Water/Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator I - IV

City of Clarksville•GAS and WATER 2215 Madison Street Clarksville, TN

3d•Onsite

About The Position

This position is located at the Water Treatment Plant and reflects a career pathway for Water/Wastewater Treatment Plant Operators. The role involves controlling processes and equipment to remove pollutants from water, taking water samples, reading meters and gauges, and adjusting equipment or chemical dosages to ensure water safety. Operators may also handle emergencies in dangerous conditions. This is a fulfilling career that serves the community and provides a stable work environment. A new employee will be placed on a career path with in-house and formal classroom training, progressing through four positions (Operator I to Specialist). Training includes extensive in-house instruction and external education. Employees will be evaluated regularly until they receive a Tennessee Grade 4 Water or Wastewater Treatment Operators Certification. The Operations Specialist position should be obtained within 30 months of employment. Monthly evaluations by management will occur until the first certification is obtained. Pay increases will accompany promotions from Operator I to Operator IV. Employees will access and properly operate all process equipment, perform laboratory, operational, and maintenance duties, operate a computer using Windows, use spreadsheets, and utilize a SCADA system.

Requirements

High school graduate or GED equivalent.
Possession of a valid Class D driver’s license.
Completion of six months training in Water/Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator I position (for Operator II).
Grade III Water/Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator Certification (respective to assigned area) (for Operator III).
Grade IV Water/Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator Certification (respective to assigned area) (for Operator IV).
Knowledge of applicable tools, equipment, and materials.
Knowledge of safety procedures.
Knowledge of recordkeeping principles.
Knowledge of computer and related software applications.
Skill in performing mathematical calculations.
Ability to adhere to Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) principles.
Using basic equipment and tools.
Maintaining operational records.
Using a computer and related software applications.
Communication, interpersonal skills as applied to interaction with subordinates, coworkers, supervisors, the public, etc. sufficient to exchange or convey information and to receive work direction.
Basic understanding of plant operation, processes and procedures (for Operator II).
Understanding of water/wastewater treatment plant operation, processes and procedures (for Operator III).
Water sampling techniques (for Operator III).
Data collection techniques (for Operator III).
Chemical handling procedures (for Operator III).
Advanced understanding of water/wastewater treatment plant operation, processes and procedures (for Operator IV).
Advanced understanding and proficiency of water sampling and analysis (for Operator IV).

Nice To Haves

Continues formal training as specified within the four (4) step career path (for Operator II and III).

Responsibilities

Monitor processes of the water/wastewater treatment plant including filtration, solids management, adding/adjusting chemicals, and monitoring tank levels, pumping stations.
Perform lab tests to analyze water/wastewater samples.
Independently monitor, operate, service, and maintain plant equipment, systems, and processes.
Inspect pump valves, motors, filters, meters, and computerized controls.
Check chemical feed pump settings.
Repair and/or replace equipment.
Operate water/wastewater SCADA systems by monitoring gauges, equipment, meters, and controls.
Collect samples and perform applicable laboratory analyses and testing.
Review and interpret laboratory results.
Document records and logs of systems operation and maintenance activities.
Respond to customer calls regarding water quality concerns including taste, odor, color, and pressure, and potential leaks from underground utility lines, overflowing tanks.
Relay messages to the proper department for inspection and repair.
Oversee the handling of hazardous and toxic chemicals and materials.
Perform other work as required.