Water Treatment Operator

POSITION PURPOSE: Provides day-to-day monitoring and basic plant and pump/booster station operations, routine lab tests and basic corrective and preventative maintenance activities.PRIMARY DUTIES/RESPONSIBILITIES:Act as the operator in responsible charge for a wastewater treatment plant.Operates wastewater treatment plant manually and through instrumentation panels, computer terminals and programmable logic control units following process control procedures.  Monitors and observes operating conditions, records observations, and data in shift log.  Diagnoses basic operational problems and takes corrective action per procedure.Performs routine CLAIR (cleaning, lubrication, adjustment, inspection, and minor repair) on machines and related equipment which may include pumps, engines, centrifuges, generators, valves, gates, mixers, conveyors, blowers, dryers, chemical feed, odor control, disinfection equipment, vacuum filters, and belt presses. Reports and documents result of work performed and enters into appropriate database.  Promptly reports any operational problems with machines or equipment to Lead or Supervisor.Collects water, wastewater, industrial waste, sludge, residuals and/or gas samples according to schedule.  Performs field tests (chemical, physical and biological) in order to pace chemical dosages for process and odor control units.  Prepares chemical solutions, monitors supplies, and recommends reorder.Performs routine lab tests and prepares reports per procedure.Performs routine instrument calibration for portable meters including, but not limited to, dissolved oxygen, pH, and conductivity. Learns to inspect and becomes proficient at mechanical troubleshooting to determine repairs needed.  Dismantles equipment to gain access to and repairs defective parts using hand tools, power tools and precision measuring and testing devices.  Re-assembles and tests equipment ensuring safe and efficient operating condition is restored.  Learns to troubleshoot hydraulic, pneumatic, and electronic equipment and instrumentation.Performs manual labor including cleaning equipment, facilities and grounds as required and properly disposes of waste according to safety and environmental policies. Operates vehicles, mobile equipment, and material handling equipment for operational and maintenance purposes.Learns to estimate time and material costs for various projects.  May assist in other areas of facility as directed.