Town of Suffield
Water Pollution Control Authority
Job Posting
Position: Operator In Training / Operator 1
Post Date: November 20, 2024
End Date: Open Until Filled
The Town of Suffield Water Pollution Control Authority seeks an Operator In Training / Operator 1. The plant is a 2.02 MGD Advanced Wastewater Treatment Plant with 19 pump stations and more than 70 miles of sewers. This position performs maintenance, installation, and repair work on treatment plant and sewer system facilities. Operates and maintains heavy equipment. Repairs various machinery and equipment used to operate and maintain the treatment plant and sewer system facilities. Serves the residents of Suffield in a customer-oriented manner that helps promote a positive, professional image for the Town government.
Supervision Received:
Works under the supervision of the Chief Operator.
Supervision Exercised:
None.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
1. Greases, oils, cleans, and performs other minor preventative maintenance on equipment.
2. May occasionally operate equipment under the direction of operations personnel.
3. Performs general janitorial and custodial duties.
4. Repairs and maintains pumps, piping, motors, and valves.
5. Repacks pumps and other machines.
6. Replaces bearings on worn parts and components of specialized equipment.
7. Operates machinery and equipment as necessary in connection with the maintenance and repair of equipment.
8. Maintain positive working relationships with school officials, community groups, and the public regarding program offerings and coordination of services; promptly and cordially respond to citizen inquiries, feedback, and complaints about services and facilities.
9. Attend seminars and conferences to remain current on developments in relevant fields.
Other Job Functions:
1. Perform other related work as assigned.
Minimum Qualifications
Education & Experience:
1. High School Diploma or the equivalent.
2. Any equivalent combination of training and experience that provides the required skills, knowledge, and abilities.
3. Suitable experience may be substituted for education attainment if deemed appropriate by the Superintendent and First Selectman.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
1. Knowledge of the operation, care, maintenance, and adjustment of equipment.
2. Knowledge of the hazards and safety precautions involved in operating equipment.
3. Knowledge of methods, practices, and tools used in sanitary and drain piping pipe fitting.
4. Knowledge of occupational hazards of the job and necessary safety precautions.
5. Some knowledge of the repair of machinery related to Wastewater Treatment Facilities.
6. Ability to maintain a working relationship with other workers.
7. Willing to be trained and schooled in the wastewater field.
8. Keep informed of modern maintenance equipment and materials by reviewing available literature and attending relevant workshops and seminars.
9. Available and willing to work after hours and on weekends.
10. Identifies problems, determines needs, and takes action to resolve problems and emergencies.
Special Requirements:
1. Valid, active Motor Vehicle Operator’s license required.
2. Must have a Connecticut Class B Commercial Driver License or be able to obtain said license within six months.
3. Operator in Training Applicants: shall obtain a Connecticut Class I Wastewater Operator Certificate within eighteen months of the hire date.
4. Operator 1 Qualified Applicants: Must have Connecticut Class I Wastewater Operator Certificate at time of hire.
5. Must submit to pre-employment drug and alcohol testing and fitness for duty testing.
6. Must maintain a clean driving record.
Tools and Equipment Used:
1. A working knowledge of computers (PC) and Programmable logic controllers (PLC) and their programs.
2. Must be able to operate hand tools, mowers, and other related plant maintenance equipment.
Physical Demands:
An employee must meet the physical demands described to perform the essential functions of this job successfully. Reasonable accommodations will be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the job.
The position requires the ability to solve practical and concrete problems involving several variables. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is required to stand, sit, talk, and listen. The employee is frequently required to walk; use hands and fingers, handle or operate objects, tools, or controls; and reach with hands and arms. The employee may occasionally lift and carry up to 75 pounds, and manhole covers up to 175 pounds with assistance. Specific vision abilities required for this job include close vision and the ability to adjust focus. Must be able to read and write and correspond effectively. Tasks Include:
1. Lift 75 pounds.
2. Climb ladders up to 50 feet.
3. Open manhole covers with hand tools and assistance up to 175 pounds.
4. Utilize hand tools for extended periods, including shoveling, raking, and sweeping.
5. Enter confined spaces safely and in accordance with regulations.
6. Utilize tools to maintain machinery and vehicles.
7. Operate high-pressure sewer cleaning equipment.
8. Respond to WPCA emergencies 24 hours a day, including pump station alarms, sewer collection system cleaning, and treatment plant alarms.
9. Perform work tasks in wet and slippery conditions.
10. Work outside in all types of weather conditions for extended periods.
11. Operate mowers and other related plant operation and maintenance equipment.
Work Environment:
The work environment characteristics described here represent those an employee encounters while performing the job’s essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee regularly works in outside weather conditions and is exposed to cold, heat, rain, snow, and wind. The employee works near moving mechanical parts and is frequently exposed to noise and vibration. Occasionally works in high, precarious places. The employee is exposed to fumes, airborne particles, toxic or caustic chemicals, and the risk of electric shock.
General Guidelines:
The duties listed above are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment to the position.
The job description does not constitute an employment agreement between the employer and employee and is subject to change by the employer as the employer’s needs and requirements of the job change.
Other Duties:
Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of functions, activities, duties, or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Functions, duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time, with or without notice.
Travel:
Travel is primarily local during the business day, although some out-of-the-area travel and overnight may be expected for conferences and seminars.
EEOC Statement:
It is the policy of the Town of Suffield to provide equal employment opportunity to all persons regardless of age, color, national origin, citizenship status, physical or mental disability, race, religion, creed, gender, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, genetic information, marital status, status with regard to public assistance, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local law. In addition, the Town of Suffield will provide reasonable accommodations that do not present an undue hardship for qualified individuals with disabilities.
Hours:
This position is a collective bargaining unit member of the WPCA Union.
This is a full-time position, Monday – Friday, 7:00 am – 3:00 pm. The position requires the ability to work nights, weekends, holidays, on-call hours, and work more than eight (8) hours per day as required to operate the WPCA facilities. Occasionally requires attendance at monthly evening association and town meetings.
Compensation and Benefits:
Operator In Training starting at $27.19 per hour; Operator 1 starting at $37.52 per hour; compensation in accordance with the WPCA Collective Bargaining Agreement. Benefits package to include 13 Paid Holidays per Year • Paid Sick and Vacation Days • Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance • Defined Contribution Plan with Town Match • Short-Term Disability, Long-Term Disability, and Life Insurance
Compensation follows according to the WPCA Collective Bargaining Agreement, as amended from time to time. The job description does not constitute an employment agreement between the employer and employee and is subject to change by the employer as the employer’s needs and requirements of the job change.
How to Apply:
Applications can be found on the town website at suffieldct.gov/departments/hr.
Please submit an application and resume by email to sfoley@suffieldct.gov or mail to the Town of Suffield, Human Resources Department, Attention: Shannon Foley, 83 Mountain Rd, Suffield, CT 06078, by the closing date of posting.
The Town of Suffield is an equal opportunity employer m/f/d/v.
The above posting is intended as a guide and is not a complete description of the position or process
