WPC Operator I

SUMMARY

The Water Pollution Control Operator I reports to the Shift Supervisor in Operations of the Wastewater Division. This position is expected to be responsible for the operation and maintenance of Preliminary, Primary and Secondary wastewater treatment systems and the mechanical, electrical and instrumentation equipment associated with these systems. This is a rotating 12-hour shift position.

RESPONSIBILITIES

- Operate and perform minor routine maintenance on valves, gates, pumps, odor control systems, disinfection systems, constant and variable speed pumps and other associated equipment as required or as directed.

- Monitor and record various information and data from strip charts, circular charts, totalizers, gages, programmable logic controllers, computers, and other monitoring and control systems to ensure proper operation. Reports abnormal conditions to supervisors.

- Take samples of wastewater or sludge for laboratory analysis and record sludge levels in various tanks.

- Prepares chemical solutions for process additions, records, monitors and controls sludge and chemical feed levels in various tanks.

- Assist all other Operations, Systems, or Maintenance personnel as directed.

- Adjust, operate and perform routine maintenance on various valves, pumps, and other mechanical/electrical equipment required to operate the preliminary, primary, secondary and scum treatment process.

- Operate and monitor large (over 500 Hp) pumps (i.e. main effluent pumps) and chemical addition equipment. Adjust pumping and feed rates as required.

- Perform scheduled pump, weir and bar screen cleaning for rag and debris removal.

- Monitor the operation and respond to alarm conditions of the wastewater collection systems, (gravity sewer conditions, submersible pumps, level controls, bar screens/baskets, odor control systems and standby generators).

- WPC I Operator will be instructed, and must learn to operate a roll-off container truck and forklift.

- Make scheduled rounds of all facility buildings and help provide plant security.

- Perform furnace cleanout duties.

- Remove heavy ash clinkers out of incinerator through access doors.

- Clean all floors, stairways, handrails, pumping and conveying equipment, and other equipment and process areas, areas of egress, and areas as required or as directed by the Shift Supervisor or Relief Supervisor.

- Perform and maintain inspection records in accordance with the Wastewater DPCC and DCR Plans.

- The WPC I Operator is afforded the opportunity and is encouraged to learn other shift job responsibilities. This is accomplished by supervised "on the job training" as time permits. WPC I operators are required to attend wastewater, maintenance, laboratory and other professional development classes held at local Community Colleges and through other professional organizations in order to prepare for advancement and keep all required wastewater licenses current.

- Perform work safely at all times by observing all safety rules and regulations and by utilizing all available safety equipment.

- Comply with all provisions and requirements of the lockout/tag-out safety program prior to working on any potential energized device.

- In accordance with 7:1E-212, employee shall be familiar with, and is responsible to perform the duties detailed in ACUA’s written SOP’s regarding hazardous substances, specifically SOP HAZ1 through SOP HAZ6. Employee is required to have Hazwoper 40 training, an annual 8-hour Hazwoper refresher courses and shall engage in a hazardous substance drill annually to demonstrate abilities related to position.

- Perform other duties as directed by Wastewater Administration.

- Maintain commercial driver’s license (CDL) in good standing at all times and submit to random and accident-related drug and alcohol testing under Federal Regulations and ACUA Policy.

- This is a safety sensitive position. A safety sensitive position is a job which includes work duties in which an employee’s performance of the job impacts the safety of themselves or others. The term includes jobs where performing a task poorly or failure to perform it all could result in a safety incident. A person in a safety sensitive position must have the ability to perform a given set of tasks effectively without exception, on an ongoing basis.

- As needed and/or directed, assist the ACUA with its environmental mission and commitment to excellent customer service, to include but not limited to: serve in an advocacy role, help with site tours, attend events and activities that the Authority participates in or sponsors.

- Remain compliant with all training requirements for this position. The training requirements for this position are located on InsideACUA in the Employee Resources section (Blue Box) under Training Resources.

MINIMUM EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS

§ HS diploma or GED

- Must have successfully completed and passed a NJDEP accredited/approved Introduction to Water and Wastewater course or

- A candidate that has 16 college credit hours in the field of science or previous related work experience of training in a field related to wastewater operations (will be considered.) The candidate if selected must enroll in a NJDEP accredited/approved Introduction to Water and Wastewater course within 6 months of position appointment and successfully complete and pass the course within 1 year of position appointment.

- After 6 months of the position appointment, the candidate will be required to successfully pass the ACUA administered WPC I proficiency test.

ESSENTIAL SKILLS, KNOWLEDGE, AND ABILITIES

§ Valid driver’s license in good standing

- Valid commercial driver’s license (CDL), Class B, with an airbrake endorsement. Candidates that do not meet the CDL requirement may be eligible for consideration but a CDL, Class B, must be obtained within 6 months of position appointment.

- Must have mechanical, electrical and instrumentation aptitude.

- Computer skills are required; specifically a working knowledge of SCADA/HMI, Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word, Outlook, & PowerPoint), SharePoint, and other work-related applications.

- Must be willing and able to report to work during all weather-related conditions and emergencies as well as be available for overtime work with short notice.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

§ None

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

The physical activities described below are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Essential functions are those functions that the employee who holds the position or the candidate that desires the position must be able to perform unaided or with the assistance of a reasonable accommodation. When possible, reasonable accommodations may be made for persons who are disabled under the law. Reasonable accommodations are those accommodations which, as defined under applicable State and Federal law, enable disabled individuals to perform the essential functions of their job title and to meet the Employer’s expectations for the job title. While performing the functions of this job the employee:

Must be able to qualify for respirator use. Constantly operates all equipment and/or machinery associated with this job. Constantly operates computer devices and/or business productivity machinery. Must be able to remain in a stationary position for at least 50% of the time. Frequently moves and positions self for extended periods to work in tight, close, high and low workspaces. Frequently operates hand, power, and other mechanical or maintenance tools and equipment. Frequently ascends/descends ladders. Frequently moves about to inspect the grounds, buildings, property and/or equipment. Occasionally moves and transports supplies, materials, equipment and/or mechanical components up to 49lbs. Must be able to operate test instruments and tools requiring manual dexterity and good visual acuity. Must be able to be exposed to or work under the following conditions: near moving parts and large machinery, fumes or airborne particles, toxic or caustic chemicals, work in areas with excessive vibration, load noises and risk of electrical shock. Must have close, distance, color, peripheral and depth vision. Constantly works safely at all times by observing all safety rules and regulations while utilizing all available safety equipment. Constantly works in all outdoor weather conditions.