Technician: Lab & Plant Operator - Wastewater

Job Title:  TECHNICIAN:  LABORATORY AND PLANT OPERATOR

Department:  Wastewater-Treatment

Reports To:  Plant Operations Supervisor

Directs Work Of:  NA

FLSA Status:  Non-Exempt

EEO-4 Classification:  Technician

Date Created/Revised:  2010, 2013; 2015; 2016; PG 1/1/2019, 2021, 1-1-23, 11/1/2023

Normal Work Hours:  6:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Normal Work Days:  Monday through Thursday, Varies-Alternating weekends and holidays.

Education/Experience      

Education: Minimum of a High School Diploma. Experience: At least 1 year of experience in chemistry, biology or a related field with some laboratory experience involving responsibility for basic analytical procedures relating to water and/or wastewater. Must have and maintain Class I Indiana Wastewater Certification (or higher). Equivalent combination of education, skills, training and experience may be considered. Must possess or obtain at least a Class B CDL license within 6 months.

If an employee meets all of the education/experience requirements EXCEPT having a Class 1 Indiana Wastewater Certification, they can be hired as a Technician: Laboratory and Plant Operator Trainee. The Trainee position will be a probationary position, allowing an employee up to 2 years to obtain the Class 1 Certification. Upon receiving the certification, an employee would be promoted to the permanent position of Technician: Laboratory and Plant Operator.

Position Summary Collects wastewater, sludge and miscellaneous samples for the laboratory, cleans and sterilizes laboratory equipment, coordinates sampling events according to NPDES permit requirements, performs all lab tests and lab duties when needed, maintains bench sheets, insures that all work areas are left in an orderly manner, and performs other work as required.  The operator may also be required to monitor, repair and control the functions of the wastewater treatment plant under the direct supervision of the Lead Plant Operator or Plant Supervisor. CDL driving to haul dewatered sludge.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities - Other related duties may be assigned.

Collect samples of wastewater and industrial waste at wastewater treatment plant, private residences, and industrial locations, sampling stations, rivers, and potentially monitoring wells. Ensure compliance with the NPDES permit requirements.

Perform all lab testing and lab duties for both wastewater plants on holidays, on call weekends and whenever needed to cover for the lab analyst.

 Perform lab analysis and testing: perform routine qualitative and quantitative chemical and biochemical analysis of sewage, water or other materials by standardized and predetermined methods, including detailed testing of wastewater to assure meeting discharge requirements for NPDES permit; perform routine and specialized tests and analysis on raw and digested sludge and water, including tests for volatile and suspended solids, pH, biochemical oxygen demand, nutrients and E. coli (Colilert), and other tests as needed.  

Operate and maintain (clean, sterilize and calibrate) a variety of lab equipment including spectrophotometer, dissolved oxygen meters, pH meters and turbidity meters.  Ensure adherence to safe work practices and procedures.

 Prepare reagents and media used in laboratory analysis. Prepare microbiological media and setting of bacterial samples in the laboratory. Notify supervisor of unusual tests results.

 Maintain accurate logs and records of NPDES required analysis.

CDL driving tri axle dump trucks to haul dewatered sludge to the landfill or other disposal sites 30 or – hours per week.

Perform some preventative and emergency maintenance and repairs to all mechanical components of the treatment plant.

Diagnose operational problems and perform effective maintenance on equipment. Perform routine equipment maintenance (change oil, grease equipment). Work in conjunction with maintenance staff to ensure that there is sufficient supplies/stock to maintain plant.

Assist Lead Plant Operator with general plant operation functions, which may include monitoring gravity thickeners, clarifiers, digesters, bar screens, hoppers and filter belt press. Grounds upkeep (lawn cutting, snow removal)

These essential job functions are not to be construed as a complete statement of all duties performed. Employees will be required to perform other job related duties as required.

Competencies: To perform the job successfully, an individual should demonstrate the following competencies:

Technical Skills. Strives to continuously build knowledge and skills; Diagnoses equipment malfunctions and performs necessary repairs.  Pursues training opportunities.

Quality & Quantity- Demonstrates accuracy and thoroughness; Looks for ways to improve and promote quality; Monitors own work to ensure quality. Completes work in timely manner; Strives to increase productivity; Works quickly.

Safety and Security – Complies with relevant OSHA safety standards; Observes safety and security precautions and procedures; Reports potentially unsafe conditions; Uses equipment, tools and materials properly.

Communication Skills- Communicates information clearly and effectively on a number of different levels, both verbally and written.

Dependability - Follows instructions, responds appropriately to management direction; Takes responsibility for own actions; Commits to long hours of work when necessary to complete work; completes tasks on time.  Is consistently at work and on time.  Readily assists/volunteers to assist co-workers.

Qualifications To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Education and Experience: 

Education: Minimum of a High School Diploma. Experience: At least 1 year of experience in chemistry, biology or a related field with some laboratory experience involving responsibility for basic analytical procedures relating to water and/or wastewater. Must have and maintain Class I Indiana Wastewater Certification (or higher). Equivalent combination of education, skills, training and experience may be considered.

If an employee meets all of the education/experience requirements EXCEPT having a Class 1 Indiana Wastewater Certification, they can be hired as a Technician: Laboratory and Plant Operator Trainee. The Trainee position will be a probationary position, allowing an employee up to 2 years to obtain the Class 1 Certification. Upon receiving the certification, an employee would be promoted to the permanent position of Technician: Laboratory and Plant Operator.

        Knowledge of:

1. Lawn care equipment, usage and maintenance (zero turn mower, weed eater, blower, weed sprayer, etc).
2. Safe and proper use of hand tools and power tools.

• The operation of a fork lift, pallet jack, skid steer, overhead crane, etc.
  • Knowledge of standard physical, chemical and biological properties of treated and polluted wastewater.
  • Methods and techniques used in physical, chemical and biological tests procedures.
  • Knowledge of standard laboratory equipment and its use and care.

Computer/Office equipment Skills:

.Basic computer skills needed for email, online trainings, etc.

Operation of remote acknowledgment and monitoring of SCADA alarms.

Licenses:

Possess a valid driver’s license.

Possess or obtain at least a Class B CDL license within 6 months .Fork lift certification is required and will be provide by the City Manager of Safety Programs

Physical Demands The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Position requires the ability to work out-of-doors in all weather conditions; climb up and down ladders to install/repair equipment; operate a variety of manual and power tools; read meters/pumps/gauges/mixers and check other related equipment.

Participates in the Wastewater Treatment Department’s on-call rotation, which will include some nights, weekends, and holidays. In response to emergency situations that may arise within the treatment plant and collection systems may be required to be available after hours when not on call.

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

When collecting samples and during plant operations it will be necessary to work out-of-doors in all types of weather, including rain, wind, snow, etc. Frequently working on slippery surfaces. Some parts of the body may come into contact with oil, grease, wastewater, sludge and other products associated with the treatment of sewage.  . Will work from ladders, scaffolds, man basket or other equipment more than 12 feet above the ground.  Will work below ground in OSHA Permit Required confined spaces.

Salary : $23