Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator

• Graduation from a high school or equivalent G.E.D.
• Must possess and continuously maintain a valid Michigan driver’s license as well as qualify to drive a Division vehicle in compliance with the Division Driver Policy.
• Must have State of Michigan EGLE "D" Wastewater License for hire
• Incumbents will be awarded pay level consistent with the negotiated pay schedule included in this contract for certification levels obtained: A, B, C or D.
• Must be able to work various shifts, irregular hours, including holidays and weekends.
• Must be able to lift a minimum of seventy-five (75) pounds.
• Must be able to work in confined spaces and outdoors under varying climatic conditions.
• Must be able to walk over rough terrain and climb ladders and stairs.

Entry level employees receive on-the-job training and experience in performing routine maintenance operation, cleaning, installation and monitoring of wastewater treatment plant equipment and facilities. Additional voluntary training will be provided after normal work hours at a location chosen by the Employer. Receives on the job training and experience. Monitors and maintains wastewater treatment plant operations by collecting and analyzing data, performing operational checks and adjustments, and maintaining equipment and facilities, as well as, bio-solids handling and disposal. Collects and analyzes samples and data and adjusts treatment processes to respond to changing water quality conditions. Assists in providing training to new employees as directed by Supervision or Management.

- Operates various wastewater treatment plant equipment and performs preventative maintenance and minor corrective maintenance on the equipment and makes appropriate changes to the operation to ensure sound treatment and compliance with regulatory parameters.

- Grease and oil pumps and equipment, and maintains proper equipment oil levels.

- Checks pumps, clarifiers, lagoon equipment, grinder and major pump stations, blowers, compressors, drives, chemical batching units, including storage, handling, installation, and feed rates for SO2 and Cl2, maintains proper operation and maintenance of the UV (ultraviolet) disinfection equipment and all other treatment plant equipment and processes.

- Fills dry chemical hoppers, transfers chemicals, changes chemical totes, inventories chemical volumes in storage.

- Patrols the plant grounds, checking chlorine building, impoundment and under-drain pumps, backwash ponds, electrical substation, detention and drainage areas.

- As assigned, collects samples, and performs specialized and routine chemical analysis, recording results and maintaining accurate records and reports.

- As assigned, collects readings on chemical feeders and storage tanks, calculates chemical doses and adjust feed rates as necessary according to set guidelines or changing water conditions

- As assigned, monitors the operation of the treatment plant, raw pumping facilities, distribution system, and security cameras using the WWTP computers.

- Assists maintenance mechanic, instrument technician, lab technician, IPP technician and treatment plant supervision and any other classification in operating and troubleshooting plant operational problems when necessary or when requested to do so.

- Checks pumps, treatment equipment drives, filters, blowers, compressors, chemical feed and mixing units, including storage, handling, installation, and feed rates for all treatment chemicals, and all other treatment plant equipment and processes.

- Routinely cleans and maintains equipment, and equipment areas, tanks and manholes.

- In coordination with other plant personnel, performs calibration checks on chemical feed equipment and records data

- Coordinates activities with other plant personnel to ensure that all work is completed and the WTP operates efficiently.

- Assists maintenance personnel and Instrument Technicians as needed or assigned

- Performs minor maintenance, checks oil levels, greases equipment, painting and other maintenance as assigned.

- Performs housekeeping duties: sweeping, mopping, cleaning, and garbage disposal, as assigned.

- Routinely cleans and maintains equipment, equipment areas, treatment and filtration areas, and laboratory.

- Troubleshoots operational and equipment problems

- Unplugs sludge pumps, sewage pumps, and equipment.

- Collects data and prepares and maintains records and reports.

- Irrigates and mows fields.

- Requisitions tools and supplies.

- Operates electric and pneumatic power and hand tools.

- Performs snow removal, by shoveling, snow blowing, plowing, and spreading salt

- Responds to emergency calls.

- Must be able to perform normal tasks and duties or other assigned tasks with minimal supervision.

- Performs any other work related to the classification.

If conditions arise in which a Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator must work independently without a supervisory employee assigned to their shift, the affected employee will be paid at the U-5 rate of pay for the duration of the time so assigned. In this situation the employee will receive U-5 pay as specified in Bargaining Unit Agreement. Only employees with valid Michigan EGLE Class “C” Wastewater Operator’s certification will be eligible for U-5 rate of pay work assignments.

- Comprehensive knowledge and understanding of wastewater treatment plant equipment operation and treatment processes.

- Knowledge of basic math and the ability to demonstrate basic applied math.

- Knowledge of computer systems and relevant software

- Ability to operate and interpret VOM and AMP meters.

- Ability to prepare reports and records.

- Ability to operate electric and pneumatic power and hand tools.

- Ability to understand and carry out oral and written instructions.

- Ability to communicate efficiently both orally and in writing.

- Knowledge of computer system and relevant software.

- Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with co-workers and customers.

- Knowledge of standard safety practices, and mandatory safety regulations.

- Must be able to pass a written exam that measures appropriate level of knowledge, skills and abilities.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $25.54 - $33.85 per hour

Expected hours: 40 per week

Benefits:

• Dental insurance
• Dependent health insurance coverage
• Employee assistance program
• Flexible spending account
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Retirement plan
• Tuition reimbursement
• Vision insurance

Work Location: In person