Wastewater Plant Operator

Department: Public Works

Reports To: Chief Operator

GENERAL PURPOSE:

Under general supervision, assists in the operation of the wastewater treatment plant and collection systems to protect the environment and comply with local, state and federal laws; properly maintains the collection system to ensure the safe and effective conveyance of sewage to treatment facilities and prevent damages from backups; and maintains all machinery and equipment operating properly to provide safe and reliable resources for the completion of assigned task.

PRIMARY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

The following duties are not intended to serve as a comprehensive list of all duties performed by the individual in this classification, only a representative summary of the primary duties and responsibilities.  Incumbent(s) may not be required to perform all duties listed and may be required to perform additional, position-specific duties as assigned.

• Conducts daily sampling and testing, cleaning treatment basins, draining pits and basins, sludge processing and disposal, process flow control, and minor plant maintenance.
• Records and logs data; performs basic calculations needed for process control; and assists primary lab staff with discharge monitoring, sampling, and testing.
• Performs major repairs at treatment facility, sewer lines, manholes, pump stations, and lift stations; performs annual cleaning of the City sewer mains; repairs, modifies and maintains equipment, vehicles, and tools; restores grounds after performing line maintenance or repairs, including resodding, planting new vegetation, landscaping, and sidewalk restoration; and conducts CCTV inspections of sewer lines.
• Performs other related work as assigned including snow plowing with the street division; mowing water and pollution control properties; joint sewer and water station checks on weekends and holidays to ensure proper operation and site security; and assists street division in cleaning storm tubes with jet/vac truck.
• Conducts lab work by collecting samples and checking P.H. and P.O. samples and solids tests; calibrates equipment and scales and other related equipment; operates gas monitor and takes weekly samples from manholes; and monitors plant and responds to emergencies during Chief Operators absence.
• Supports the relationship between the City of Belton and the constituent population by providing excellent customer service; promotes the City goals and priorities in compliance with all policies and procedures; maintains absolute confidentiality of work-related issues, client records and City information; and performs related duties as required or assigned.
• Ensures that job duties are completed in strict adherence to established safe work practices.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Operations, services, and activities of a City Public Works Department and wastewater operations and maintenance functions.
• EPA, DNR, APWA, and WEF materials, manuals, technical drawings and blueprints, local building codes and repair manuals.
• Standard practices, methods, tools, materials, and equipment of wastewater treatment activities.
• Safety standards and precautions connected with wastewater treatment and standards governing the safe discharge of wastewater.
• Basic mathematics, electrical and plumbing principles.
• The operation of a variety of equipment and tools used in wastewater maintenance and repair.
• Structure, organization and inter-relationships of city departments, agencies, and related governmental agencies and offices affecting assigned functions.
• Effective communication principles and practices.
• Modern office procedures, methods, and equipment including computers and computer applications such as word processing, spreadsheets, and statistical databases.

Education and Experience:

• High School Diploma/GED.
• Possession of a valid Class B State Commercial Driver’s License with air brakes within six months of hire; other licenses/certifications such as Wastewater Class D License, Distribution System Operator III License, and Voluntary Collection Systems Certificate may be required within a specific time period after hire.
• Possession of a valid Missouri Wastewater Operator License Class C within one year of hire.

Physical Requirements:

• Work is generally performed at the wastewater plant facility and in the field.
• Regularly is required to lift and carry items weighing up to 80 pounds.
• Regularly exposed to dangerous machinery, extreme weather conditions, potential physical harm, hazardous chemicals, and infectious disease when working at or conducting on-site inspections of wastewater infrastructure construction, maintenance and repair projects and other related duties.