This position comes with a high degree of responsibility for assisting in the operations and maintenance of the wastewater treatment plant and lift stations. Monitors the treatment process and performance of related equipment and makes necessary adjustments as indicated by current conditions. Preventive maintenance and repairs are executed on various pumps, blowers, chemical feeders, valves, piping and other equipment used to treat wastewater.

The work is performed both indoors and outdoors. The employee is exposed to noise, dust, machinery with moving parts, infectious diseases, raw sewage, hazardous chemicals, and occasional inclement weather. The work requires the use of protective devices such as masks, goggles, or gloves.

Perform quality work within deadlines with or without direct supervision. Interacting with other employees, customers and suppliers in a professional manner is essential. At times, this position works independently while understanding the necessity for communicating and coordinating work efforts with staff. On-call duties are required after training period.

JOB TITLE: Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator

DEPARTMENT: Wastewater, City of Pierre

JOB SUMMARY: This position is responsible for assisting in operating a wastewater treatment plant. This position may also perform the duties of Laboratory Technician/Operator and Lift Station Mechanic .

MAJOR DUTIES:

o Monitors treatment process and makes necessary adjustments as indicated by current conditions.

o Monitors performance of machinery and equipment used to control the treatment process.

o Inspects plant equipment.

o Prepares inspection sheets, logs, and flow charts; maintains records.

o Tends pumps, blowers, feed pumps, centrifuges, dry and wet chemical feeders, aerators, telescopic settings, wet well, and other equipment used to treat wastewater.

o Operates and maintains primary and secondary clarifiers.

o Operates sludge dewatering equipment (belt filter press).

o Cleans and scrubs filters and tanks.

o Repair, maintenance, and operation of sanitary sewer lift stations

o Collects wastewater samples for standard tests, such as biochemical oxygen demand, dissolved oxygen, suspended solids, and pH.

o Performs preventive and corrective maintenance on equipment.

o Performs routine cleaning of equipment and work areas.

o Performs housekeeping and grounds maintenance duties.

o Remains on call as required.

o Performs other related duties as assigned.

KNOWLEDGE REQUIRED BY THE POSITION:

o Knowledge of wastewater treatment processes.

o Knowledge of mathematics and basic chemistry.

o Knowledge of state and local wastewater treatment guidelines and procedures.

o Knowledge of plant operations.

o Knowledge of lift station operations.

o Knowledge of safety procedures.

o Skill in reading various meters.

o Skill in operating water pollution control equipment such as a centrifuge, chlorinator, samplers, and blowers.

o Skill in the use of hand and power tools..

o Skill in oral and written communication.

SUPERVISORY CONTROLS: The Superintendent or Senior Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator assigns work in terms of general instructions. The work is reviewed for accuracy, compliance with procedures, and the nature and propriety of the final results.

GUIDELINES: Guidelines include plant regulations, federal EPA and state environmental guidelines, and established procedures for wastewater treatment. These guidelines are generally clear and specific, but may require some interpretation in application.

COMPLEXITY: The work consists of related wastewater treatment duties. Inclement weather conditions contribute to the complexity of the work.

SCOPE AND EFFECT: The purpose of this position is to help ensure the proper operation and maintenance of the wastewater treatment facility. Successful performance contributes to the safe handling and effective treatment of wastewater.

PERSONAL CONTACTS: Contacts are typically with co-workers.

PURPOSE OF CONTACTS: Contacts are typically to give or exchange information.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS: The work is typically performed while intermittently sitting, standing, walking, bending, crouching, or stooping. The employee must occasionally lift light and heavy objects, climb ladders, use tools or equipment requiring a high degree of dexterity, and be able to distinguish between shades of color.

WORK ENVIRONMENT: The work is performed both indoors and outdoors. The employee is exposed to noise, dust, dust, grease, machinery with moving parts, contagious or infectious diseases, raw sewage, hazardous chemicals, and occasional inclement weather. The work requires the use of protective devices such as masks, goggles, or gloves.

SUPERVISORY AND MANAGEMENT RESPONSIBILITY: None.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

o Knowledge and level of competency commonly associated with completion of specialized training in the field of work, in addition to basic skills typically associated with a high school education.

o 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.

o Possession of or ability to readily obtain a valid driver’s license issued by the State of South Dakota for the type of vehicle or equipment operated. A Class A with airbrakes CDL is required for this position.

o Possession of or ability to readily obtain an appropriate state-certified license for water or wastewater treatment or distribution as appropriate.