Senior Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator

PURPOSE:

Plans, leads, and performs technical duties associated with the operation and maintenance of the City's wastewater treatment plant and related facilities; helps ensure compliance of the plant with regulatory agency requirements. Serves as a technical resource to staff regarding the more difficult aspects of wastewater treatment; acts in the absence of the Wastewater and Water Reuse Supervisor; and performs other duties as assigned.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS:

This is the advanced journey/lead level classification in the Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator series. In addition to performing the full range of wastewater treatment, a Senior Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator incumbent serves as a lead worker, directing and monitoring the work of subordinate Wastewater Treatment Plant Operators and supervising the plant as needed.

This classification is distinguished by the requirement to serve in a lead worker capacity. This position is responsible for handling the day-to-day activities of the subordinate positions; to include preventative maintenance schedules, tracking of maintenance, treatment setpoints, and overall direction of facility treatment and work. This position can/will assume full responsibility for independently supervising the Wastewater Treatment Plant.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED:

Receives immediate supervision from the Wastewater Supervisor

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES:

Supervises subordinate staff providing direction and assistance

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

The duties listed below are only intended as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the classification if the work is similar, related and/or a logical assignment to the classification.

• Conduct plant and facility inspections and review operations and improvement plans; develop and recommend operating policies and procedures as needed to ensure safe and efficient operation of the plant, its facilities, and its employees; assist in reviewing emergency plans and response criteria; develop process control strategies; analyze operational and laboratory data in order to initiate control changes and to maximize treatment effectiveness; assist with the completion or oversight of facility improvements.
• Direct and participate in the collection of samples of wastewater; prepare reagents and conduct laboratory tests (e.g., biochemical oxygen demand, total suspended solids, total volatile suspended solids, pH, chlorine residual, etc.); evaluate test data and recommend or make process control adjustments to ensure legal requirements governing operations are met.
• Direct and participate in the processing of wastewater sludge; set up equipment and valves related to centrifuges; monitor the process frequently; making necessary adjustments until the process is complete; perform shut down and clean-up activities.
• Direct and participate in the inspection, maintenance, and repair treatment plant facilities, pump stations, and equipment such as clarifiers, centrifuges, membrane filtration, mixers, and aerators, to ensure proper working conditions and cleanliness; perform preventive and corrective maintenance on pumps, switches, motors, and valves to ensure efficient and reliable operations.
• Direct and perform membrane operations; take and record readings; inspect related operating equipment; correct necessary repairs or adjustments to maintain daily operation; perform acid and chlorine cleaning tasks as required.
• Maintain logs and records required by regulations for wastewater flow, treatment, plant and pump station operations, and maintenance.
• Read and record data from monitoring devices; notify appropriate personnel and agencies in the event of a sewage spill or in the event of a compliance issue.
• May operate a sludge truck; to include filling, driving, and dumping of biosolids.
• Conduct tours of facilities and do other public information activities.
• Coordinate assigned activities with those of other divisions, departments, outside agencies and organizations; represent the Department at various meetings and events as assigned.
• Ensure that subordinate employees follow all safety rules and procedures established for work areas.
• On call rotation one week a month-ability to respond to facility within 40 minutes-may be required to work overtime including nights, weekends, and holidays.

AUXILIARY JOB FUNCTIONS:

• Maintain proficiency by attending training conferences and meetings, reading materials, and meeting with others in areas of responsibility.
• Assist in the training of new personnel.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

EDUCATION, TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE

Education: Completion of 60 semester (or equivalent quarter) units from an accredited college or university with an emphasis in water/wastewater technology, biology, chemistry, microbiology, environmental science, engineering, or a related field.

Experience: A minimum of four (4) years of experience as a wastewater treatment plant operator, including at least one (1) year in a Grade IV or higher level wastewater treatment plant.

Substitution: Any satisfactory equivalent combination of education, training and experience that demonstrates the knowledge, skills and abilities to perform the duties of the job proficiently may substitute for the above requirements.

Desirable Qualifications: College course work or specialized training in fluid dynamics, chemistry, biology, or environmental sciences is desirable.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

License: Possession of, or the ability to obtain and retain, an Oregon driver license by the time of appointment. Employee will also need a CDL (class B) which the City will provide training for if necessary.

Certificate: Possession and maintenance of a current Grade III Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator certificate, issued by the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality, with the ability to get a Grade IV within 2 years of hire.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

Knowledge of:

Basic principles and practices of employee leadership and supervision.

Materials, methods, and operation of Class IV wastewater treatment and laboratory facilities.

Chemical, microbiological, and physical processes involved in wastewater treatment and laboratory analysis.

Occupational hazards and safety precautions related to wastewater treatment facility operations and maintenance.

Principles and practices of hazard and safety management in a wastewater treatment plant environment.

Methods of repairing wastewater treatment plant equipment.

Safety and biohazards associated with sewage treatment.

Principles of mathematics including addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, fractions, and percentages.

Pertinent federal, state, and local laws, rules, and regulations.

Common word processing, spreadsheets, and database software.

Proper record keeping in a wastewater treatment plant.

Ability to:

Lead the work of subordinate employees.

Work independently to operate and maintain a level IV wastewater treatment plant, exercising moderate judgment within a framework of established procedures.

Interpret and apply City and department policies, procedures, rules, and regulations.

Perform calculations using basic mathematics.

Use computers and standard business software.

Communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.

Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

The physical and mental demands described here are representative of those that must be met by employees to successfully perform the essential functions of this classification. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

This position typically requires the performance of physically demanding tasks.

(1) Mobility: Operators must be able to frequently stoop, twist, turn, bend, squat, sit, and stand for lengthy periods of time, climb to heights of 25 feet, and enter and work in confined spaces.

(2) Lifting: frequently up to 10 pounds; occasionally up to 50 pounds.

(3) Vision: constant use of overall vision; including color and depth vision.

(4) Dexterity: frequent use of keyboard; frequent repetitive motion; frequent writing; occasional grasping, pushing, pulling, reaching and turning.

(5) Hearing/Talking: frequent hearing and talking, in person and on the phone.

(6) Emotional/Psychological: frequent decision-making and concentration; frequent public and/or coworker contact; occasional working alone.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this classification. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

WW operators will be required to perform work that may involve exposure to all weather conditions typical of the outside environment; hazardous chemicals; electrical and mechanical hazard; respiratory hazards; noise hazards; eye/face hazards; uneven terrain/walking hazards; blood-borne pathogen biohazards, and various related wastewater hazards.

Applications will be accepted online at: www.governmentjobs.com/careers/ashlandor. Please include a resume and cover letter. We encourage you to use your cover letter to discuss why this position appeals