Wastewater Treatment Operator

City of Sheboygan•Wastewater Treatment Plant, WI

1d•Onsite

About The Position

Under general supervision of the Wastewater Superintendent, an Operator is responsible for the efficient operation, regulation, and maintenance of equipment and facilities located at the Wastewater Treatment Plant and WW Pump/Lift Stations involving the performance of skilled work normally done independently.

Requirements

High School diploma or equivalent required.
Ten (10) years of on-the-job experience in the operation of/and principles of wastewater treatment and associated equipment required.
Ten (10) years of on-the-job experience in the operation and maintenance of motors, compressors, pumps, mechanical equipment, and similar mechanical systems required.
Certification as a Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources Grade IV Wastewater Operator in ALL sub-classes appropriate to the Sheboygan WWTP.
Possession and maintenance of a valid driver's license and auto insurance in accordance with state of Wisconsin law required.
Ability to work under general instructions and make independent judgments.
Knowledge of the methods and principles of the operation of large capacity pumps and related wastewater treatment plant equipment.
Knowledge of standard practices, techniques, and principles of water pollution control.
Knowledge of and ability to perform laboratory analysis as required by the WDNR and our WPDES wastewater discharge permit; including but not limited to, BOD5, TSS, Total Phosphorus, Ammonia Nitrogen, Fecal Coliform, pH, etc.
Ability to maintain and evaluate records.
Ability to inspect sewage plant machinery and mechanical equipment in operation and to detect flaws and defects in operation.
Ability to react promptly and effectively in emergencies.
Ability to perform manual work involving lifting, climbing, crouching, etc.
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships.
Must possess a valid State Motor Vehicle Operator’s license in good standing.
Basic knowledge of mathematical principles.
Job offers for this position are contingent on the individual passing a pre-employment background check and drug screening.

Nice To Haves

The Wastewater Operators certification may be increased depending on requirements mandated by the WDNR.
In evaluating candidates for this position, the City may consider a combination of education, training, and experience which provides the necessary knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform the duties of the position.

Responsibilities

Utilize independent decision-making in regulating wastewater flow through the treatment plant and making adjustments in the process in accordance with prescribed standards.
Collect samples of sewage and effluent at various stages of processing and perform routine physical and chemical analysis, including but not limited to chlorine residual, sulfite residual, ammonia nitrogen concentration, phosphorus concentration, pH, etc.
Analyze and interpret operational data to determine proper process control.
Perform start-stop functions on a variety of mechanical and electrical equipment and more complex process equipment systems including but not limited to, pumping systems, chemical feed systems, air supply systems, methane gas systems sludge dewatering systems, etc.
Skim and/or clean process basin walls and water surfaces.
Make and record meter and gauge readings as required.
Maintain and interpret logs and prepare written reports pertaining thereto.
Make normal repairs to equipment and assist in extensive repairs.
Train other employees on related skills and procedures necessary in the operation of the wastewater plant and associated equipment.
Maintain equipment, buildings, and grounds in a clean and orderly manner.
Inspect motors, bearings, and gear boxes for overheating and maintain proper lubrication.
Oversee Plant processes related to anaerobic digestion and biosolids conveyance, storage and dewatering, resulting in the production of a Class-A biosolid product.
Oversee Plant operations related to the production and utilization of biogas to supply Plant heating needs.
Continually monitor the Plant’s SCADA (Supervisory Control & Data Acquisition) system to monitor and adjust Plant operations and equipment performance.
Use software programs—including SCADA, Hach WIMS, Excel spreadsheets, camera system, chemical analyzers, wastewater samplers, smartphones and i -pads, to complete essential duties on site or remotely.
Ensure compliance with the City’s WPDES (Wisconsin Pollutant Discharge Elimination System) permit through wastewater sampling, lab analysis, data analysis, and reporting.
Collaborate with other Plant staff in key decisions regarding operations, capital projects and the purchase of supplies and equipment.
Prepare standard operating procedures (SOPs) for varied operational and administrative functions.
Conduct operations in a safe and environmentally responsible manner, especially in the key areas of confined space entry, lockout/tagout, bloodborne pathogen exposure, laboratory safety, chemical off-loading, mechanical repairs, hearing conservation, exposure to weather, fall protection, exposure to wastewater, periodic heavy lifting, and operating equipment (forklifts, aerial lifts, etc.).
Fill in for laboratory and plant staff as needed during vacations, leaves, etc.