Treatment Plant Operator Trainee I/II/III - Wastewater Treatment

GENERAL DESCRIPTION

Treatment Plant Operator Trainee

Under the general supervision of the Wastewater Treatment Division Manager to perform activities pertaining to the operation of a Wastewater Treatment, plant.  This position is an entry level trainee position that focuses on learning and understanding how to perform a variety of chemical dosing calculations, chemical analysis, lift station management, electronic and manual record keeping as well as treatment plant process control activities to produce wastewater compliant with State of Texas and Federal Regulations.

Treatment Plant Operator I and II

Under the general supervision of the Wastewater Treatment Division Manager to perform a variety of chemical analysis, lift station management, and treatment plant process control activities to produce wastewater compliant with State of Texas and Federal Regulations.  

Treatment Plant Operator III 

Under the general supervision of the Wastewater Treatment Division Manager to perform a variety of technical work involved in the operation and maintenance of a Wastewater Treatment plant.

SUPERVISION EXERCISED

This position exercises no supervisory responsibilities; however, the Treatment Plant Operator I, II and III will participate in training the Treatment Plant Operator Trainee.

IMPORTANT AND ESSENTIAL DUTIES

Treatment Plant Operator Trainee

Learns to calculate dosages for various chemicals, and the purpose for which the chemicals are used.

Learns to control and monitor treatment plant chemical feed pumps and various types of equipment to treat and disinfect wastewater.

Learns to perform and record the results of various laboratory tests to assess wastewater quality and to determine optimal chemical treatment, chlorine residual, temperature and other related tests.

Learns to assess and interpret data from laboratory tests to improve and maintain wastewater quality.

Learns the steps of, and how to backwash filters using both manual and automatic sequences.

Becomes efficient at plant and laboratory operations, including maintenance of equipment, pumps, filters, and machinery, testing, quality control, and recordkeeping procedures.

Learn how to standardize laboratory equipment and adjust chemical feeders for optimal wastewater treatment.

Learns to maintain plant records, including operations logs, daily diaries, and chemical inventories; compiles both paper and electronic copies of reports as required by department policy.

Learns to monitor SCADA Systems, pumps, chemical feeders, laboratory equipment, meters and gauges to determine status of various functions of the plant; performs equipment and laboratory preventive maintenance duties.

Reads, calculates, and records wastewater discharge on an hourly and daily basis..

Assists in performing minor repairs, operations adjustments, and preventive maintenance on plant equipment as needed.

Learns to check motors and pumps for excessive vibrations, noise and temperatures; reports problems to appropriate personnel.

Treatment Plant Operator I and II

All duties of the Trainee, but with a higher unsupervised standard of confidence.

Controls and monitors treatment plant chemicals, machines, and equipment to properly treat wastewater.

Performs and records the results of various laboratory tests to assess wastewater quality and to determine optimal chemical treatment, such as, chlorine residual, temperature and other related tests.

Removes solids from treatment units and backwashes filters as needed.

Maintains the efficiency of plant and laboratory operations, including maintenance of equipment, pumps, filters, and machinery, testing, quality control, and record-keeping procedures.

Calibrates laboratory equipment and adjusts chemical feeders for optimal wastewater treatment.

Maintains plant records, including operations logs, daily diaries, and chemical inventories; compiles reports as required by departmental policies.

Monitors SCADA Systems, pumps, chemical feeders, laboratory equipment, meters and gauges to determine status of various functions of the plant; performs equipment and laboratory preventive maintenance duties.

Reads, calculates, and records wastewater discharge hourly/daily basis.

Performs minor repairs, operations adjustments, and preventive maintenance on plant equipment as needed.

Reads and records chemical usage; fills chemical feeders; mixes chemicals; changes reagents.

Checks motors and pumps for excessive noise and temperature variations; reports problems to appropriate personnel.

Performs grounds maintenance and housekeeping duties as needed.

May be required to work on call after hours to respond to emergencies.

Treatment Plant Operator III 

Oversee that plant is operating efficiency; maintain records; prepare reports regarding the operation of the plant and quality of the plant product; suggest methods of improving plant efficiency.

Troubleshoots and recommends corrective action towards a resolution of maintenance or operation problems.

Assists with conducting chemical and bacteriological analysis of treatment plant products using quality control data analysis data of plant product.

Based on the analysis of information from meter readings, gauges and other control/measuring devices, makes required adjustments.

Maintains effective communication and working relationships with employees, governmental officials, and the public.

Performs process control laboratory analysis.

Maintains and enters process control as well as other data into the appropriate computer systems.

Oversee that plant is operating efficiency; maintain records; prepare reports regarding the operation of the plant and quality of the plant product; suggest methods of improving plant efficiency.

OTHER JOB RELATED DUTIES

Perform other job related duties and responsibilities as assigned.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

Knowledge of:

State and Federal requirements, rules and regulations for Wastewater Treatment.

