Wastewater Treatment - Treatment Plant Operator Trainee, I, II, III - Wastewater Treatment

City of Abilene•Abilene, TX

21h•Onsite

About The Position

Under the general supervision of the Wastewater Treatment Division Manager, this role involves performing activities related to the operation of a Wastewater Treatment plant. The entry-level trainee position focuses on learning and understanding chemical dosing calculations, chemical analysis, lift station management, electronic and manual record keeping, and treatment plant process control to ensure wastewater compliance with State of Texas and Federal Regulations. Treatment Plant Operators I and II perform a variety of chemical analysis, lift station management, and treatment plant process control activities. Treatment Plant Operator III performs a variety of technical work involved in the operation and maintenance of a Wastewater Treatment plant. While this position exercises no supervisory responsibilities, Operators I, II, and III will assist in training the Treatment Plant Operator Trainee.

Requirements

Knowledge of State and Federal requirements, rules, and regulations for Wastewater Treatment.
Knowledge of safe chemical handling practices.
Knowledge of basic algebra and general math skills.
Knowledge of methods, materials, practices, equipment, and facilities involved in Wastewater Treatment.
Knowledge of workplace occupational hazards and standard safety precautions.
Knowledge of safe driving principles and practices.
Skill to operate and maintain various laboratory equipment and systems.
Skill to use and maintain a variety of tools and equipment used in water and wastewater treatment and repair activities.
Skill to visually, physically, and audibly identify anomalies associated with pumps and motors.
Skill to make logical decisions based on available and/or acquired data through SCADA and computer systems.
Skill to operate basic computer equipment.
Skill to safely operate a motor vehicle in all types of weather.
Ability to communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.
Ability to read, write, and understand the English language and follow written and oral instructions.
Ability to physically perform duties related to building and grounds maintenance, including mowing, weed-eating, sweeping, mopping, painting, and digging.
Ability to establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with those contacted in the course of work, both internally and externally.
Ability to follow and embrace the City of Abilene Core Values – Respect, Integrity, Service above Self, and Excellence in All We Do.
Ability to perform as a team member in a manner that accomplishes the Division’s mission and treats team members with dignity, courtesy, and respect.
Treatment Plant Operator Trainee: High school diploma or GED required.
Treatment Plant Operator Trainee: Texas driver’s license, or the ability to obtain one within ninety (90) days of employment, or a military waiver is required.
Treatment Plant Operator Trainee: A TCEQ Class D Wastewater Operators License within 24 months of employment is required.
Treatment Plant Operator I: One (1) year of experience in a Wastewater treatment plant is required.
Treatment Plant Operator I: A TCEQ Class C Wastewater Operators License is required.
Treatment Plant Operator II: Three (3) years of experience in a Wastewater treatment plant is required.
Treatment Plant Operator II: A TCEQ Class B Wastewater Operators License is required.
Treatment Plant Operator III: Six (6) years of experience in a Wastewater treatment plant is required.
Treatment Plant Operator III: A TCEQ Class A Wastewater Operators License is required.
All state licensed personnel must pass a State of Texas Criminal background check.
Ability to report to work in various types of weather as required.
Ability to work a variable shift schedule with the potential for short notice schedule changes.
Exposure to cold, heat, noise, outdoors, vibration, confined work spaces, chemicals, explosive materials, mechanical hazards, and electrical hazards.
Medium strength demand: lifting no more than 50 pounds; carrying up to 25 pounds.
Extensive standing, vision, hearing, and talking.
Moderate lifting, carrying, pushing/pulling, overhead work, fine dexterity, kneeling, crouching, bending, twisting, climbing, and balancing.
Infrequent crawling.

Responsibilities

Calculates dosages for various chemicals and understands their purpose.
Controls and monitors treatment plant chemical feed pumps and equipment for wastewater treatment and disinfection.
Performs and records laboratory tests to assess wastewater quality and determine optimal chemical treatment, chlorine residual, temperature, and other related tests.
Assesses and interprets data from laboratory tests to improve and maintain wastewater quality.
Backwashes filters using manual and automatic sequences.
Ensures efficient plant and laboratory operations, including maintenance of equipment, pumps, filters, machinery, testing, quality control, and recordkeeping.
Standardizes laboratory equipment and adjusts chemical feeders for optimal wastewater treatment.
Maintains plant records, including operations logs, daily diaries, and chemical inventories, compiling both paper and electronic reports.
Monitors SCADA Systems, pumps, chemical feeders, laboratory equipment, meters, and gauges; performs equipment and laboratory preventive maintenance.
Reads, calculates, and records wastewater discharge on an hourly and daily basis.
Assists in performing minor repairs, operations adjustments, and preventive maintenance on plant equipment.
Checks motors and pumps for excessive vibrations, noise, and temperatures; reports problems.
Operates a vehicle on a daily basis.
Removes solids from treatment units and backwashes filters as needed (Operators I & II).
Calibrates laboratory equipment and adjusts chemical feeders for optimal wastewater treatment (Operators I & II).
Reads and records chemical usage; fills chemical feeders; mixes chemicals; changes reagents (Operators I & II).
Performs grounds maintenance and housekeeping duties as needed (Operators I & II).
May be required to work on call after hours to respond to emergencies (Operators I & II).
Oversees plant efficiency, maintains records, prepares reports on plant operation and product quality, and suggests methods for improving efficiency (Operator III).
Troubleshoots and recommends corrective actions for maintenance or operation problems (Operator III).
Assists with conducting chemical and bacteriological analysis of treatment plant products using quality control data analysis (Operator III).
Makes required adjustments based on analysis of information from meter readings, gauges, and other control/measuring devices (Operator III).
Maintains effective communication and working relationships with employees, governmental officials, and the public (Operator III).
Performs process control laboratory analysis (Operator III).
Maintains and enters process control and other data into appropriate computer systems (Operator III).
Performs other job-related duties and responsibilities as assigned.