Plant Operator

Summary:

The Plant Operator will apply acquired knowledge of wastewater treatment to successfully manage the overall plant operations. Operators also apply their skills to routine troubleshoot plant processes and perform preventative maintenance of plant equipment.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities: (Other duties may be assigned.)

• Understand all plant equipment operations and its relationship on the successful processing of influent wastewater. Operators will analyze process conditions and determine the optimal plant operating requirements. This analysis will be based on visual observations of plant conditions as well as mathematical calculations to determine process adjustments.
• Display the ability to comprehend and apply complex equipment operation and processing regimens for the plant treatment process. This would include sampling techniques; monitoring sludge depths; reading meters, gauges, and automated recording devices; and the ability to adjust manual controls to override automatic systems when adjustments are needed.
• Perform physical tasks in maintaining the plant process, such as: flow sampling, grit and sludge removal, tank cleaning, adjusting flow feed rates, equipment maintenance, valve control, mixing of chemical additives, plant clean-up, and vehicle operation for hopper moving.
• Display the ability to properly maintain equipment and complete processes through troubleshooting and performing basic maintenance of plant equipment as needed.
• Proficiently utilize mobile data recording devices (tablets) to capture process and equipment performance information.
• Performs any combination of (but not limited to) the following duties according to specific departmental guidelines:
• Operate air compressors.
• Collects process and compliance data via mobile data entry.
• Inspects equipment and interpret gauges, charts, and meters.
• Adjusts valves, fans, engine speeds, fuel supply, pump pressures and steam pressures as required to maintain proper operating levels.
• Lubricates equipment and checks bearing temperatures, fluid levels and operating pressures.
• Packs pumps, replaces bushings, bearings, motor brushes and drive belts.
• Orders required parts, supplies and equipment as needed.
• Keeps operating log of equipment in service and records temperatures, pressures and reservoir elevations and other operating data.
• Performs clean-up and painting of equipment and work area. Always maintains a neat and orderly work environment.
• Observe safe work practices.
• Performs other duties of a similar nature may be required.

Competencies:

Core Competencies (6):

• Accountability
• Collaboration
• Environmental Stewardship
• Integrity
• Safety
• Customer Focus

Functional Competencies (4):

• Job Knowledge and Performance
• Organization & Time Management
• Teamwork & Cooperation
• Responsibility & Accountability

Qualifications:

Education/Experience/Licensing:

• High School Diploma
• Must have a valid driver’s license.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Should possess and display a strong knowledge of equipment operations, a willingness to learn and understand the overall plant treatment process and a good mathematical aptitude for process control and management.

• Display the ability to work independently during either a day or night shift operation and to be a creative, participating member of a successful operations crew.

• Display strong interpersonal skills with a positive approach and outlook in order to work cooperatively in a sometimes-challenging physical environment that at times will contain fumes or airborne particles, toxic or caustic chemicals, have a risk of electrical shock, exposure to wet and/or humid conditions and in some areas a high noise level or loud environment.

• Must possess knowledge of the hazards and safety precautions of the work. Must also possess knowledge of the tools, equipment, materials and supplies pertinent to the trade.

• Must be able to read and understand operating manuals, blueprints, and drawings; keep records; and follow oral and written instructions. Must be able to maintain sound judgments and decisions based on interpretation of data and known unit goals.

• Operators may be required to work at other treatment plants as staffing and facility needs change.

• Operator must be able to work unscheduled hours during emergency, unusual situations, and/or filling in for vacant shifts, including rotating shifts.

• Technology Requirements

1. Proficient with Windows based desktop computers
2. Embraces mobile data collection and data analysis.
3. Strong use of Microsoft Office products
4. Strong use of Google Apps

Physical Demands:

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.

Please list the items that are used in this position and the associated % of time:

Other positions and the associated % of time:

Work Environment and Conditions:

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.