WASTEWATER TREATMENT PLANT OPERATOR

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform the essential job functions satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the primary job functions herein described.   Since every duty associated with this position may not be described herein, employees may be required to perform duties not specifically spelled out in the job description, but which may be considered to be incidental in the performing of their duties just as though they were written out in this job description. 

DEFINITION:  This position is responsible for participating in the operations of the wastewater treatment plant and related facilities and systems. Incumbents may be hired at different classification levels, either as a Trainee (uncertified) or as a Grade 1 – 4 Operator (based on documented proof of the corresponding NC Biological Water Pollution Control System Operator Certification). While the level of certification influences the degree of required supervision and technical expectations, the core job responsibilities remain consistent, with expectations of proficiency, independence and technical mastery increasing at each certification level.

REPORTS TO:  The Chief Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator assigns work in terms of general instructions.

NOTE: An incumbent in this position may be designated as Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator Trainee, I, II, III, or IV; based on level certifications. Certifications are obtained from the North Carolina Water Pollution Control System Operators Certifications Commission.

SALARY RANGE:

Operator- Trainee:

• Arrive to work on time for your shift 
• Ability to learn the WWTP system  
• Ability to understand the nomenclature of the equipment  
• Ability to understand the meaning and purpose of the round sheets 
• Ability to be trained on routine tasks within the scope of plant operations 
• Ability to attend Grade I Class  
• Ability to pass North Carolina WPCSOCC Grade I exam

Operator I:

• Working with an entry level of proficiency, monitoring conditions and making required changes in operations to ensure compliance with applicable regulations and to maximize plant efficiency. 
• Monitor conditions and suggest to Supervisor required changes in wet and dry end operations to ensure compliance with applicable regulations and to maximize plant efficiency with minimum assistance. 
• Working with a level of proficiency, accurately recording all operational parameters to document proper procedures and regulatory compliance. 
• Working with a level of proficiency, troubleshoot problems maintaining equipment in good working order and minimizing downtime in operations. 
• Perform various maintenance functions essential to the upkeep of the grounds, equipment and building. Adherence to following standard safety and housekeeping procedures to minimize risk of injury and to comply with the City, State and Federal regulations and guidelines. 
• Demonstrate color vision and normal/ corrected vision. 
• Have normal since of smell and touch. 
• Evaluates changing conditions and initiates suggestions to Supervisor treatment procedures to ensure continued effective plant operations. 
• Assists in tracking sufficient chemical and materials inventory to ensure continued plant operations. 
• Constantly communicate with other team members and your supervisor. 
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Operator II:

• Working with an increased level of proficiency, to monitor conditions and to make required changes in operations to ensure compliance with applicable regulations and to maximize plant efficiency. 
• Monitor conditions and make required changes in wet and dry end operations to ensure compliance with applicable regulations and to maximize plant efficiency with minimum assistance. 
• Working with an increased level of proficiency, accurately recording all operational parameters to document proper procedures and regulatory compliance. 
• Working with a level of proficiency, troubleshoot problems maintaining equipment in good order and minimizing downtime in operations. 
• Ability to start up and shut down various pieces of equipment such as thickeners and tertiary filters. 
• Perform various maintenance functions essential to the upkeep of the grounds, equipment and building. Adherence to following standard safety and housekeeping procedures to minimize risk of injury and to comply with the City, State and Federal regulations and guidelines. 
• Demonstrate color vision and normal/corrected vision. 
• Have normal since of smell and touch. 
• Evaluates changing conditions and initiates treatment procedures to ensure continued effective plant operations. 
• Assists in tracking sufficient chemical and materials inventory to ensure continued plant operations. 
• Constantly communicate with other team members and your supervisor. 
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Operator III:

• Working with a high level of proficiency, monitor conditions and make required changes in operations to ensure compliance with applicable regulations and to maximize plant efficiency. 
• Monitor conditions and make required changes in wet and dry end operations to ensure compliance with applicable regulations and to maximize plant efficiency with minimum assistance. 
• Working with a high level of proficiency, accurately recording all operational parameters to document proper procedures and regulatory compliance. 
• Working with a high level of proficiency, troubleshoot problems maintaining equipment in good order and minimizing downtime in operations. 
• Ability to start up and shut down various pieces of equipment including the VPSA plant 
• Perform various maintenance functions essential to the upkeep of the grounds, equipment and building. Adherence to following standard safety and housekeeping procedures to minimize risk of injury and to comply with the City, State and Federal regulations and guidelines. 
• Demonstrate color vision and normal/ corrected vision. 
• Have normal since of smell and touch. 
• Evaluates changing conditions and initiates treatment procedures to ensure continued effective plant operations. 
• Assists in tracking sufficient chemical and materials inventory to ensure continued plant operations. 
• Ability to mentor the new Operator Trainees and teach system, nomenclature and processes. 
• Can acquire Backup ORC status 
• Constantly communicate with other team members and your supervisor. 
• Performs other duties as assigned. 

