Plant Operator 2 - Solid Waste Handling

City of Chattanooga•Chattanooga, TN

1d•$22 - $27•Onsite

About The Position

The City of Chattanooga is seeking a Plant Operator 2 for its Wastewater - Solid Waste Handling department. This role is responsible for maintaining and operating collection systems, lift stations, and chlorination facilities. The operator will manage pumps and valves to regulate wastewater flow through treatment processes, ensuring efficiency and compliance with regulations. Key duties include operating multiple pump stations, performing maintenance and emergency repairs, collecting samples, conducting standard control tests, and maintaining chemical feed equipment. The position involves extensive record-keeping, monitoring meters and instruments, and performing routine maintenance on plant facilities, grounds, and machinery. A significant aspect of the role involves operating high-speed centrifuges for sludge recycling into organic fertilizer, potentially utilizing computerized systems for monitoring and control. The operator may also drive a City vehicle for duties at pump stations. This is an essential position during inclement weather and requires regular attendance and good interpersonal skills. The role is Non-Exempt and involves 12-hour rotating shifts, with hours potentially varying based on assignments. The work location is the Wastewater Treatment Plant at 455 Moccasin Bend Rd.

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

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.
Prepares and records a variety of readings and information related to plant operations in applicable logbooks.
Ensures 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.
Operates, maintains and monitors wastewater (sludge) flows and stabilization in the treatment plant.
Operates high volume, high speed Centrifuges in order to recycle the sludge into usable organic fertilizer.
Utilizes 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.
Operates a City vehicle to carry out duties at pump stations through the City.
Performs 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.
Observes, maintains and provides Situational awareness to remote facilities operations via SCADA in order to control equipment, Conditions and personnel during a 12 hour rotating shift.
Coordinates operational failures with the maintenance and Electrical departments or other agencies as required.
Coordinates with other departments, vendors and Contractors for access to secure work sites.
Maintains contact via Radio/ phone communication with outside workers and contractors.
Conducts 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.