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

Lead, oversee and participate in the more complex and difficult work of staff responsible for operating all mechanical and biological processes of the wastewater treatment plant; ensure compliance with City and mandated wastewater treatment quality standards; ensure the quality and continuous treatment of wastewater through the treatment plant; and perform a variety of technical and administrative support tasks relative to assigned areas of responsibility.

JOB CLASSIFICATION

Non-Exempt, Safety Sensitive.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED

Receives direction from the Wastewater Operations Supervisor.

Exercises lead technical and functional supervision over Wastewater Plant Operators.

PRIMARY DUTIES--The following are examples of primary duties assigned to positions in this classification. Other related duties and responsibilities may be assigned.

1.  Lead, plan, train and review the work of staff responsible for operating all mechanical and biological processes of the wastewater treatment plant; verify the work of assigned employees for accuracy, proper work methods, techniques and compliance with applicable standards and specifications; ensure adherence to safe work practices and procedures; provide or coordinate training as needed.

2.  Plan, direct and participate in the treatment of wastewater through the plant ensuring the quality and continuous treatment of wastewater through the treatment plant; identify and correct operational deficiencies; maintain effluent quality within State and Federal standards and guidelines.

3.  Evaluate results of laboratory test to determine if plant is operating correctly and effectively; identify and make necessary operational changes and adjustments to maintain chemical balances and flow requirements.

4.  Coordinate with Operations Supervisor to establish sampling plan for the different areas of the plant; schedule additional samples as determined by plant operations and the performance testing of products used in the plant.

5.  Coordinate equipment repairs with maintenance and operations personnel; prioritize and write work requests for repairs on process equipment.

6.  Estimate time, materials, chemicals and equipment required for jobs assigned; maintain adequate supplies and chemicals for the treatment process; requisition materials as required.

7.  Participate in the development and administration of improvements in the treatment process including research and reporting.

8.  Oversee and participate in the establishment and maintenance of complete and accurate records and logs including those pertaining to meter readings, levels, flows, and chemical usage; prepare reports as required.

9.  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, hydrogen sulfide and ammonia.

10.  Mix, load and unload chemicals used in the treatment process including ferrous/ferric chloride, and polymers; connect chemicals to appropriate plant systems.

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

12.  Respond to public inquiries in a courteous manner; provide information within the area of assignment; resolve complaints in an efficient and timely manner.

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

QUALIFICATIONS

Knowledge of:

Principles of lead supervision, including training and scheduling of staff.

Operations, services and activities of a wastewater treatment program.

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

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

Standard principles of hydraulics, plumbing, electrical, and mechanical systems.

Principles of chemistry, biology, and mathematics.

Basic laboratory methods including sampling requirements, schedules, and procedures.

Principles and procedures used in the proper handling of chemicals.

Principles and procedures of record keeping and report writing.

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

Modern office equipment including computers and supporting word processing and spreadsheet applications.

Applicable Federal, State and local laws, codes and regulations.

Ability to:

Lead, monitor, train, organize and review the work of staff.

Interpret, explain and enforce department policies and procedures.

Operate, monitor, and maintain wastewater treatment plant process.

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.

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

Operate and use modern office equipment including computers and various software applications.

Establish and maintain accurate records, logs, and files.

Mix and feed chemical applications.

Interpret and apply Federal, State, and local polices, laws and regulations.

Comply with mandated wastewater treatment procedures and methods.

Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.

Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.

Speak, read, comprehend, and write the English language fluently.

Experience and Training Guidelines

Minimum Requirements:

Experience:

 Four (4) years of experience in operating wastewater treatment plant equipment including some lead supervisory responsibility.

 Training:

 Equivalent to the completion of the twelfth grade 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 a valid Class A Water 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:

Physical Conditions:

The job is characterized by:

The following physical activities are very or extremely important in accomplishing the job’s purpose and are performed on a daily basis:

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is required to stand for prolonged periods, perform repetitive motions, kneel, squat, stoop, and repeatedly twist the upper body a significant part of the time. The employee is also required to walk a major part of the time and to lift heavy objects (more than 25 pounds) on a regular basis. The employee is required to see, hear, talk, and sit.