Safe chemical handling practices.

Basic algebra and general math skills.

Methods, materials, practices, equipment, and facilities involved in Wastewater Treatment.

Workplace occupational hazards and standard safety precautions.

Safe driving principles and practices.

Skill to:

Operate and maintain various laboratory equipment and systems.

Use and maintain a variety of tools and equipment used in water and wastewater treatment and repair activities.

Visually, physically, and audibly identify anomalies associated with pumps and motors.

Make logical decisions based on available and/or acquired data through SCADA and computer systems.

Operate basic computer equipment.

Safely operate a motor vehicle in all types of weather.

Ability to:

Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.

Read, write and understand the English language and follow written and oral instructions.

Physically perform duties related to building and grounds maintenance, including mowing, weed-eating, sweeping, mopping, painting, and digging.

Establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with those contacted in the course of work, both internally and externally.

Follow and embrace the City of Abilene Core Values – Respect, Integrity, Service above Self, and Excellence in All We Do.

Perform as a team member in a manner that accomplishes the Division’s mission and treats team members with dignity, courtesy, and respect.

Experience and Training Guidelines:

For positions with more than one level, all listed requirements at the lower levels are required at the higher levels. Any combination equivalent to experience and training to provide the required knowledge, skills, and abilities may be qualifying.  Knowledge, skills, and abilities may be obtained through:

Experience:

Treatment Plant Operator Trainee

This is an entry-level position. No previous experience is required. Extensive training will be provided within the first year of employment. Continued employment is based on subsequent required licensing.

Acquire the “C” Wastewater License within 24 months of hire date.

Treatment Plant Operator I

A minimum of one (1) year of experience at a Wastewater Treatment plant is required.      

Treatment Plant Operator II

A minimum of three (3) years of experience at a Wastewater Treatment plant is required.  

Treatment Plant Operator III

A minimum of six (6) years of experience at a Wastewater Treatment plant is required.  

Education/Training:

A high school diploma or GED is required.        

Treatment Plant Operator I

The minimum level of work experience and training necessary to possess a TCEQ issued “C” Wastewater Operator License or higher is required.

Treatment Plant Operator II

The minimum level of work experience and training necessary to possess a TCEQ issued “B” Wastewater License is required.

Treatment Plant Operator III 

A TCEQ qualifying Bachelor of Science Degree and training necessary to possess a TCEQ issued “A” Wastewater License is required.

License or Certificate:

A valid Texas driver’s license, the ability to obtain one within ninety (90) days of employment, or a military waiver is required.

Treatment Plant Operator Trainee

Obtain a “C” Wastewater Operator’s License, issued by TCEQ, within 24 months of date of hire is required.  

Maintain a “C” Wastewater License is required for continued employment.

Treatment Plant Operator I 

The “C” Wastewater License issued by the TCEQ is required.

Treatment Plant Operator II

The “B” Wastewater License issued by the TCEQ is required.

Treatment Plant Operator III

The “A” Wastewater License issued by the TCEQ is required

Special Requirements:

All state licensed personnel must pass a State of Texas Criminal background check. The State of Texas has the authority to grant or deny the required license.

Ability to report to work in various types of weather as required.

Work a variable shift schedule with the potential for short notice schedule changes.

Exposure to cold, heat, noise, outdoors, vibration, confined work spaces, chemicals, explosive materials, mechanical hazards, and electrical hazards.

Essential duties require the following physical skills and work environment:

With or without accommodation, the “X” indicates the overall strength demand of the position during a typical workday:

___     Sedentary – lifting of no more than 10 pounds

___     Light – lifting no more than 20 pounds; carrying up to 10 pounds

_X_     Medium – lifting no more than 50 pounds; carrying up to 25 pounds

___     Heavy – lifting no more than 100 pounds; carrying up to 50 pounds

___     Very Heavy – team lifting over 100 pounds; carrying more than 50 pounds

Physical Demand Codes:  The following describes whether or not the position is expected to exert the physical demands listed during a typical workday as well as the overall frequency of the task:

Codes for how often:

N         =          No

E         =          Extensive (100 – 70% of the time)

M         =          Moderate (60 – 30% of the time)

I           =          Infrequent (20 – 10% of the time)

A         =          Almost Never (<10% of the time)

Code / Task

_E_     Standing

_M_    Sitting

_E_     Walking

_M_    Lifting

_M_    Carrying

_M_    Pushing/Pulling

_M_    Overhead Work

_M_    Fine Dexterity

_M_    Kneeling

_M_    Crouching

_I__    Crawling

_M_    Bending

_M_    Twisting

_M_    Climbing

_I_      Balancing

_E_     Vision

_E_     Hearing

_E_     Talking

___     Other:  _____________________