Lead Wastewater Plant Operator

City of Grand Island•Grand Island, NE

About The Position

Perform skilled and specialized tasks in operating and maintaining the City's Wastewater Treatment Plant, assist with process control, and lead wastewater treatment plant operators. The position performs a variety of duties involved in providing wastewater treatment services, primarily on the night shift. This is the lead class in the Wastewater Plant Operator series. Employees perform more complex work than Wastewater Plant Operator I/II employees, receive instruction or assistance as new or unusual situations arise, and are expected to understand the operating procedures and policies of the work unit. Positions are flexibly staffed and are normally filled through advancement from level II. External candidates must possess a DWEE Class IV Wastewater Operator Certification and prior plant operations experience. The role supports process optimization and troubleshooting, staff training and guidance, inspections, sampling and laboratory testing, records and reports, equipment monitoring, and coordination with the Wastewater Plant Operations Supervisor and maintenance staff. The employee works four consecutive nine-hour night shifts followed by one four-hour night shift and is required to be on call. The position starts at the entry level of the City's salary table; consideration may be given for experience exceeding entry-level qualifications. Candidates are subject to a background check.

Requirements

At least three years of experience working in a wastewater treatment plant.
Eighteen months of experience equivalent to that of a Wastewater Plant Operator holding a Class IV Wastewater Operator's certificate for the City of Grand Island.
Education equivalent to completion of the twelfth grade, supplemented by specialized training in wastewater treatment or a related field.
Possess a valid driver's license and maintain insurability as determined by the City's insurance carrier.
Possess, or be able to obtain within six months of hire, a valid Class IV Nebraska Wastewater Operator's certificate.
Knowledge of the activated sludge process, advanced wastewater treatment processes and applications, and wastewater treatment plant operations.
Knowledge of safe work practices; report preparation; chemicals used in wastewater treatment and laboratory operations; plant components; chemical analysis methods; and laboratory testing procedures.
Knowledge of chemistry, biology, and mathematics; wastewater treatment processes and potential operating problems; applicable regulatory permits; and pertinent federal, state, and local laws, codes, and regulations.
Ability to train staff, adjust equipment and chemicals based on readings, troubleshoot treatment-process problems, and take corrective action.
Ability to operate plant machinery, equipment, SCADA systems, computers, and tools.
Ability to understand and follow oral and written instructions; maintain records, charts, and logs; and start up or shut down plant operations.
Ability to work under regulatory rules and guidelines and test, analyze, and interpret plant processes.
Ability to communicate clearly and concisely, orally and in writing.
Candidates are subject to a background check.

Nice To Haves

DWEE Class IV Wastewater Operator Certification and prior plant operations experience are required for candidates hired from outside the Wastewater Plant Operator series.
Experience exceeding entry-level qualifications may be considered for salary placement.

Responsibilities

Mentor, coach, and provide role modeling and leadership to staff; recognize and develop talent.
Evaluate process parameters and suggest ways to optimize plant operations.
Assist with troubleshooting process problems and recommend solutions to the Wastewater Plant Operations Supervisor.
Assist with wastewater treatment plant operations and train personnel, including helping trainees correct deficiencies and providing guidance as they perform duties.
Report plant problems and communicate treatment plant needs to the Wastewater Plant Operations Supervisor.
Assist with regular plant and process inspections and take equipment and chemical-level readings.
Collect wastewater samples and perform laboratory tests as needed; determine wastewater quality and characterization and make adjustments after review with the supervisor.
Maintain records, clean and maintain plant facilities and grounds, implement work orders promptly, and notify maintenance staff about problems requiring attention.
Maintain a wastewater treatment plant operations log.
Assist the Wastewater Plant Operations Supervisor with preparing operator schedules, particularly the night shift schedule.
Fill in for Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator shifts as needed.
Follow up on assigned work to ensure efficient and effective completion.
Assist the supervisor with updating wastewater treatment plant Standard Operating Procedures.
Record influent and effluent flows; monitor flow charts and gauges; consult with the supervisor about adjustments needed for proper treatment.
Maintain computerized databases for plant operations and process control, enter data for reports, and produce reports as requested.
Monitor pumps, blowers, UV disinfection, and readings on plant equipment.
Compute daily averages for chemical and flow levels and laboratory results and submit them to supervisory staff.
Perform related duties as assigned.
Maintain punctual and dependable attendance and establish cooperative working relationships with people contacted in the course of work.
Work four consecutive nine-hour night shifts followed by one four-hour night shift and remain on call.