Operator IV:

• Working with an advanced level of proficiency, to monitor conditions and to make required changes in operations to ensure compliance with applicable regulations and to maximize plant efficiency. 
• Monitor conditions and make required changes in wet and dry end operations to ensure compliance with applicable regulations and to maximize plant efficiency with minimum assistance. 
• Working with an advanced level of proficiency, accurately recording all operational parameters to document proper procedures and regulatory compliance. 
• Working with an advanced level of proficiency, troubleshoot problems maintaining equipment in good order and minimizing downtime in operations. 
• Perform various maintenance functions essential to the upkeep of the grounds, equipment and building. Adherence to following standard safety and housekeeping procedures to minimize risk of injury and to comply with the City, State and Federal regulations and guidelines. 
• Demonstrate color vision and normal/ corrected vision. 
• Have normal since of smell and touch. 
• Evaluates changing conditions and initiates treatment procedures to ensure continued effective plant operations. 
• Assists in tracking sufficient chemical and materials inventory to ensure continued plant operations. 
• Ability to mentor the new Operator Trainees and teach system, nomenclature and processes. 
• Can acquire Backup ORC status 
• Constantly communicate with other team members and your supervisor.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

**Work Schedule Requirement:**

• All roles require the ability to work a standard 40-hour workweek, with potential for overtime. Employees must be available to work rotating shifts—including holidays and weekends—according to the following schedule:
  • Monday to Friday: 7:00 AM – 3:00 PM, 3:00 PM – 11:00 PM, and 11:00 PM – 7:00 AM
  • Saturday and Sunday: 7:00 AM – 7:00 PM and 7:00 PM – 7:00 AM

Operator- Trainee:

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Knowledge and level of competency are commonly associated with the completion of specialized training in the field of work, in addition to basic skills typically associated with a high school education. 
• Sufficient experience to understand the basic principles relevant to the major duties of the position, usually associated with the completion of an apprenticeship/internship or having had a similar position for one to two years. 
• Possession of a valid driver's license with an active and consecutive 3-year verifiable driving history. Driving history will be checked. (Must be able to be licensed in the State of North Carolina).
• Possession of or ability to readily obtain an appropriate N.C. Wastewater Certification or the ability to obtain N.C. Wastewater Treatment Grade I certification within 18 months of hire date.

Operator I:

• In addition to the standard qualifications required for the Operator-Trainee position, candidate must possess a valid North Carolina Wastewater Treatment Grade I Certification.

Operator II:

• In addition to the standard qualifications required for the Operator-Trainee position, candidate must possess a valid North Carolina Wastewater Treatment Grade II Certification.

Operator III:

• In addition to the standard qualifications required for the Operator-Trainee position, candidate must possess a valid North Carolina Wastewater Treatment Grade III Certification

Operator IV:

• In addition to the standard qualifications required for the Operator-Trainee position, candidate must possess a valid North Carolina Wastewater Treatment Grade IV Certification.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: 

• Skill in analyzing problems and identifying solutions.
• Skill in preparing clear and accurate reports. 
• Skill in establishing cooperative and productive working relationships. 
• Skill in setting priorities for competing projects. 
• Skill in performing mathematical calculations. 
• Skill in interpersonal relations. 
• Skill in oral and written communication.

GUIDELINES: Guidelines include plant standard operating procedures, operators task sheets, the City Policy Manual, NCPDES requirements, and other state and federal regulations. These guidelines are generally clear and specific, but may require some interpretation in application.

COMPLEXITY: The work consists of related plant operations duties. Frequent changes to environmental and plant conditions contribute to the complexity of the work.

SCOPE AND EFFECT: The purpose of this position is to participate in the operations of the wastewater treatment plant. Success in this position ensures compliance with state and federal regulations.
 
PERSONAL CONTACTS: Contacts are typically with other City personnel, co-workers, vendors, contractors, members of the state and federal regulatory agents.

PURPOSE OF CONTACTS: Contacts are typically to give or exchange information, resolve problems, and provide services.

SUPERVISORY AND MANAGEMENT RESPONSIBILITIES

• None

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

• The work is typically performed while sitting at a desk or table or while intermittently sitting, standing, walking, bending, crouching, or stooping. The employee frequently lifts light and occasionally heavy objects, climbs ladders, and uses tools or equipment requiring a high degree of dexterity. 

WORK ENVIRONMENT

• The work area can involve a working environment indoors, as well as outdoors, which could cause exposure to outdoor elements; proper environmental attire will be required. Some areas can have loud noise, active machinery, high pressure fluid systems, electrical equipment, confined spaces, heights and depths, fumes, airborne particles, noxious gases, pathogens and various chemicals. Safety is of the utmost importance. The use of appropriate safety equipment will be mandatory in these areas to prevent hazardous contact. 
• Must be able to sit, stand, stoop, twist and bend at the waist, turn, kneel, squat, raise arms above shoulder height, grasp, reach, perform repetitive hand movements and fine coordination when preparing reports and using a computer keyboard, have vision sufficient to read computer screens, printed documents and operate office equipment, have hearing in the normal range with or without correction. Within a 12-hour time-period, must be able to transport self across the facility, ascend and descend stair steps, lift objects up to 50 pounds from floor level to waist height, wearing and using appropriate safety equipment.

Salary : $20 - $37