Water Wastewater Operator - I

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MARQUETTE COUNTY

To apply please complete the application available on our website: www.co.marquette.mi.us

General Summary

Under the supervision of the Water and Wastewater Supervisor, operates and monitors pumps, settling tanks, aeration tanks, digesters, and various other equipment of the Wastewater Treatment Plant and conducts various laboratory tests on water and wastewater samples ensuring conformance to acceptable standards. Operates, maintains, and repairs water system components including wells, pump stations, chemical treatment, storage and distribution. Performs maintenance and repairs on treatment plant equipment including pumps, blowers, compressors, meters and controls as well as water system components including controls, meters, pumps, chemical feeders, and stand-by power.

Essential Functions

1. Oversees and monitors the process of pumping raw sewage through various wastewater treatment plant cycles to reduce the amount of solids, chemicals and pathogenic bacteria in final effluents.

2. Operates sewage plant equipment, includes monitoring equipment control panels, emptying or filling tanks, changing amount of flow, changing amounts of chemicals to be added, and making other adjustments to the process.

3. Periodically throughout the shift, reads meters and gauges to collect and record operational data such as sewage pumped, meter readings, chemical feed rates, gas usage, temperatures at various steps in process, and other pertinent operating data.

4. Takes samples of effluents and performs laboratory tests to determine such things as suspended solids, phosphorous, chlorine and other chemical levels, dissolved oxygen levels, and other related laboratory tests. Weighs, measures, and combines chemicals to prepare reagents used in lab, calculates data from plant, and ensures proper cleaning of glassware. Performs calculations of lab data and prepares daily laboratory reports.

5. Performs preventative maintenance such as greasing, oiling, and packing on plant equipment. Performs a wide range of repairs on pumps, blowers, compressors, chemical feeders, meters, controls at the plant, lift stations, and throughout the collection system.

6. Logs gauge and meter readings, and prepares reports on operations, data analysis findings and laboratory test results of samplings.

7. Locates blockages in systems and uses jet-rodder truck or trailer to remove blockages and restore flow. Cleans and unclogs valves and pumps used to control wastes and waste flow. Scrubs processing tanks and cleans filters and screens.

8. Monitors water system components to include wells, pump stations, water towers, and chlorine and fluoride levels within Michigan drinking water standards.

9. Monitors water distribution system, including exercising system valves and hydrants, reading meters, and checking back flow preventers.

10. Monitors and maintains all water system components including controlling meters, pumps, and chemical feeders. Ensures completion of preventative maintenance functions. Makes emergency repairs to system equipment.

11. Performs lab operations related to the water system and the collection, analysis, and recording of results of tests to determine that chlorine and fluoride levels are within federal requirements.

12. Exercises, repairs, paints, and maintains fire hydrants.

13. Conducts water customer water meter installs, removals, cross connection inspections, and distributes shut off, boil, and let run notices.

14. Surveys damage in customer’s residences after sewer backups.

15. Performs grounds keeping duties at the plant such as snow removal and salt spreading on sidewalks, driveways, and parking areas using standard shovel or snow removal equipment. Performs lawn mowing and landscaping as necessary.

16. Performs confined space entry’s in raw sewage manholes and other confined spaces using air monitors, blowers, and lifeline-retrieval safety equipment.

17. Operates belt filter press for dewatering biosolid residuals.

18. Participates in on-call emergency rotation with other operators.

This list may not be inclusive of the total scope of job functions to be performed. Duties and responsibilities may be added, deleted, or modified at any time.

Employment Qualifications

Education: Equivalent of high school graduation with courses in mathematics and chemistry. Prefer some skilled mechanical and/or electrical training. Prefer an Associate’s Degree in water/wastewater treatment or related area.

Experience: Two years of mechanical, laboratory, or other experience related to water and wastewater plant operations experience.

Other Requirements:

· Possession of a Class “D” Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator’s License

· Possession of D-4 / S-4 Water Licenses

· Ability to obtain a Class B CDL within 6 months of hire

· Valid Michigan Driver’s license

The qualifications listed above are intended to represent the minimum skills and experience levels associated with performing the duties and responsibilities contained in this job description. The qualifications should not be viewed as expressing absolute employment or promotional standards, but as general guidelines that should be considered along with other job-related selection or promotional criteria.

Physical Requirements:

· Ability to access all areas of the treatment plant.

· Ability to climb stairs on a regular basis.

· Ability to climb and descend ladders.

· Ability to kneel, crouch, and crawl in order to perform maintenance and repairs.

· Ability to walk for prolonged periods of time in order to make inspections of plant operations.

· Ability lift and carry supplies and equipment weighing up to 50 lbs.

· Ability to set up sampling equipment in manholes and retrieve samples.

· Ability to reach, push, and pull in order to open and close large valve.

· Ability to identify colors for laboratory testing.

· Ability to discern differences in the sound and smell in order to recognize potential problems.

This job requires the ability to perform the essential functions contained in this description. These include, but are not limited to, the above requirements. Reasonable accommodations will be made for otherwise qualified applicants unable to fulfill one or more of these requirements.

Working Conditions:

· Exposure to odors from wastewater and sludge.

· Frequent exposure to wastewater and residuals.

· Walking on slippery surfaces.

· High levels of noise from compressors, pumps, and other equipment.

· Exposure to methane gas and other toxic fumes and pathogens.

· Must work in confined air spaces requiring testing and ventilation.

· Exposure to high pressure air systems.

· Exposure to various weather conditions and sudden changes in temperature while moving between various areas of the plant.

· Exposure to a variety of chemicals used in the treatment process.

· Prolonged standing when working in the laboratory.

· Must participate in on-call schedule.

Pay: From $21.35 per hour

Benefits:

• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Dependent health insurance coverage
• Employee assistance program
• Flexible spending account
• Health insurance
• Health savings account
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Parental leave
• Retirement plan
• Vision insurance

Work Location: In person