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 duties in operating all mechanical and biological processes of the wastewater treatment plant; ensure compliance with City and mandated wastewater treatment quality standards; monitor and maintain plant and system operation records; perform a variety of duties relative to assigned area of responsibility.

JOB CLASSIFICATION

Non-Exempt, Safety Sensitive.

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 all mechanical and biological processes throughout the wastewater treatment plant to maintain effluent quality within State and Federal standards and guidelines.

2.  Observe and control the operation of the activated sludge process, anaerobic and aerobic digesters, chlorination, and flow equalization; perform microscopic examination of mixed liquid in the activated sludge process; identify certain types of protozoan life in activated sludge.

3.  Observe and control preliminary treatment including bar screens, grit removal, and raw sewage lift stations.

4.  Monitor the sludge processing unit including sludge pumping, belt filter press operation, and polymer usage.

5.  Collect representative samples of sewage, sludge, and other solids and liquids for laboratory analysis; perform control tests including centrifuge, settlometer, dissolved oxygen, sulfides, chlorine residual, percent methane and ammonia.

6.  Participate in the interpretation of control tests and lab results to determine if plant is operating correctly and effectively; make necessary operational changes and adjustments to maintain chemical balances and flow requirements.

7.  Mix, load, and unload chemicals used in the treatment process including chlorine, sulfur, dioxide ferrous chloride, and polymers; connect chemicals to appropriate plant systems.

8.  Maintain complete and accurate records and logs including those pertaining to meter readings, levels, flows, and chemical usage; input operational and laboratory data into computer system and print reports.

9.  Shut down various processes for inspection, cleaning, or repair; perform or assist in a variety of routine preventive maintenance duties on treatment plant equipment in accordance with established procedures.

10.  Clean and maintain plant facilities and grounds.

11.  Respond to emergency calls as required; dispatch emergency crews as necessary.

12.  Perform other duties of a similar nature or level.

QUALIFICATIONS

Knowledge of:

Operations, services and activities of a wastewater treatment program.

Practices, principles, and procedures used in the operation and maintenance of wastewater treatment facilities and systems.

Operational characteristics of wastewater treatment plant equipment, systems and components.

Standard principles of hydraulics, plumbing, electrical, 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.

Occupational hazards and standard safety practices including those used for entrance into confined spaces.

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 processes.

Operate equipment, tools and machines necessary to operate, repair and maintain plant equipment and facilities.

Diagnose operating problems and take effective courses of action to adjust systems according to needs.

Comply with mandated wastewater treatment procedures and methods.

Perform inspections and preventive maintenance of treatment plant facilities and equipment.

Mix and feed chemical applications.

Establish and maintain accurate records, logs, and files.

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:

 Three (3) years of prior experience working in a laboratory, drinking water, wastewater or similar environmental field.

 Training:

 High School Diploma or G.E.D. supplemented by specialized training in wastewater treatment, biology, chemistry, or a related field.

Other combinations of experience and education that meet the minimum requirements may be substituted.

License or Certificate

Possession of, or ability to obtain, a valid Colorado driver’s license.

Possession of, or ability to obtain within five (5) years of hire, a valid Class A Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator certificate issued by the State of Colorado, depending upon certification level at time of hire.

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:

Physical Conditions:

The job is characterized by:

Medium Heavy Work: Exerting up to 75 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 50-100 pounds of force frequently, and/or a negligible amount of force to constantly move objects.

The following physical activities are very or extremely important in accomplishing the job's purpose and are performed daily:

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is required to stand for prolonged periods, perform repetitive motions, kneel, squat, stoop, climb stairs, reach above shoulders, and repeatedly twist the upper body a significant part of the time. The employee is also required to walk a major part of time, lift heavy objects (25 – 75 pounds), and pull very heavy objects (more than 75 pounds) regularly. The employee is required to see, hear, talk and sit.