Wastewater Utility Operator

City of Mount Vernon•Wa, WA

2d•Onsite

About The Position

Under general supervision, the Wastewater Utility Operator operates, performs maintenance and repairs of the WWTP, pump stations, and CSO interceptor in accordance with regulatory requirements. The operator is responsible for plant operations when assigned weekend or holiday shifts. May be required to perform and evaluate laboratory tests in accordance with standard methods and established laboratory procedures to assist in making process changes when needed. Essential functions, as defined under the Americans with Disabilities Act, may include any of the following representative duties, knowledge, and skills. This list is ILLUSTRATIVE ONLY and is not a comprehensive listing of all functions and duties performed by incumbents of this class. Employees are required to be in attendance and prepared to begin work at their assigned work location on the specified days and hours. Factors such as regular attendance at the job are not routinely listed in job descriptions but are an essential function. Essential duties and responsibilities may include, but are not limited to, the following : Completes weekly, monthly, semi-annual, and annual maintenance work and equipment checks on pump stations, equipment, and facilities; performs routine cleaning of treatment units. Operates plant processes to include bar screens, perforated screens, clarifiers, high speed blowers, UV Disinfection, DAFT and screw press. Tests, inspects, cleans, repairs, and maintains a variety of parts and equipment related to wastewater treatment plant facilities and systems. Cleans and calibrates meters, probes, and level sensors; troubleshoots equipment control systems. Analyzes and processes critical alarm points and supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA) information points in the plant and pump stations. Collects samples from various plant processes for laboratory analysis; programs and calibrates automatic samplers; evaluates laboratory and plant testing results, calculations, reports, and other data to determine and implement needed process changes. Performs mathematical calculations related to the flow, areas, force, pressure, and chemical dosage. Completes a variety of special projects to include rebuilding pumps and installing new equipment; assist in assigned electrical work such as rewiring and running new circuits. Maintains detailed operational and maintenance records. May be required to work nights, weekends, and on-call shifts. Performs related duties as assigned.

Requirements

High school diploma or GED equivalent
One (1) year of experience in wastewater treatment plant operations (for WWTP Utility Operator 1)
Three (3) years of experience in wastewater treatment plant operations (for WWTP Utility Operator 2)
Four (4) years of experience with at least two (2) years at a Class II or higher plant (for WWTP Utility Operator 3)
Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator Group I Certification (for WWTP Utility Operator 1)
Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator Group II certification (for WWTP Utility Operator 2)
Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator Group III Certification (for WWTP Utility Operator 3)
Knowledge of applicable local, State, and Federal laws, codes, regulations, and ordinances.
Knowledge of customer service principles, practices, and etiquette.
Knowledge of records maintenance and retention policies and procedures.
Knowledge of work safety practices, procedures, and equipment.
Knowledge of pipe fittings and valves.
Knowledge of rotating machinery including pumps, drives, gear boxes, bearings, seals.
Knowledge of tools, equipment, and machinery used in wastewater treatment and pumping stations.
Knowledge of 3-phase motor controls.
Knowledge of Department of Ecology standards.
Knowledge of sample collection and handling methods.
Knowledge of laboratory testing procedures.
Skill in recognizing and correcting operational, mechanical, electrical, and instrumentation abnormalities.
Skill in following safety procedures and guidelines.
Skill in operating SCADA systems, programmable logic controllers, variable frequency drives, specialized computer applications, and programmable machine interface devices.
Skill in diagnosing and correcting equipment malfunctions.
Skill in interacting tactfully and professionally with City staff, outside agencies, and the public.
Skill in operating a variety of tools, equipment, and machinery in accordance with policies and procedures.
Skill in completing accurate mathematic calculations including but not limited to flow, TSS, BOD and total solids.
Skill in organizing and prioritizing tasks to meet deadlines.
Skill in completing multiple tasks simultaneously.
Skill in reading and accurately interpreting blueprints and technical drawings.
Skill in analyzing complex issues and implementing appropriate responses.
Skill in establishing and maintaining cooperative working relationships.
Skill in communicating effectively verbally and in writing.
Must possess a Group III Department of Ecology Operator certification upon qualification.
Must possess a Group II Washington Wastewater Collection Personnel Association certification upon qualification.
Must possess a WISHA approved First Aid and CPR certification or acquire within six months of hire.

Nice To Haves

May substitute up to 67.5 relevant credits/CEUs for up to 1.5 years operating experience (for WWTP Utility Operator 2)
May substitute up to 90 relevant credits/CEUs for up to 2 years operating experience (for WWTP Utility Operator 3)
Possession of a Class B Commercial Driver’s License preferred.

Responsibilities

Completes weekly, monthly, semi-annual, and annual maintenance work and equipment checks on pump stations, equipment, and facilities; performs routine cleaning of treatment units.
Operates plant processes to include bar screens, perforated screens, clarifiers, high speed blowers, UV Disinfection, DAFT and screw press.
Tests, inspects, cleans, repairs, and maintains a variety of parts and equipment related to wastewater treatment plant facilities and systems.
Cleans and calibrates meters, probes, and level sensors; troubleshoots equipment control systems.
Analyzes and processes critical alarm points and supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA) information points in the plant and pump stations.
Collects samples from various plant processes for laboratory analysis; programs and calibrates automatic samplers; evaluates laboratory and plant testing results, calculations, reports, and other data to determine and implement needed process changes.
Performs mathematical calculations related to the flow, areas, force, pressure, and chemical dosage.
Completes a variety of special projects to include rebuilding pumps and installing new equipment; assist in assigned electrical work such as rewiring and running new circuits.
Maintains detailed operational and maintenance records.
May be required to work nights, weekends, and on-call shifts.
Performs related duties as assigned.