JOB SUMMARY
The Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator OIT performs technical work involving the operation and maintenance of a wastewater treatment plant and the recording of related data.
SUPERVISION RECEIVED
The Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator OIT works under the supervision of the Chief Operator who assigns work daily. A supervisor checks work periodically and is consulted when any questions arise concerning plant operations or procedures.
SUPERVISION EXERCISED
Employee may be asked to supervise. May be assigned to instruct employees on current procedures and supervise work of subordinates on a periodic basis.
EXAMPLES OF DUTIES
(Any one position may not include all of the duties listed, nor do the listed examples include all duties which may be found in positions of this class.)
1. Inspects plant operations on a periodic basis, checking equipment, machinery and pumps to ensure plant is operating properly (monitors main control panel with raw flow digital gauge, recirculated sludge gauge, waste sludge gauge, emergency lights);
2. Cleans manholes, wet wells, tanks, other facilities associated with the WWTP and pump stations;
3. Assists with or performs unskilled or semi-skilled work involving electrical, plumbing, mechanical and/or construction duties, rough carpentry, painting and other trade duties;
4. May operate equipment such as backhoes and front end loaders in a training capacity, and once certified by the department, is eligible for TSOR when assigned to operate equipment;
5. Performs general building maintenance work including routine custodial duties such as sweeping floors, washing walls and waxing floors, cutting and trimming lawns, snow removal around plant;
6. Oils and greases plant machinery and equipment as necessary, cleans air filters, replaces motors, and pump bearings;
7. Performs necessary laboratory analysis required by state and federal agencies (includes rotating weekend work);
8. Operates and maintains mechanical equipment used in treatment process such as grit separators, rotary sludge press, conveyors, pumps, chemical feeder, chlorinators and sludge conditioning equipment;
9. Serves as snow plow operator, may shovel snow by hand and/or sand sidewalks by hand;
10. Performs routine laboring duties when not performing the duties of a Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator or when incidental to the operations being performed;
11. Will be available to respond to emergencies at the WWTP or Pump Stations at night, and on weekends and holidays on a rotating basis.
12. Performs other related duties as required.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES REQUIRED
Knowledge of basic math, science and mechanics. Knowledge of methods, techniques, equipment, machinery and safety practices utilized in the operation of a wastewater treatment plant (i.e. pumps, motors, electrical meters, chemicals). Ability to follow written and oral instructions. Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with other departments, employees and the general public. A familiarity with computer based spreadsheets and databases.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED
A candidate for this position should have a High School diploma or GED, supplemented by one year of schooling in wastewater treatment and one year of experience in a wastewater treatment plant; OR equivalent combination of education and experience which demonstrates the possession of the required knowledge, skills, and abilities in the operation and maintenance of varied types of mechanical equipment. Must obtain a State of New Hampshire Grade I OIT Wastewater Facility Operator Certification within 8 months of appointment. Must possess and maintain a valid driver license, class CDL-B.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS / WORK ENVIRONMENT
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Employee spends the majority of the day operating assigned equipment requiring walking, bending, stooping, squatting, and climbing. Performs heavy physical labor on various types of surfaces including slippery or uneven surfaces, and rough terrain. Reaches at or above shoulder height, stoops, kneels, crouches, and/or crawls. Frequently lifts and/or moves objects weighing up to 75 pounds such as tools, equipment, supplies. Must have hand strength and manual dexterity to grasp and manipulate tools, parts and supplies; fine finger dexterity to operate computer and laboratory equipment.
Majority of work is performed in the Wastewater Treatment Plant and field setting with exposure to noise; mechanical and electrical hazards; fumes and odors; toxic substances such as chemicals. Some field work is required with exposure to all types of weather and temperature conditions. Work and/or walk for long periods of time on various types of surfaces including slippery or uneven surfaces and rough terrain.
