Plant Operator 1 - Pump Stations

City of Chattanooga • Chattanooga, TN

1d • $22 - $26 • Onsite

About The Position

The City of Chattanooga is seeking a Plant Operator 1 to join their Wastewater - Pump Stations department. This is the first level of a four-level wastewater plant operations series. The role involves assisting in the operation, maintenance, and monitoring of wastewater processes, collecting water samples, monitoring chemical feeds, and maintaining equipment and facilities. This position is deemed essential during inclement weather situations and requires regular attendance and good interpersonal relationships.

Requirements

• High School Diploma or GED supplemented by vocational/technical training in wastewater treatment plant operations, chemical processing, monitoring production machinery/equipment, maintaining mechanical equipment, or in a related field; or any equivalent combination of education, experience, or training sufficient to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.
• Valid Driver’s License
• Knowledge of basic wastewater treatment systems, pump stations, applicable tools and equipment utilized in the trade; basic mathematical concepts; records maintenance principles; and mechanical and electrical principles.
• Skill in performing mathematical calculations; performing routine maintenance activities; troubleshooting routine wastewater system problems; reading and recording data; operating applicable tools and equipment of the trade; and communication and interpersonal skills as applied to interaction with coworkers, supervisor, and the general public, sufficient to exchange or convey information and to receive work direction.

Nice To Haves

• This is a career ladder position. This position will receive an automatic progression to Plant Operator 2 when the incumbent has achieved the required minimum qualifications and licenses/certifications for the next position in the series.

Responsibilities

• Assists in operating, maintaining, and monitoring wastewater processes, which include adjusting valves; transferring sludge; cleaning bar screens; cleaning scum from channels; draining gas traps; placing clarifiers in and out of service; reading meters and gauges; cleaning out telescope valves; untangling floats; opening and closing gates and valves; and performing related activities.
• Collects a variety of water samples for analysis and notates readings; delivers samples to the lab, ensuring the integrity of the chain of custody.
• Collects electric, water, pump hour, and flow readings at pump stations and applicable sites; verifies meters are working correctly and monitors the location.
• Monitors chemical feeds and makes appropriate adjustments.
• Cleans, maintains, and inspects applicable equipment and facilities, which include testing floats, milltronics, pumps, valves, gates, and telemetry; setting up stations for pumping or gravity flow; testing screen and float operations; checking onsite generators for operation, fuel, coolant, and oil levels, and/or performing other related activities.
• Prepares a variety of readings and information related to plant operations in applicable logbooks.
• Must meet regular attendance requirements.
• Must be able to maintain good interpersonal relationships with staff, co-workers, managers, and citizens.
• Must accomplish the essential functions of the job, with or without reasonable accommodations, in a timely manner.
• Performs other duties as assigned.
• This position is deemed essential during inclement weather situations and must report to or remain at work, even when administrative closings are announced, as determined by the Department Head.

Benefits

• Competitive Compensation: Robust pay scales that reflect our commitment to our staff.
• Work-Life Balance: Generous paid time off and flexible scheduling where possible.
• Exceptional Wellness: Comprehensive health benefits and wellness programs designed for you and your family that deliver savings to you beyond your paycheck, featuring a centralized health clinic and pharmacy for all City employees.
• Growth: A focus on professional development and upward mobility within the organization.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: High school or GED