Collection System Operator

City of Fargo•Fargo, ND

4d•Onsite

About The Position

Under general supervision, the Operator Apprentice, I, II, III, IV performs various mechanical and operational maintenance activities in the Water Reclamation facility, Effluent Reuse Facility (ERF) and/or their corresponding lift station facilities. Incumbents are responsible for monitoring operating conditions of equipment within these facilities, determining and executing appropriate operational changes, assisting the supervisor in planning, and coordinating routine maintenance and repairs to equipment. Incumbent also performs maintenance and repairs and/or notifies supervisor of conditions warranting attention to ensure the facilities proper operation. Rotating day, evening, night, weekend, and holiday shifts may occur. The Water Reclamation Apprentice Operator I, II, III, IV is responsible for the quality and accuracy of his/her own work in ensuring the Water Reclamation Facility meets Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), and the North Dakota Pollution Discharge Elimination System Permit (NDPDES) water quality regulations and other operational targets. The position provides training to other Operators and water utility staff, depending on experience and expertise. The position is responsible for the operation and maintenance of state of the art equipment having a high dollar value.

Requirements

Completion of high school or equivalent
No possession of a North Dakota Collection or Wastewater Treatment System Operator Certificate (for Apprentice level)
A valid driver’s license is required
North Dakota Grade I-IV Wastewater Collection or a North Dakota Grade I-IV Wastewater Facility Operator Certificate are also required according to Operator pay grade
Knowledge of local, state and federal laws, rules and regulations concerning collection system and/or treatment plant operations
Knowledge of the proper operation and maintenance of sophisticated and sensitive equipment used in the treatment process including pumps,motors, drum screens, grit vortex, centrifuge, in plant reuse, spiral heat exchangers, belt press dewatering, boilers, biological and chemical odor control, blowers, UV disinfection, pneumatic, electric, and hydraulic meters, valves, actuators
Knowledge of confined space entry and hazardous materials handling as related to treatment process
Knowledge of procedures of sampling and sample testing of chemical and microbiological systems
Skill in performing mechanical maintenance and repair to equipment
Skill in performing basic mathematical computation such as addition, subtraction, multiplication and division
Skill in reading and writing English sufficient to read and write logs and records
Skill in observation and interpretation of changes in process control to sufficiently determine and implement necessary adjustments
Skill in operation of lift station and/or plant equipment and in the performance of all operating activities
Intermediate level skills in computer use
Ability to communicate effectively in both verbal and written forms
Ability to learn wastewater control computer system
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with others.
Knowledge and skill with O&M of heavy equipment including loaders, vactors, hoists, tractors, steamers, trucks, and jetters.
Additional/different treatment technology
Additional/different training requirements
Additional/different operation and maintenance
Additional/different sampling/testing and internal process control
Additional/different exposure to hazardous chemicals and contaminants
Additional/different facilities and equipment that require training and maintenance (HVAC, blowers, Centrifuges etc)

Nice To Haves

Skill in providing instruction and training to other workers
Completion of accredited technical training in the operation of water/wastewater treatment processes
Previous experience in the operation and maintenance of pumps, motors and related machinery

Responsibilities

Assists supervisor in organizing work unit activities such as prioritizing and delegating work and performing other administrative tasks such as completing reports, recommending equipment, ordering supplies, scheduling, coordinating activities with other work units, etc.
Assists in developing and documenting standard operating procedures for all activities
Meets with supervisors at shift change to coordinate any follow-up work related to prior shift
Maintains records and prepares periodic reports regarding work unit activities, equipment operation, completes work orders and service requests, and constructively participates in various softwares including, Antero, Viper, Cityworks, Ignition, Wonderware, WIMS, and GIS systems.
Provide supervisor with information and to ensure compliance with department rules and state and federal regulations
Assists Utility Supervisor with major repairs as assigned.
Identifies equipment malfunctions, troubleshoots, and diagnoses.
Observes and listens to equipment to determine malfunctions or parts in need of replacement
Operates equipment
Performs minor and major repairs such as cleaning out a clogged pump, replacing parts, cleaning chemical feed equipment, HVAC, plumbing, electrical, and generators
Conducts assessments and troubleshooting of membrane and reverse osmosis equipment
Performs fiber repairs in the Ultrafiltration system of the Effluent Reuse Facility
Cleans and replace filters in the treatment processes as directed by Supervisor.
Diagnose, repair, O&M of Ultraviolet Disinfection System
Performs operating duties using automated and manual processes; operates pumps, engines, and other process equipment to control flow of sewage and/or water through various processes to ensure plant targets are met as well as compliance with state and federal mandates.
Performs lab analyses and tests on an ongoing basis, according to operating procedures for different processes in the plant
Collects samples and analyzes results
Determine and implement appropriate adjustments for chemicals, mixers, valves, switches, actuators, and various equipment
Adjusts chemical feed rates, regulates equipment
Operates pumps, monitors and determines level and flow.
Serves as a team leader, using informed and independent judgment ensuring the employees know and follow department and city rules as well as sound work and safety practices
Collaborates with the responsible supervisor and recommends performance review content for assigned employees.
Communicates courteously and professionally and maintains working relationships with others in carrying out job functions.
Receives calls from the public; some of which may be emotionally charged.
Maintain respectful relationships and conveys basic information to the public when approached with questions
Frequently interacts with others in the work unit to exchange detailed and/or technical information.
Supervises the unloading and storage of chemicals delivered.
Performs all job duties in compliance with safety guidelines and with an ongoing awareness of safety practices.
Knows and follows department and city rules as well as sound work and safety practices in order to accomplish the job objectives and avoid injury or loss
Wears proper protective equipment when policy requires or conditions indicate a need exists and utilizes proper body mechanics and ergonomics while performing work
When potentially unsafe conditions are observed makes efforts to avoid or correct them if they are controllable and draws them to the attention of the responsible supervisor or safety representative in a timely manner.
Performs other duties and activities as assigned.