diagrammatic, or schedule form; and to exercise independent judgment to adopt or modify methods and standards to meet variations in assigned objectives.

Situational Reasoning: Requires the ability to exercise judgment, decisiveness and creativity in situations involving evaluation of information against measurable or verifiable criteria.

ADA Compliance:

Physical Ability: Tasks require the regular and, at times, sustained performance of moderately physically demanding work, typically involving some combination of climbing and balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, and crawling, and that may involve the lifting, carrying, pushing, and/or pulling of moderately heavy objects and materials (20-50 pounds).

Sensory Requirements: Some tasks require the ability to perceive and discriminate colors or shades of colors, sounds, odor, depth, texture, and visual cues or signals. Some tasks require the ability to communicate orally.

Environmental Factors: Performance of essential functions may require exposure to adverse environmental conditions, such as dirt, odors, wetness, humidity, fumes, temperature and noise extremes, hazardous materials, machinery, vibrations, electric currents, traffic hazards, bright/dim lights, toxic agents, water hazards, disease, or pathogenic substances.

The City of Union is an Equal Opportunity Employer. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, the City will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities and encourages both prospective and current employees to discuss potential accommodations with the employer.