Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator II or III

The Role:

• Maintains and operates plant equipment and processes related to wastewater treatment systems. Prioritizes activities between the different treatment facilities and systems, including the operation of valves, gates, pumps, and machinery.
• Performs inspection and maintenance of equipment and components in the operation of the wastewater treatment facilities; performs work in accordance with all quality standards, safety regulations and procedures; duties will vary according to job assignment and skill level.
• Performs maintenance of mechanical, hydraulic and electrical equipment and components; performs maintenance procedures with minimal supervision, and learns to read blueprints, mechanical drawings, designs, schematics and sketches.
• Oversees operation of assigned treatment facility to maintain day to day operation necessary to meet all required Local, State and Federal regulations pertaining to the production of potable water or the treatment of sanitary wastewater.
• Understands treatment chemical protocols and their uses; including making chemical feed adjustments, how to unload, store and uses various chemicals, i.e. sulfuric acid, caustic soda, and chlorine
• Samples and analyzes influents/effluents and permeate to detect quality variations, interpret results, reading sheets, process tests, computerized data and information trends to identify variations in flow and effluent quality and make appropriate changes.
• Uses a variety of standard testing procedures to determine problems and any adjustments needed in the treatment process.
• Cleans and maintains plant work areas, tools, and equipment; collects samples as directed.
• Coaches junior-level technicians in resolving operational problems.
• Supports the relationship between the Company and the general public by demonstrating courteous and cooperative behavior when interacting with citizens, visitors, and staff; promotes the Company’s goals and priorities, vision, values and complies with all policies and procedures.
• Maintains absolute confidentiality of work-related issues and Company information; performs other duties as required or assigned.

Come on your first day with:

Education, Training and Experience Guidelines:

• High School Diploma or GED equivalent and three years of work experience in the water or wastewater treatment field.

Knowledge of:

• Utility policies and procedures.
• Tools and equipment used in the operation of water or wastewater treatment plants.
• State and Federal laws and regulations governing water or wastewater treatment plant operations.
• Various treatment processes such as SBR, MBR, and conventional clarifier systems.
• Advanced computerized systems utilized in water and/or wastewater treatment facilities. (Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition, SCADA).
• Collections system management and maintenance – manhole and pipeline inspections, lift stations, emergency response.  Oversees the Collections Management program on selected utilities.
• Laboratory practices required to properly evaluate treatment processes, such as BOD, DO, pH, jar test, CL2 residual, turbidity, COD, color, TSS, TDS, fecal coliforms, and total coliforms.
• Chemical/physical and biological processes used in activated sludge processes.
• Experience in mechanical and electrical troubleshooting.
• Data integrity and ethics for regulatory reporting purposes.
• OSHA guidelines related to Lockout/Tagout, Confined Space Entry, etc.
• Microsoft Windows Office products.

Skill in:

• Using and maintaining tools and equipment to perform maintenance and repair work.
• Determine processing requirements; sample the influent and effluent at various stages of processing and identify problems and ensure proper and efficient operation of the treatment plant.
• Complete mathematical calculations and draw logical conclusions.
• Making routine operating adjustments and repairs to equipment.
• Following safe work practices and verbal and written instructions.
• Inspecting and monitoring machinery and equipment to verify compliance with prescribed operating conditions and safety standards,
• Establishing and maintaining cooperative working relationships with co-workers.
• Operating a personal computer utilizing standard and specialized software.
• Communicating effectively verbally and in writing.

License and Certification Requirements:

• Valid OR/WA driver’s license, any required certifications and/or endorsements, and satisfactory driving record. Must obtain a valid Oregon/Washington driver’s license within 90 days if current valid license is from another state.
• Must possess a Grade II or III Operator Certification from the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality for Wastewater Treatment.
• CDL preferred.
• Additional training and certifications may be required.

Additional Requirements: 

• This is a staff leadership position working under the direction of the Wastewater Operations Manager, and requires on-call response for SCADA alarms and emergencies.

Working Conditions:

• Work is performed on location at wastewater treatment plants with moderate physical requirements, and strength sufficient to lift and move items weighing up to fifty pounds.
• May be exposed to safety hazards including extreme weather conditions i.e. excessive heat and cold, dangerous gases, dangerous chemicals, biological hazards, confined spaces, and dangerous tools and equipment.