Waste Water Plant Operator I

City of Albany, Georgia•Georgia 31701, GA

About The Position

The Waste Water Plant Operator I performs specialized work operating and monitoring wastewater plant equipment according to established procedures. The position helps ensure wastewater is properly treated in compliance with federal and state regulations and that effluent quality is maintained for receiving water users. Work includes monitoring plant and lift station operations; collecting and testing samples; operating and adjusting equipment and controls; handling chemicals; maintaining operational records; and performing cleaning, repair, and general maintenance tasks. The operator communicates with supervisors, coworkers, contractors, city departments, and the public to coordinate work and exchange information. The role also requires maintaining current knowledge of applicable regulations and relevant developments in the field. Applicants must have a high school diploma or GED, supplemented by vocational or technical training in wastewater plant operations or a related field, plus one year of relevant experience or training, or an equivalent combination. A Grade III Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator certification must be obtained and maintained within one year of hire, and a valid Georgia Driver's License must be maintained.

Requirements

High school diploma or GED.
Vocational or technical training involving wastewater plant operations or a related field.
One year of previous experience and/or training, or an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience providing the required knowledge, skills, and abilities.
Obtain and maintain a valid Grade III Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator certification within one year of hire.
Possess and maintain a valid Georgia Driver's License.
Ability to review, classify, prioritize, and analyze information and apply established standards.
Ability to provide guidance and assistance regarding procedures and standards.
Ability to operate, control, repair, restore, and maintain equipment, machinery, and tools according to prescribed standards.
Ability to understand and use reference, descriptive, and advisory information.
Ability to perform basic arithmetic and calculations involving decimals, percentages, and potentially fractions, ratios, measures, areas, volumes, and weights.
Ability to interpret written, oral, diagrammatic, or scheduled instructions and exercise judgment to adapt methods to assigned objectives.
Ability to use judgment and decisiveness when evaluating information against measurable or verifiable criteria.
Ability to perform moderately demanding physical work, including climbing, balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, crawling, and lifting, carrying, pushing, or pulling moderately heavy objects weighing 20–50 pounds.
Ability to perceive colors or shades, sounds, odors, depth, texture, and visual cues or signals, and to communicate orally as required.

Responsibilities

Monitor and inspect plant equipment and processes for safety, maintenance needs, and proper operation; report equipment failures and other problems.
Ensure wastewater treatment complies with federal and state regulations.
Collect wastewater samples, conduct in-house testing, and record instrument readings and test results.
Operate electrical and mechanical controls regulating wastewater flow and adjust gauges and controls as needed.
Replace empty hazardous-chemical containers with full containers.
Inspect chlorine equipment and tanks, change chlorine cylinders, check and adjust chlorine feed rates, and calibrate pH, chlorine residual, and dissolved oxygen meters.
Open and close plant valves or gates to route excess wastewater flow; monitor sludge pumping and transfers, digester levels, and related meter readings.
Assist engineers and contractors with equipment start-ups and shutdowns.
Monitor lift stations by computer and use the lift station computer to open and close lift stations.
Perform wastewater-treatment tasks such as draining compressors and pumps, cleaning pumps and tanks, opening and closing valves, and cleaning drying beds.
Clean, repair, and maintain the plant, machinery, equipment, tools, and grounds, including inspecting and testing equipment, lubricating pumps, cleaning work areas, moving materials, and mowing grass.
Operate machinery, equipment, and tools used in assigned work, including tractors, trucks, pumps, skimmers, blowers, meters, compressors, conveyors, mowers, and hand or mechanic tools.
Prepare, complete, review, process, forward, and maintain forms, reports, checklists, logs, manuals, and other records, including records of test results, meter readings, and chemical applications.
Communicate with supervisors, employees, city departments, contractors, the public, and others to coordinate work, exchange information, and resolve problems.
Communicate by telephone or two-way radio; provide information, relay messages, and respond to service or information requests.
Maintain awareness of applicable laws and regulations and relevant professional developments; read professional literature and attend workshops and training as appropriate.
Perform other related duties as required.