Wastewater Operator I / II

City of Meridian•New York, NY

2d•Onsite

About The Position

The Wastewater Operator I / II performs operational and maintenance activities at the City of Meridian’s Class IV advanced tertiary wastewater treatment plant, including rounds, equipment service and cleaning, troubleshooting, process monitoring, sampling, and recordkeeping. The role evaluates plant conditions and adjusts operational controls to optimize treatment performance, effluent, and biosolids quality while ensuring compliance with applicable environmental requirements and permits. Work is performed with general oversight and requires independent judgment and initiative as part of a team of wastewater operators. Operators monitor and inspect equipment and processes, conduct laboratory tests, collect samples, maintain compliance records, use SCADA and other operational systems, and respond to alarms and abnormal conditions. The position may require on-call response and work across shifts, weekends, and holidays to support year-round, 24/7 plant operations. Operator II additionally operates and maintains the wastewater treatment plant, recycled water production system, and biosolids production; manages compliance with discharge and other permits; monitors complex treatment processes; analyzes operational and laboratory data; supports operating-procedure development; communicates process and equipment status across shifts; troubleshoots systems; assists with plant tours and public inquiries; and performs line locates.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent.
Valid State of Idaho driver’s license and safe driving record.
Possession of an Idaho Class I Wastewater Treatment Operator license or Operator-in-Training (OIT), or ability to obtain one within 12 months.
Operator II: Three years of experience at an advanced activated sludge wastewater treatment facility.
Operator II: Idaho Wastewater Treatment Class I license or OIT required, with ability to obtain Treatment Class II within 12 months.
Ability to attend and complete required safety training and certifications, including confined space entry, CPR/AED, ICS, fall protection, and forklift.
Availability for required on-call response to plant alarms, emergencies, or other conditions requiring on-site attention.
Ability to work shifts, weekends, and holidays as needed to support year-round 24/7 operations.
Ability to learn Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, Outlook), SCADA, Infor Asset Management software, and Hach WIMs.
Valid United States work authorization that does not require employer sponsorship; the City cannot provide visa sponsorship.

Nice To Haves

Experience at a wastewater treatment facility is desired.

Responsibilities

Evaluate plant conditions and make operational decisions and changes to optimize treatment performance, wastewater effluent, and biosolids quality.
Identify operational data trends and plant issues; monitor SCADA; review process data; and make minor process changes.
Perform building and facility cleaning and general custodial and maintenance work.
Conduct laboratory testing, including settleometer tests, microbiological examinations, gram stains, and percent-solids tests.
Collect samples throughout the plant for laboratory analysis and properly sample and handle wastewater process samples.
Accurately track, maintain, and retain facility permit-compliance and operational records; maintain spreadsheets and databases.
Operate and inspect the facility and ensure equipment performs efficiently and receives appropriate maintenance and servicing.
Initiate work orders and perform preventative maintenance using an asset management program.
Start up and shut down wastewater equipment and systems; clean and maintain unit processes; remove grit and screenings for disposal.
Respond to plant alarms and emergencies; evaluate and address abnormal plant conditions.
For Operator II, operate and maintain the wastewater treatment plant, recycled water production system, and biosolids production in accordance with applicable regulations, policies, and procedures.
For Operator II, maintain compliance with NPDES, reclaimed water, air, and biosolids requirements and monitoring criteria.
For Operator II, operate and control complex wastewater processes, including pretreatment, primary treatment, chemical addition, thickening, bioreactors, sludge fermentation, activated sludge, membrane filtration, anaerobic digestion, tertiary treatment, ultraviolet disinfection, struvite control, and advanced biological nutrient removal.
For Operator II, review plant records, operating reports, and technical data to monitor process-control efficiency and equipment maintenance.
For Operator II, analyze operational and laboratory data, identify trends and issues, report information to the supervisor, and take early process-control measures.
For Operator II, assist in developing standard operating procedures for operational processes.
For Operator II, communicate process targets, equipment concerns, and special sampling across shifts; alert senior facility staff to issues that could affect permit compliance.
For Operator II, review and accurately complete daily operations logs, including logging changes and adjustments.
For Operator II, assist with plant tours and answer public inquiries about plant operations.
For Operator II, troubleshoot process systems and equipment and perform line locates.
Drive a City motor vehicle to other City sites or local areas and travel regionally for training when required.
Perform other duties as assigned.