Water/Wastewater Treatment Operator

Class Concept

Positions in this class are responsible for maintaining and repairing the machines and equipment used to process and distribute water, and they sample, measure and monitor water and wastewater effluent quality. Positions in this class read, interpret, and adjust meters and gauges to make sure that plant equipment and processes are working properly; control chemical-feeding devices; take samples of the water or wastewater; perform chemical and biological laboratory analyses; and adjust the amounts of chemicals, such as chlorine, in the water. Positions in this class may control all of the machinery, perform tests, keep records, handle and store chemicals.

Recruitment Requirements

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• General knowledge of chemical composition, structure, and properties of substances and of the chemical processes and transformation that they undergo which includes usages of chemicals and their interactions, danger signs, production.
• Basic knowledge of plant and animal organisms; their tissues, cells, functions, interdependences; and interaction. Knowledge of state and local laws, ordinances and regulations related to the area.
• Basic knowledge and skill in the operation, maintenance and repair of applicable machines, equipment and tools.
• Ability to monitor the operation of the equipment by watching gauges, dials, or other indicators to make sure machinery is working properly and performs routine maintenance.
• Ability to identify and inform supervisor of potential safety problems and ability to warn others of potential hazards..
• Ability to follow applicable, regulations, codes, policies and procedures and ability to follow post-emergency procedures.
• Ability to complete appropriate documentation.
• Ability to use appropriate protective equipment following established protocols.
• Ability to identify and resolve standard/routine problems with systems, electronic devices, equipment, systems through routine inspection and preventive maintenance/testing, after system/equipment failure, or when updating equipment with new technologies.
• Ability to operate standard test equipment to troubleshoot and repair devices or systems.

Minimum Education and Experience

High school or General Educational Development (GED) Diploma and three (3) years of experience in wastewater treatment operations and maintenance, which includes making prescribed chemical and bacteriological analysis of water/wastewater; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

Necessary Special Requirements

Work of some positions in this classification may require employee to possess or obtain C-Well, spray irrigation and subsurface certifications within 24 months and/or obtain & maintain Pesticide Applicator certification within 24 months of hire.