Wastewater & Collections Operator

General Statement of Duties

This non-exempt position is responsible for performing a wide variety of semi-skilled and manual work involved in operation of the District’s wastewater treatment plants and collections systems. These responsibilities apply to operators uncertified through “Class A and/or Class 4” Certifications. Minimum of Wastewater Treatment Class D certification required within 12 months of hire date.

Supervision Received

Work under the direct supervision of the Wastewater and Collections Lead Operator, Wastewater & Collections Supervisor, and under the general supervision of the Wastewater and Collections Manager.

Primary Duties and Responsibilities

- Uses a SCADA computer system and manual controls to operate and monitor the advanced wastewater treatment (AWT), and the biological nutrient removal (BNR) process and adjusts chemicals and equipment, in accordance with regulatory permits.

- Operates pumps, engines, generators, and valves to control processes at wastewater plants and lift stations. Inspects equipment and makes recommendations to the Wastewater and Collections Lead Operator regarding necessary repairs, maintenance and calibration.

- Collects daily wastewater samples, performs multiple laboratory tests, maintains accurate laboratory records, and notifies Lead Operator when parameters are outside of established norms.

- Adjusts and maintains chlorination system, chemical feed systems; and checks analyzers. Handles related chemicals for delivery and storage.

- Records data required for regulatory and operational reporting on the physical changes made to plant. Data recorded includes: alarms, adjustments made, troubleshooting, equipment rotations, and instrument readings.

- Inputs readings from process control tests plus chemical usages into database programs and prepares for reports such as, but not limited to, flow, production trends and chemical costs.

- Calculates chemical orders based on technical expertise and standard operating procedures. Maintains adequate chemical and supply inventories.

- Verbally reports emergency and major malfunctions to the Wastewater and Collections Lead operator and or the Wastewater & Collections Supervisor and initiates proper action per procedures. Performs appropriate follow-up procedures.

- Works independently and with the team to ensure all Federal, State and Local regulations are met.

- Attends technical and safety training meetings, courses and seminars as required.

- Assists with District public relations by representing the District in the community or responding to telephone inquiries and complaints from the general public.

- Routinely performs physical cleanup and housekeeping of work areas, equipment, and buildings using standard cleaning equipment and material, and chemical cleaning procedures.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

- Basic knowledge of Federal and State regulations and permitting requirements.

- Basic knowledge of equipment and procedures used in the operation of wastewater treatment plants and wastewater collection systems

- Basic knowledge of chemistry, biology and mathematical and statistical calculations necessary to conduct, analyze and interpret the results from standard laboratory tests.

- Basic knowledge of electricity, hydraulics and pneumatics to inspect equipment and request repair and maintenance.

- Basic understanding of SCADA computer system functions.

- Basic computer knowledge including, but not limited to Microsoft Word, Excel and Outlook.

- Basic knowledge of safety procedures and use of personal protective equipment and ability to apply safety principles on all job tasks. Ability to anticipate unsafe circumstances; act accordingly to prevent accidents, and promptly report accidents and hazardous conditions.

- Ability to accurately compile, analyze, and interpret facts to prepare reports, to troubleshoot, to make decisions, and to solve problems on process and equipment.

- Ability to read and interpret documents such as Material Safety Data Sheets, safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions; procedure manuals, blueprints, and technical documentation.

- Ability to effectively communicate verbally and in writing, organize activities in order to complete tasks in accordance with priorities, address multiple demands and meet deadlines.

- Ability to work independently with broad direction and limited supervision. Ability to work effectively with supervisors and co-workers and deal tactfully with the public.

- Ability to operate basic hand and power tools in a safe and efficient manner.

Experience / Certification Requirements

- Experience requirements range from zero to multiple years. Certification requirements range from none at time of hire to Wastewater Treatment Class A and/or Collections Class 4 certification.

- If the employee has no Wastewater Treatment or Collections certification at hire, they must acquire a Wastewater Treatment Class D within 12 months of hire date.

- Must have a Motor Vehicle Record within the Acceptable or no less than Borderline rating according to the Vehicle Policy.

Working Conditions/Physical Activities

- Monday through Friday, 40 hours per day, work week.

- Will be on rotating weekend and emergency on-call duty schedule in addition to the regular work week. Subject to mandatory overtime on an as needed basis to work within the department and for other duties as assigned.

- Performs strenuous physical labor and stands for extended periods of time.

- Works in wastewater plants and at lift stations where elevated levels of noise, irritants, dust, dirt, bacteria, hazardous chemicals/air/materials and fumes are always present. May come into contact with raw wastewater. The Hepatitis B Vaccine is strongly recommended and is offered at no cost by the District.

- Work may take place outside in all weather conditions. May be exposed to risks typically associated with working around water, chemicals, electricity and other man-made and natural hazards.

- Use of a respirator may be required for some tasks and may work in confined spaces.

- Lifting and handling objects up to 50 pounds occasionally and/or up to 20 pounds frequently.

- Full range of body movements including stooping, twisting, kneeling, bending, leaning, reaching, climbing (heights), stretching and working in awkward positions.

- Vision is needed for driving, reading, recording and interpreting information; speech and hearing are used to communicate with other employees over the telephone, two-way radio and in person.

The hiring range for this position is $26.56-$37.98 per hour. Actual compensation will be dependent upon experience and certification levels listed below.

None/D WastewaterTreatment or Collections 1 (Full Salary Range): $26.56 - $35.94 per hour

C Wastewater Treatment or Collections 2 (Full Salary Range): $29.29 - $39.62 per hour

B or A WastewaterTreatment or Collections 3 or 4 (Full Salary Range): $32.29-$43.68 per hour

Parker Water & Sanitation offers a robust benefits program including:

- Low-cost health premiums

- 100% District paid dental and vision insurance

- District HSA contribution for those on our HDHP insurance

- Social Security Replacement program – 401(a)

- 457 (b) retirement plan with District match up to 5%, fully vested right away

- 100% District paid Short- and Long-Term Disability

- 100% District paid Life and Disability Insurance (2x annual salary)

- Tuition Reimbursement up to $5250 per year

- Employee Wellness program

- Public Service Student Loan Forgiveness eligible employer

For a more in-depth overview of the many benefits PWSD offers please visit www.pwsd.org/careers and click on the Total Rewards Program link.