Wastewater Plant Operator

Description

• Cleans and maintains buildings and equipment such as filter screens, processing tanks, walkways and other areas of plant using hose, brushes and chemical solutions.
• Troubleshoots, performs minor repairs, and assist mechanics in the performance of regular and unscheduled maintenance and repairs on plant equipment.
• Collects wastewater samples and performs basic laboratory tests.
• Lubricates equipment such as pumps, chains, valves, conveyors.
• Navigates a computer screen, and interprets SCADA system data.
• Monitors variations in operating conditions and interprets meter, analyzer, and gauge readings to determine volume and mass loading requirements to various plant processes; including timing for the initiation of plant blending processes and adding treatment equipment to remediate elevated wet weather flows, and vice versa.
• Conducts tours for City, schools, and public groups; addresses concerns and questions
• Maintains log of operations and records meter and gauge readings of various plant processes; detects equipment malfunctions.
• Adheres to all safety procedures as defined by the Utility work and safety rules.
• Checks plant boiler systems for proper operation and water levels.
• Unloads chemicals from tank trucks into proper storage tanks.
• Works cooperatively with other departments and staff to respond appropriately to emergency situations.
• Starts and stops pumps, valves and gates (manual or remote control), engines, and generators to control flow through filtering, settling, aeration, and solids digestion processes.
• Removes obstructions from screens to accelerate influent flow velocity.
• Operates bar screens, conveyors, blowers, clarifiers, chemical feed systems, ultraviolet disinfection systems, belt filter presses, gravity belt thickeners, and other equipment used to treat wastewater by settling, aeration, disinfection, and solids digestion.

Requirements

• 2-4 Years
• Ability to maintain effective and professional working relationships with fellow employees.
• 0-2 Years
• Wastewater treatment machinery and equipment including: pumps, motors, engines, blowers, barscreens, conveyers, motorized gates/valves, gas compressors, electric switchgear, belt filter presses, gravity belt thickeners, ultra-violet disinfection systems, chemical mixing and feed equipment, laboratory apparatus and analytical equipment, meters, gauges, chart recorders, computer control stations, electronic instrumentation, personal protective equipment.
• Ability to recognize and identify degrees of similarity or difference between characteristics of color, sound and odors as associated with job-related objects, materials and tasks.
• Ability to communicate orally and in writing with varied and diverse contacts, such as Utility personnel, consultants, vendors, general public, and regulatory personnel.
• Proficiency with computer applications is required; including desired knowledge of programmable logic controllers.
• > 4 Years
• Wet laboratory skill and knowledge is a plus.
• City of Racine Facilities Engineer license is required within 1 year of hire.
• Ability to work at times under moderately safe outdoor climatic conditions and indoor multi-floor buildings where exposure to environmental factors such as water treatment chemicals, noise, odor, pathogens, biogas, ultraviolet light, electric currents, confined spaces, and machinery poses a slight risk of injury; exposure to large wastewater basins with fall risk, and numerous step climbing and tripping hazards.
• Ability to work at times in less than desirable conditions (such as preliminary treatment (bar screens, grit removal), process pumping/piping tunnels with low head clearance and tripping hazards, and solids handling facilities) under potentially unsafe and uncomfortable conditions, where exposure to environmental factors such as heat, odors, dampness, chemicals, noise, pathogens, electrical currents, organic and mineral decomposition gases, confined spaces, and/or machinery can cause a moderate risk of injury.
• Doctorate (PHD)
• Ability to communicate and follow instructions both orally and in writing; and perform duties with a minimum of direct supervision.
• Abides with treatment methods prescribed by State regulations, as well as Utility SOPs.
• Ability to analyze and categorize data and information in order to determine the relationship of the data with reference to established criteria/standards. Ability to compare, count, differentiate, classify, compute, tabulate, measure and/or sort data, as well as assemble, copy and record and transcribe data and information.
• Ability to apply rational and ethical judgment, tact, courtesy, and diplomacy when dealing with Utility staff, public customers, and city representatives.
• Ability to exert strenuous physical effort to lift and carry objects up to 50 lbs, typically involving some combination of stooping, kneeling, crouching, crawling, lifting, carrying, pushing, pulling, climbing steps and ladders, and extensive walking.
• Bachelor Degree
• Strong mechanical skills, including a working knowledge of electro-mechanical functions, principles and techniques; as well as demonstrated aptitude in the areas of mathematics and life sciences.
• Willingness to work a rotating shift schedule, including weekends and holidays.
• Associate Degree related to wastewater treatment, or completion of Wisconsin Wastewater Operators Apprenticeship; or 2 years of municipal wastewater plant or collection system work experience; or 2 years of verifiable mechanical experience working with pumps, compressors, blowers, or engines.
• Valid state-issued motor vehicle operator’s license is required.
• Must have good dexterity with ability to hand operate equipment and instruments, some requiring complex and rapid adjustments in coordination with eye movement.
• Associate Degree
• Miscellaneous hand tools, wrenches, sockets, manhole cover removing device, confined space entry equipment, gas detector, lifting equipment hoist/crane; snow removal
• Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Basic General Wastewater Operator certification is required within 1 year of hire; certification in 3 subgrades applicable to the Racine WWTP (A1,B,C,D1,E) is required within 3 years of hire.
• Master's Degree
• Ability to utilize, interpret, and apply a variety of advisory data and information such as blueprints, line diagrams, meters, gauges, charts, graphs, Safety Data Sheets, and technical operating manuals.

Benefits

• High School

Training + Development

Interview process

Visa Sponsorship

Security clearance