Plant Operator 1

City of Chattanooga•Chattanooga, TN

8h•Onsite

About The Position

This is the first level of a five-level wastewater plant operations series. The Plant Operator 1 assists in operating, maintaining, and monitoring wastewater processes. This role involves tasks such as adjusting valves, transferring sludge, cleaning equipment, collecting water samples, monitoring chemical feeds, and preparing operational logs. The position is considered essential during inclement weather and requires regular attendance and good interpersonal skills. The role is non-exempt and falls under the Wastewater - Liquid Waste Handling department.

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.
A 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, the general public, etc. sufficient to exchange or convey information and to receive work direction.

Responsibilities

Assists in operating, maintaining and monitoring wastewater processes which includes 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 includes 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.