TITLE: Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator

CITY OF RIDGEFIELD

JOB DESCRIPTION

TITLE: Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator

DEPARTMENT: Public Works Department

REPORTS TO: Utility Supervisor

NATURE OF WORK/SUPERVISION

Works under the general supervision of the Utility Supervisor, who assigns major tasks and duties. Is responsible forensuring continued operation of the sanitary sewer wastewater treatment facility and performing routine maintenance duties normally involving physical labor for the maintenance of thewastewater treatment plant system. Responsible for working with field crew personnel and performing skilled work in construction, maintenance and related service activities.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

Performs, but is not limitedto performing,the following tasks:

  • Works as part of and/or leads a maintenance crew at the wastewater treatment facility.
  • Schedules daily activities of personnel and equipment at the wastewater treatment facility.
  • Performs ongoing maintenance of the wastewater treatment plant facility; including but not limited to maintenance of all buildings, pumps, lines, basins, tanks, electrical and programming systems.
  • Assists Utility Supervisor to ensure City operates wastewater treatment facility, completes all necessary tests and reports to meet compliance with the City’s most current National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System Permit (NPDES) and other laws and regulations.
  • Operates a variety of tools and equipment, including but not limited to pipeline jetter, jackhammer, tamper, track mounted and rubber tire excavators, and dump trucks.
  • Oversees and/or performs all repairs and testing to ensure complete and continuous operation of the wastewater treatment system and maintains accurate records.
  • Organizes and completesa preventative maintenance program that includes but is not limited to valve exercising, pump maintenance, basin and tank cleaning, electrical and programming inspections, general grounds maintenance and plant clean-up.
  • Reports all spills and other reportable irregularities, malfunctions or errors to the Utility Supervisor.
  • May assist in routine maintenance of water distribution system and sanitary sewer collection system.
  • All other duties as assigned by the Supervisor(s) or Department Head.
  • Must be able to communicate, read, write and understand written instructions in English.
  • Work within established guidelines, policies and procedures.
  • Regular and punctual attendance is an essential function.

Must have a valid driver’s license and be able to legally operate a City-owned vehicle.

KNOWLEDGE AND ABILITIES

  • Knowledge of the methods, materials, practices, procedures, and equipment used in the construction and maintenance of public works facilities.
  • Ability towork safely and efficiently with field crew personnel or alone, as assigned tasks may warrant.
  • Knowledge of safety procedures and regulations.
  • Mechanical aptitude suitable to understanding operation of wastewater treatment system.
  • Ability to perform strenuous physical work.
  • A willingness to learn and progress through self-study and on-the-job training for advancement to higher positions.
  • Establish and maintain effective working relationships with other employees, contractors, and the general public.
  • Ability to operate a computer with working knowledge of Microsoft Word, Excel and Outlook.

WORKING CONDITIONS

Work is performed primarily outdoors. Work may likely expose the employee to inclement weather and safety hazards such as falling objects, heavy equipment, power tools, noise and vibration, dust and dirt, fumes and odors, uneven or rough terrain and requires climbing, bending, stooping, kneeling and crawling.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Following are the minimum qualifications:

  • High School Diploma or G.E.D. is required.
  • Minimum of six (6) years experience in the operation and maintenance of wastewater treatment systems.
  • ValidWashingtonState driver’s license with a driving record free from serious or frequent violations.
  • Washington State Water Distribution Manager, Class I certification, minimum required within six (6) months of employment.
  • Washington State Wastewater Collection System Operator certification requiredwithin six (6) months of employment.
  • Washington State Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator, Class III certification required within six (6)months of employment.
  • Required to obtain and maintain an Industrial First Aid/CPR Card,Blood Borne Pathogens and a Flagging and Traffic Control Card within six (6) months of employment.
  • Required to obtainDefensive Driving, Confined Space, Fall Protection, Fire Extinguisher and Evacuation, and Trenching and Shoring training within one (1) year of employment.
  • Ability to communicate respectfully and tactfully with customers (internal and external).

Must be able to read, write and understand written instructions.

  • Must be able to operate a computer with working knowledge of Microsoft Word, Excel and Outlook.

January 2008December 20101