WWTP Operator

Please note that this is a TEAMSTERS (union) position and the wages listed are for 2017 as this contract is currently in negotiations. 

APPLY BY: This position is open until filled. We are currently reviewing applications as they are received. This position may be filled and closed at any time.

Under the direction of the WWTP (Wastewater Treatment Plant) Manager, the Wastewater Treatment Plant (WWTP) Operator receives assignments from the Lead Operator via work orders, email or written log that requires the incumbent to understand, investigate and determine the appropriate procedures to follow to complete the work.  The WWTP Operator works independently with little or no direct supervision; monitors and evaluates plant operations; monitors incineration process; conducts basic preventative maintenance and makes appropriate adjustments to ensure compliance with permit regulations. Work is reviewed in progress and upon completion for compliance with instructions and work standards.

• Performs a variety of semi-skilled work in the maintenance and repair of the City's Wastewater treatment plant facilities and equipment to include: scrubbing, steam cleaning, painting, basic carpentry and mechanical repair, changing oil and HVAC filters to assure a safe working environment.
• Makes periodic rounds to monitor, adjust and maintain wastewater treatment plant equipment to achieve desired process control objectives.
• Inspects and cleans equipment; removing obstructions and debris in traps, pumps and sewage wet wells. 
• Enters empty tanks and other confined spaces in order to perform inspections, cleaning, and maintenance.
• Assures proper equipment operations and conducts initial troubleshooting evaluation; monitors variable drives, various pumps, motors and drive units for proper operation.  May perform or assist with required maintenance, repair or replacement. 
• Collects lab samples according to established operating procedures to ensure permit compliance and process control.  Set ups, programs and maintains remote samplers.
• Performs laboratory sampling for permit compliance according to established procedures.  Completes related lab records and charts as required.  Reports any abnormalities as they arise and takes corrective action as indicated.
• Operates, monitors and adjusts the Fluidized Bed Incinerator, associated equipment and air quality monitoring equipment according to established procedures to ensure permit compliance; monitors and adjusts feed rates, temperatures, fuel consumption, and air quality monitoring equipment.
• Operates, monitors and adjusts Screw Presses and associated equipment according to established procedures; adjusts  and monitors sludge and polymer feed rate.
• Monitors and controls disinfection and dechlorination systems; inspects, troubleshoots and operates chemical feed pumps. 
• Monitors SCADA system to ensure process is within established parameters; for example flows, dissolved oxygen levels, instrument calibrations, and proper flows, temperatures and pressures.
• Operates, monitors and adjusts ash collection and disposal systems; ensures proper lubrication, verifies proper seal water flows, inspects belts and sleeves of pumps.
• Conducts tours of plant for the general public as assigned.
• Follows appropriate safety regulations, maintains MSDS system as assigned.
• Works swing and graveyard shifts, weekends and holidays as scheduled and provides timely response to emergency 24 hour calls as assigned.

• Basic mechanical equipment maintenance and repair.
• Operation and use of hand and power tools and equipment.
• Methods, equipment and materials used in grounds keeping, maintaining building and facilities in good repair.
• Current practices in secondary wastewater treatment operations.
• Fluid bed incineration theory and operations.
• Laboratory procedures and analysis.
• Screw press theory and operations.
• Solids handling and disposal regulations. 
• Hazardous chemicals handling and disposal requirements related to SDS.
• Various types of Wastewater Treatment Plant instrumentation.
• Chemistry and microbiology related to pumping and chemical tests.
• Health and safety regulations related to plant operation and maintenance.
• Requirements of maintaining wastewater treatment plant and related facilities in a safe and proper working condition.
• Effective oral and written communication principles and practices.
• Technical record keeping and report preparation techniques and practices.
• Modern office procedures, methods, and equipment including computers and computer applications sufficient to perform work assignments.
• English usage, spelling, grammar, and punctuation.

• Operating and maintaining the Wastewater Treatment Plant and ensuring plant processes are in compliance with local, state and federal discharge limits.
• Protecting the health and safety of personnel, the public and the environment.
• Operating a variety of hand tools, machinery, vehicles and equipment.
• Recognizing and responding quickly to operational emergencies.
• Performing plant maintenance and housekeeping work.
• Interpreting, analyzing and applying new technical information.
• Working independently with little direction and determine appropriate action within clearly defined guidelines.
• Observing health and safety rules and regulations.
• Maintaining current knowledge of technological advances in the field.
• Observing health and safety regulations and procedures and wear appropriate and required Personal Protective Equipment.
• Utilizing personal computer software programs and other relevant software affecting assigned work.
• Establishing and maintaining cooperative and effective working relationships with others.
• Maintain accurate log readings, operating information and a variety of records, logs, files and reports.
• Communicating technical information clearly and concisely both orally and in writing.
• Ability to provide a timely response to 24 hour emergencies, and work all shifts including nights and weekends.

Education and Experience:
High School Diploma/GED Certificate supplemented by college level coursework relevant to wastewater treatment and two years of experience maintaining and operating wastewater systems; OR an equivalent combination of education, training and experience. 

Preferred:
One year of incinerator operation experience
 
Required Licenses or Certifications:
Valid State of Washington Driver's License.
WWTP Operator Class II License or a WWTP Operator Class I License with the requirement to obtain a Class II License within 9 months of hire date.
Incinerator Operator License obtained within 6 months of hire date (internal training and certification course is available).
First Aid/CPR card within 6 months of date of hire.
Forklift license with 6 months of date of hire.
Must be able to successfully complete and pass a background check.
Mandatory drug test subject to conditional job offer.

Note: Operators who hold a State of Washington WWTP Operator Class III certificate will receive an additional 3% premium pay upon completion of the internal operators training program and after demonstrating that they can effectively work independently.
 

WORKING CONDITIONS:
 
Environment:

• Indoor and outdoor work environment.
• Driving a vehicle to conduct work.

• Walking or otherwise moving over rough terrain.
• Sitting, standing or otherwise remaining in a stationary position for extended periods of time.
• Hearing, speaking or otherwise communicating to exchange information in person or on the phone.
• Operating various equipment and tools.
• Reaching overhead, above the shoulders and horizontally, bending at the waist, gripping, kneeling or crouching, stooping, crouching, reaching, pushing, pulling and twisting or otherwise positioning oneself to accomplish tasks.
• Ascending/descending, ladders and inclines.
• Working at heights, working on a high ladder and working in a confined space.
• Working over water, working alone and working in remote locations.
• Working in a noisy work area, working in direct sunlight, working in outside temperature extremes and working in dampness.
• Heavy physical labor including lifting/carrying or otherwise moving or transporting 50-100 pounds.
• Operating a passenger vehicle, heavy truck, heavy equipment and rotating machinery.
• Reading and understanding printed and electronic messages and related materials.
• Hearing voice conversation and hearing alarms.
• Possessing close vision, far vision, side vision, depth perception, night vision and color vision.
• Ability to wear appropriate personal protective equipment based on required City Policy.

• Working around and with machinery having moving parts.
• Adverse weather conditions.
• Working in and around moving traffic.
• Exposure to smoke, noxious odors, toxic fumes and chemicals, epoxy chemicals, poison oak or ivy, dust or pollen, insect stings, solvents, oil and ink.
• Working in a cramped or restrictive work chamber.