Plant Operator 2 - Pump Stations

City of Chattanooga • Chattanooga, TN

2h • Onsite

About The Position

Join the City of Chattanooga Team. Chattanooga is a vibrant and growing community known as the "Scenic City" for its natural beauty and outdoor adventure. The City of Chattanooga's organization consists of 2,600 employees committed to excellence in public service. This role is part of the Wastewater - Pump Stations department and is the second level of a five-level wastewater plant operations series. The position is responsible for maintaining and operating collection systems, lift stations, and chlorination facilities, as well as operating pumps, valves, and other equipment to regulate wastewater flow. It also involves operating multiple pump stations, including maintenance, emergency repair, data collection, and record-keeping. The role requires collecting wastewater samples, performing control tests, operating and maintaining chemical feed equipment, and logging plant operations. Additionally, it involves monitoring meters, gauges, and instruments, performing routine maintenance on plant facilities and grounds, and maintaining plant machinery and equipment. Some roles may involve operating computerized systems for sludge processing and recycling, operating a City vehicle, and performing essential duties during inclement weather.

Requirements

• High School Diploma or GED supplemented by vocational/technical training in wastewater treatment plant operations' or a related field
• Six (6) months of work experience in a wastewater treatment plant, operating chemical processing equipment, clarifiers, collecting and lab testing samples, sludge inventory, adjusting flows and/or reading meters, or any equivalent combination of education, training/experience sufficient to successfully perform the essential duties of the job.
• A valid Driver's License
• Knowledge of operation, maintenance and repair of wastewater plant equipment and facilities
• Knowledge of wastewater treatment principles, methods and practices
• Knowledge of operation and maintenance of a wide variety of tools and equipment utilized in the trade
• Knowledge of mathematical concepts
• Knowledge of safety rules, codes and regulations and safe work methods and precautions related to the work
• Knowledge of methods and precautions in storing and handling chlorine and other hazardous gasses and chemicals
• Knowledge of routine process control tests
• Knowledge of preventative maintenance practices and procedures as applied to wastewater treatment facilities and collection systems.
• Skill in operating wastewater treatment plant equipment
• Skill in performing routine maintenance and making operating adjustments to wastewater equipment
• Skill in cleaning facilities and equipment
• Skill in recognizing unusual, inefficient or dangerous operating conditions and taking appropriate action
• Skill in reading and recording data from gauges and meters
• Skill in performing routine control tests and adjust plant equipment accordingly
• Skill in preparing and maintaining a variety of records and logs of work performed
• Communication and interpersonal skills as applied to interaction with coworkers, supervisor, the public, etc. sufficient to exchange or convey information and to receive work direction.

Nice To Haves

• SCADA- Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition.

Responsibilities

• Maintains, operates and checks the operation of all collection systems, lift stations and chlorination facilities.
• Operates pumps, valves and other equipment by hand or mechanical means to regulate the flow of wastewater through various primary, secondary treatment processes.
• Maintains an even flow to assure maximum efficiency of plant equipment and compliance with regulatory requirements.
• Operates multiple pump stations which include station maintenance, emergency repair, and response; data collection, record-keeping, and sample collection.
• Collects samples of wastewater and other materials at scheduled times.
• Performs standardized control tests.
• Operates, adjusts and maintains chemical feed equipment to ensure compliance with established standards.
• Performs record-keeping functions such as logging plant operations, test results, maintenance work and unusual operating conditions encountered.
• Prepares special reports as required.
• Reads and monitors meters, gauges, charts, instruments, and computerized systems to identify potential problems and ensure continuous operations.
• Changes recording charts and ensures their continuous operation.
• Performs routine and higher-level maintenance at plant facilities and grounds including washing down facility daily, maintaining grounds such a cutting grass and light maintenance duties, the sludge handling facilities including odor control and performing general housekeeping duties.
• Performs maintenance of plant machinery, equipment, piping, and structures.
• Cleans air diffusers, clears blockages from pipes and valves and performs repairs as necessary.
• May prepare and record a variety of readings and information related to plant operations in applicable logbooks.
• May ensure that all daily samples, Chains-of Custody and Daily Reports correctly follow the State and Federal regulations before preparing and disseminating a variety of routine and legally mandated reports related to wastewater plant operations.
• Routine duties involve highly skilled work of operating, maintaining and monitoring wastewater (sludge) flows and stabilization in the treatment plant.
• Specifically in Solids it involves the operation of high volume, high speed Centrifuges in order to recycle the sludge into usable organic fertilizer.
• May utilize computerized graphic displays for Centrifuges, conveyors, pumps plus controlled chemical mixing and injection; then verify and interpret the process and direct proper personnel to resolve any problems, ensuring efficient and safe plant operations.
• May operate a City vehicle to carry out duties at pump stations through the City.
• 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.
• May perform 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.
• May perform skilled technical work in the operation of the Moccasin Bend Wastewater Treatment plant, utilizing a bank of four computer monitors, monitoring all 88 pump stations and CSO’s from a secure location.
• May observe, maintain and provide Situational awareness to remote facilities operations via SCADA in order to control equipment, Conditions and personnel during a 12 hour rotating shift.
• Coordinate operational failures with the maintenance and Electrical departments or other agencies as required.
• May coordinate with other departments, vendors and Contractors for access to secure work sites.
• May maintain contact via Radio/ phone communication with outside workers and contractors.
• May conduct site visits after normal work hours as needed in case of loss of communication, station failure or unforeseen problems as they arise.
• If unable to troubleshoot/ repair problems in a timely manner, contact the on call operator, mechanic or Electrician as needed.

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: Mid Level
• Education Level: High school or GED