WPC Plant Operator

City of Ames•50010, IA

7d•Onsite

About The Position

The WPC Plant Operator performs work involving primary responsibility for the operation of pumping stations and water pollution control plant to treat and discharge wastewater for the Ames community and wastewater service contracts; repairs and maintains operating equipment and other machinery at the water pollution control plant and related facilities; performs related work as required. This position requires availability to work rotating shifts. The shifts are typically made of a 10 week rotation of 5 different schedules at 2 weeks each: 1) 6am to 2pm in Operating 2) 2pm to 10pm in Operating 3) 10pm to 6am in Operating 4) 7am to 3:30pm in Maintenance 5) 7am to 3:30pm M/T/W in Maintenance, then 6am to 2pm Sat/Sun in Operating. In order to be considered for this position, all applicants must submit their online application by the deadline listed on this posting. Your application includes complete responses to the supplemental questions. Please keep in mind that submission of a resume in lieu of work history on your application or answering the supplemental questions is not sufficient.

Requirements

Successful completion of high school, HiSet, or GED.
Two years of experience with mechanical equipment maintenance and repair; or, an equivalent combination of education and experience in, or related to, the field of wastewater treatment.
Valid Driver's License.
Operators must possess a Grade II Wastewater Treatment Operator Certificate from the Iowa Department of Natural Resources within 38 months of hire.
Within Step A, an operator should gain experience to work independently as a plant operator.
By the time an operator is at Step B, they should have considerable knowledge of safe working practices in a water pollution control facility; considerable knowledge of wastewater treatment and solids handling processes, and operations; considerable knowledge of biochemical and bacterial functions and relationships and the effect of temperature and concentration; knowledge of overall wastewater utility operation; knowledge of the practices and techniques used in wastewater and solids treatment; knowledge of basic maintenance equipment and practices; knowledge of lubrication, maintenance, and servicing of pumps and plant equipment; knowledge of laws and regulations related to water pollution control plant operations; knowledge of computer systems and applications software; knowledge of the operation and maintenance of utility plant operating equipment, low-pressure boilers, clarifiers, filters, digesters, pumps, and auxiliary equipment; knowledge of the principals of hydraulics, electricity, combustion, and standard safety practices.
Skill in the maintenance and repair of mechanical and water pollution control plant equipment.
Ability to read and record data from gauges and meters accurately
Ability to make mathematical computations and interpret data
Ability to understand the significance of laboratory results
Ability to diagnose equipment problems and to determine proper remedial action
Ability to determine the nature and seriousness of system malfunctions and to take remedial action
Ability to work alone on an operating shift and to take responsibility for previously outlined procedures
Ability to read piping and wiring diagrams and blueprints
Ability to plan, assign and oversee the work of maintenance personnel and helpers
Ability to use a wide variety of hand tools, shop and diagnostic equipment
Ability to work under adverse conditions including exposure to extreme weather
Ability to act quickly and calmly in emergency situations on an individual basis
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with citizens, supervisors, co-workers and other City employees.

Nice To Haves

education exceeding a high school diploma or equivalency
relevant experience greater than two years
Iowa Grade II wastewater operator's license

Responsibilities

Operates, inspects, repairs and maintains a wide variety of engines, pumps, motors, chemical feed equipment, and other related equipment used in wastewater treatment and sludge disposal
Reads and records plant flow, pumping rates, sludge treatment results, and gas production
Collects samples and analyzes for parameters as assigned
Adjusts plant flow rate and digester operation to minimize variations
Maintains plant operating records by making calculations and completing operating logs
Observes mechanical equipment for proper operating condition and performance
Replaces bearings, packing, capacitors, seals, shafts, and sleeves
Performs pipe work for water and chemicals
Performs welding
Installs new equipment
Checks to assure proper maintenance of equipment
Performs maintenance on engines, motors, and related items
Keeps records and makes reports
Oversees the work of skilled and unskilled helpers
Attends or provides training as required
Provides customer service as needed
Performs custodial duties of assigned shift
Guides or assists in guiding individuals or groups of visitors around the plant
Performs extra operating, sampling, and laboratory duties in connection with special plant or research projects
Performs road and grounds maintenance