Plant Operator III

Under general supervision of the Plant Operations Supervisor, participates as a team member on special projects and maintains an effective relationship with the plant personnel, citizens and community groups. Supervises and inspects plant equipment and treatment processes to ensure proper operation and provides instruction and training to plant operators. Prepares and maintains records such as chemical inventory, EAM request, online requisitions and submits appropriate and timely reports. Assists higher level operators in monitoring operation via computer, visual and audio inspection. Monitors alarms and troubleshoots pieces of equipment in case of emergency. Submits work request, instructs and explains wastewater treatment process to lower level operators. Summarizes the daily log sheet reading and does data entry. Assists in corrective repairs and performs an ongoing preventive maintenance program of exercising and rotating various process of equipment and machinery. Adjusts chemical feed rates, adjust or replaces packing on pumps, gates and other controls and equipment. Performs general house keeping. Carries out applicable safety practices. Performs related duties as required.

• Oversees and monitors equipment and/or treatment process station to ensure the proper treatment of wastewater to ensure compliance with stringent effluent limitations;
• Monitors process flows and other conditions through visual observations and through use of computers, meters, charts, signal indicators, and alarms, and adjusts plant equipment and processes as necessary;
• Collects samples of wastewater and sludge at prescribed stages and time intervals;
• Performs basic tests, analyzes results and recommends adjustments;
• Takes lead role in spill situations;
• Utilizes Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition systems to identify and troubleshoot plant operation problems;
• Utilizes Computerized Maintenance Management system and/or Enterprise Asset Management system to monitor, create and close out work orders;
• Makes recommendations on night shift, as to whether problems are handled, fixed,
• diverted, or delayed until the day shift specialists are available;
• Coordinates with other shifts/functions at beginning of shift to determine problems and status of all equipment;
• Prepares and maintains records of plant operations and submits reports such as equipment malfunctions, recommends corrective actions and equipment repair needs;
• Assists with the implementation and execution of the operational preventive maintenance program;
• Serves as shift supervisor in the shift supervisor's absence;
• Plans, assigns and oversees the work of more junior operators as well as daily training of the new operators;
• Responsible for compliance with safety standards and regulations on the assigned shift and work station;
• Effectively communicates with customers, employees and supervisors;
• Engages in safe working practices and complies with safety programs and guidelines;
• Reports and monitors unsafe working conditions;
• Complies with safety competencies.

• Thorough knowledge of the principles and operation of wastewater treatment;
• Thorough knowledge of the biological, chemical, and physical processes of wastewater treatment;
• General knowledge of federal, state and local regulations related to effluent limitations;
• Working knowledge of Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition systems (SCADA), Computerized Maintenance Systems (CMMS) and Enterprise Asset Management systems (EAM);
• Thorough knowledge of appropriate operational responses to emergency situations;
• Basic knowledge of the practices, methods, material, and tools of the mechanical trades related to the maintenance of treatment plant equipment;
• Ability to analyze and evaluate operational process performance and to select appropriate actions;
• Ability to make prompt and sound operating decisions in emergency situations;
• Ability to maintain accurate records and write accurate reports;
• Ability to plan train and lead the work of subordinate employees;
• Ability to operate a computer;
• Ability to work in confined spaces;
• Ability to comprehend confined space training;
• Ability to comprehend and comply to safety practices;
• Ability to maintain effective relationships with customers, employees and supervisors.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
Graduation from high school, or a GED issued by a state department of education and six years of  experience as an operator in a Class I wastewater facility.

CERTIFICATES AND LICENSES REQUIRED:

• A Class II Wastewater Treatment Operator's certification issued by the Commonwealth of Virginia within one year of appointment.
• A valid driver's license is required.

NECESSARY SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS: 
Appointees within this classification are subject to a criminal background check, driving record check and pre-employment physical prior to employment
 
Positions within this classification are considered essential to the maintenance and continuity of core county operations during the activation of an emergency or critical incident.
 
WORK ENVIRONMENT:
May be exposed to raw waste.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:
Experience with wastewater, using computers, using mechanical tools, and making minor mechanical repairs. Good verbal and written communication skills and mathematical skills.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:
Ability to lift 50 to 75 pounds in a safe manner. Must be able to bend, stoop, climb stairs and climb up and down 40 foot ladder. Must be able to follow oral and written instructions. Subject to working in adverse weather conditions, may be exposed to raw waste. All duties performed with or without reasonable accommodations.

SELECTION PROCEDURE:
Panel interview and may include exercise.

It is the policy of Fairfax County Government to prohibit discrimination on the basis of race, sex, color, national origin, religion, age, veteran status, political affiliation, genetics, or disability in the recruitment, selection, and hiring of its workforce.

Reasonable accommodations are available to persons with disabilities during application and/or interview processes per the Americans with Disabilities Act. Contact 703-324-4900 for assistance. TTY 703-222-7314. EEO/AA/TTY.