Class specifications are intended to present a descriptive list of the range of duties performed by employees in the class. Specifications are not intended to reflect all duties performed within the job.
DEFINITION
Perform stationary equipment duties in the operation and maintenance of the City's Wastewater Treatment Plant; operate all processes in sludge processing including operating the belt filter press, pumps, blowers, valves, and performing chemical mixing; operate all mechanical and biological processes involved in aerobic digestion; load and operate a variety of equipment and vehicles to transport sludge, grease, and grit to a disposal site; perform a variety of duties relative to assigned area of responsibility.
SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED
Receives direction from the Wastewater Operations Supervisor.
PRIMARY DUTIES--The following are examples of primary duties assigned to positions in this classification. Other related duties and responsibilities may be assigned.
1. Perform duties in the operation and maintenance of the wastewater treatment plant stationary equipment; operate, maintain and inspect sludge processing equipment including belt filter presses, sludge drying beds, motors, pumps, valves, and switches.
2. Operate and control all mechanical and biological processes involved in aerobic digestion; perform microscopic examination and identification of mixed liquid in the activated sludge process.
3. Receive, handle, mix, and feed proper chemical dosage used in sludge processing including ferrous chloride and various types of polymers; monitor and maintain appropriate chemical inventory levels.
4. Calibrate dissolved oxygen sensor meters.
5. Collect samples for laboratory analysis and operational control; perform calculations for proper operational control including sludge age, wasting and solids content; calculate cost of sludge processing.
6. Participate in the interpretation of operational data to determine if plant is operating correctly and effectively; make recommendations for necessary operational changes and adjustments to maintain required plant efficiency.
7. Load and operate a variety of heavy equipment to transport sludge, grease, and grit to a disposal site; perform inspections and routine maintenance on assigned equipment and vehicles; report maintenance needs to appropriate supervisor; write work orders.
8. Maintain complete and accurate records and logs of operations.
9. Perform other duties of a similar nature or level.
QUALIFICATIONS
Knowledge of:
Operations, services and activities of a wastewater treatment plant.
Practices, principles, and procedures used in the operation and maintenance of wastewater treatment equipment such as belt filter presses, sludge drying beds, pumps, motors and switches.
Principles and practices of wastewater treatment as applied to aerobic digestion and sludge processing.
Standard principles of hydraulics, plumbing, and mechanical systems.
Basic principles of chemistry, biology, and mathematics.
Basic laboratory methods including sampling techniques.
Principles and procedures used in the proper handling of chemicals.
Principles and practices of record keeping.
English usage, spelling, grammar and punctuation.
Modern office technology and equipment, including computers and related software applications.
Applicable tools and equipment operations.
Applicable Federal, State and local codes, laws and regulations.
Ability to:
Operate, monitor, and maintain wastewater treatment plant sludge processing equipment.
Diagnose operating problems and take effective courses of action to adjust systems according to needs.
Perform routine maintenance on heavy equipment including daily inspections and brake adjustments.
Mix and feed chemical applications.
Establish and maintain accurate records, logs, and files.
Inspect and examine sludge processing operations.
Interpret and apply Federal, State and local policies, laws and regulations.
Operate and use modern office equipment including computer and various software applications.
Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.
Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.
Experience and Training Guidelines
Minimum Requirements:
Experience:
Two (2) years of experience in the operation and maintenance of wastewater treatment plant equipment and systems.
Training:
High School Diploma or G.E.D. supplemented by specialized training in water or wastewater processing equipment maintenance, repair, and operation.
Other combinations of experience and education that meet the minimum requirements may be substituted.
License or Certificate
Possession of a valid Colorado Class B commercial driver’s license.
Possession of, or the ability to obtain, a valid Class D Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator certificate issued by the State of Colorado.
WORKING CONDITIONS
Environmental Conditions:
The job is performed in the following working environment:
Field environment.
The following condition(s) may be present on a continuing basis:
Hazardous physical conditions (mechanical parts, electrical currents, vibration, etc.) |
Atmospheric Conditions (fumes, odors, dusts, gases, poor ventilation) |
Hazardous materials (chemicals, blood and other body fluids, etc.) |
Local Travel |
Physical Conditions:
The job is characterized by:
Light Work: Exerting up to 20 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 10 pounds of force frequently, and/or a negligible amount of force constantly to move objects. If the use of arm and/or leg controls requires exertion of forces greater than that for Sedentary Work and the worker sits most of the time, the job is rated for Light Work. |
The following physical activities are very or extremely important in accomplishing the job’s purpose and are performed on a daily basis:
Position requires hearing, talking, sitting, standing, walking on level and slippery surfaces, reaching, twisting, turning, kneeling, bending, stooping, squatting, crouching, grasping and making repetitive hand movements. The position requires both near and far vision for inspecting work and operating assigned equipment. Lifting, carrying and pushing tools, equipment and supplies weighing 20 pounds or more is also required. Materials and chemicals may expose the employee to fumes, dust and air contaminants. Job may require work in confined spaces. The nature of the work also requires the incumbent to climb ladders and use power and noise producing tools and equipment. The employee regularly works in outside weather conditions, near moving mechanical parts. The employee is frequently exposed to wet or humid conditions, vibration and street traffic. The employee is occasionally exposed to fumes or airborne particles, toxic or caustic chemicals, and risk of electrical shock. The noise level in the work environment is frequently loud.