WASTEWATER PLANT OPERATOR

 

Reports To:      Wastewater Plant Manager                          FLSA Classification: Full Time, Non Exempt

Date Revised:  January 2024                                                   Department:            Wastewater

 

Position Summary
The purpose of the class is to perform skilled technical and manual work in the daily operation and maintenance of the City’s wastewater treatment plants; to prepare and maintain required records and reports, and to perform related work as required.

Position Responsibilities – Essential Job Functions
To ensure the greatest possible protection for employees in the workplace, the City of Anderson requires cooperative efforts of all employees with help in establishing and maintaining a safe and healthy work environment.

The City of Anderson requires that PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) be used by employees whenever workplace hazards are discovered that could damage any part of the body. In addition, the City of Anderson requires all employees to wear PPE, such as but not limited to, safety glasses, face shields, safety shoes, hearing protection (ear plugs/ear muffs), gloves, etc. as required by their job duties. PPE is to be used as a tool to eliminate and/or reduce the hazards employees face in their daily job duties.

PPE is not to be used and will not be used as a substitute for safe work practices, machine guards, or other controls designed by equipment manufacturers or other engineering sources. PPE is to be used in conjunction with these controls to increase employee protection.

The tasks listed below are those that represent a majority of the time spent working in this job description. Management may assign additional tasks related to the type of work of Plant Operators as necessary.

·         Monitors and performs all daily plant operations.

·         Inspects equipment and processes to determine efficiency of operations, maintenance requirements, and cleanliness.

·         Troubleshoots technical and mechanical problems; initiates corrective action as necessary.

·         Performs preventive maintenance on equipment; calibrates meters; performs and/or assists with equipment repairs as needed.

·         Performs repairs to equipment, assists contractors with repairs, and plant maintenance technician as needed.

·         Monitors and records readings from meters, gauges and instruments.

·         Starts up, shuts down, regulates and adjusts motors, pumps, compressors, grinders, blowers, valves and other apparatus to meet changing operating conditions.

·         Regulates and adjusts chemical rates as indicated.

·         Collects and prepares water samples for laboratory analysis; performs lab tests and prepares laboratory reports.

·         Operates sludge dewatering process; transports sludge to sand beds.

·         Assists with industrial pre-treatment activities as necessary.

·         Inspects and repairs backflow prevention devices as assigned.

·         Receives, unloads and stocks chemicals and supplies.

·         Cleans and maintains assigned vehicles and equipment.

·         Advises and consults with supervisors on unusual operating problems or the need for major repairs to equipment.

·         Assists in ensuring plant compliance with City/department policies and procedures, S.C. DHEC regulations, and all other applicable laws, regulations, and standards of quality and safety.

·         Prepares and maintains accurate and complete operations records.

·         Performs general building and grounds maintenance work as required.

·         Performs general clerical work as required, including preparing records and reports, completing forms, copying and filing documents, entering and retrieving computer data, answering the telephone, etc.

·         Attends meetings, training, seminars, etc., as appropriate to enhance job knowledge and skills.

·         Serves on call 24 hours per day to ensure uninterrupted service for customers.

It is understood that every incidental duty connected with operations detailed in this job description are not always specifically described, and employees, at the discretion of the City, may be required to perform duties not within their job descriptions and as requested as the discretion of management of the City.

Position Responsibilities – Additional Job Functions
·         Perform other duties as assigned and requested.

Essential Skills and Experience
·         Requires high school diploma or GED equivalent supplemented by formal training, special courses or self-education that is equivalent to satisfactory completion of one year of college education or specialized advanced training in biology, chemistry, utility plant operations or a closely related field.

·         Must possess a valid state driver’s license with the ability to obtain a CDL.

·         Demonstrate:

–   Excellent communication (verbal and written) and interpersonal skills with ability to develop strong professional working relationships across all levels of the organization.

–   Ability to speak compound sentences using normal grammar and word form.

–   Ability to plan effectively, set priorities, make sound decisions, and to manage/complete multi-faceted projects in conjunction with normal activity.

–   Superior organizational skills, strong quality orientation, and high attention to detail.

–   Computer proficiency and technical aptitude with the ability to use Operator 10, Cartegraph Asset Management, Microsoft Word, Excel, and Outlook and other custom applications.

–   Strong ethical standards, reliability, professionalism, positive attitude, and ability to remain calm in stressful situations.

Beneficial Skills and Experience
·         Preferably a qualified applicant will have a Class D or higher biological wastewater operator license or the ability to progress through these license classes.

·         CDL License or ability to obtain one.

ADA Compliance
The City of Anderson is an Equal Opportunity Employer. ADA requires the City to provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities. Prospective and current employees are invited to discuss accommodations.

The Company has reviewed this job description to ensure that essential functions and basic duties have been included. It is intended to provide guidelines for job expectations and the employee’s ability to perform the position described. It is not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all functions, responsibilities, skills and abilities. Additional functions and requirements may be assigned by supervisors as deemed appropriate. This document does not represent an expressed or implied contract of employment nor does it alter your at-will employment, and the Company reserves the right to change this job description and/or assign tasks for the employee to perform, as the Company may deem appropriate.