Operator Trainee or Wastewater Operator III or Wastewater Operator IV

Job Summary

Under general supervision monitors control panel and interprets meter and gauge readings, adjusts gates and valves to regulate the flow of water and maintain log of gauge readings; performs scheduled maintenance of pumps, generators and related equipment, repairs or replaces parts using hand and power tools; tests repaired equipment to ensure proper performance; collects water samples and performs tests prescribed by ADEM, records results and submits necessary reports; studies manuals and related technical literature, attends classes and participates in on-the-job training to prepare for certification exams and performs additional tasks in support of the department as needed or upon request.

Essential Job Duties & Responsibilities

The following duties are normal for this position. The omission of specific statement of the duties does not exclude them from the classification if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment for this position. Other duties may be required, assigned and expected aside from those set forth below to address operational needs and changing operational practices.

• Monitors control panel, conducts on-site observations and interprets meter and gauge readings and test to determine operating conditions.
• Adjusts gates and valves manually or by remote control to regulate the flow of water through plant.
• Starts and stops pumps to control flow of water from river through temporary storage, chemical feed, rapid mix, flocculator, settling basin, filters, post chemical, rapid mix, clear well, and delivery to water mains or storage tanks.
• Maintains log of operations and records meter and gauge readings.
• Periodically washes and back washes filters.
• Performs scheduled maintenance of pumps, generates and related water plant equipment.
• Cleans precipitates, such as grit, sludge and debris from processing tanks and basins.
• Observes/listens to operation of equipment and machinery to locate problems.
• Disassembles pumps and similar equipment as necessary to diagnose malfunction and gain access to and remove defective parts.
• May repair or replace parts, using hand and power tools.
• May remove entire equipment or major assembly for repair by vendor. Starts and tests repaired equipment to ensure proper performance.
• May initiate requisitions for parts or equipment.
• Maintains appropriate maintenance records.
• Takes water samples; may be piped in to laboratory; may collect by hands.
• Performs tests using testing equipment including alkalinity, pH, Carbon Dioxide, Iron, Manganese, Fluoride, saturation, turbidity, color, phosphate, total hardness, calcium hardness, temperature and according to procedures set forth by ADEM.
• Records tests results and submit reports as required.
• Studies manuals and related technical literature.
• Participate in on the-job training under guidance of certified operators.
• Attends classes in operation and maintenance of plant machines and equipment and testing.
• Prepares and takes certification exams.

Qualifications

Education & Experience Guidelines
Any combination of education and experience that would likely provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the knowledge and abilities required for this position would be:

Education/Training
High School Diploma or GED

Experience
2+ years experience working in wastewater treatment or similar field

Licenses or Certifications Required
Must obtain ADEM Grade III Wastewater Certification within 36 months of hire

The following generally describes the knowledge and abilities required in order to successfully perform the assigned duties of the position:

Knowledge of:

• Wastewater treatment including processes, operation and maintenance of machinery and equipment and laboratory testing procedures.
• Organization and operating procedures of Utilities Department.
• City of Phenix City procedures and work rules.

Ability to:

• Read to comprehend maps, blueprints, procedures, regulations, technical manuals and related highly complex documents.
• Write to prepare forms and records, memoranda, reports, schedules and similar documents. Utilize math skills to solve problems involving percentages, proportions, rates chemical formulas ad algebraic equations.
• Verbally communicate to speak to individuals and small groups, talk on telephone and two-way radio.
• Utilize laboratory skills to perform tests and work with chemical equations. Utilize computer skills including keyboarding, text processing and use of specialized programs including SCAD used to process water and generate reports.
• Apply technical knowledge to make correct operational decisions.
• Work as a member of a team.
• Work in a constant state of alertness and in a safe manner.

Physical Demands & Working Environment

The conditions herein are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, the city encourages both prospective and current employees to discuss potential accommodations needed to perform the essential duties of this position.

Environment: Indoors and Outdoors including working with wastewater

Physical Demands: See accompanying page for details

Key Working Relationship: Plant Superintendent and other plant employees

Applications for this position will be accepted until a pool of 20 applications is received or the position is filled, whichever comes first. Current city employees wishing to apply should send Internal Job Application provided by the Human Resources Department to the HR Director by the deadline stated. (A courtesy copy will be sent to the employee’s department head.)

Applications can be found online (download an application) or picked up at the City of Phenix City Human Resources Department:
1103 Broad Street
Phenix City, AL 36867
Ph: 334 448-2706

Applications are available for pick up and drop off on Mondays from 2 to 5 p.m., Eastern Time, and Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m., Eastern Time. You may also email your completed application with the required supporting documents.