Wastewater Control Operator (Trainee)/Relief Operator (Full-Time)

Wastewater Control Operator (Trainee) / Relief Operator

Public Utilities Department - 4th Creek Wastewater Treatment Plant

Salary Range: $36,920.00 - $60,902.40

Closing date: Open Until Filled

Work Schedule: Monday - Friday 7:00AM until 3:30PM until an operator shift is assumed, then 12 hour shifts 8:00AM to 8:00PM

Job Overview

Responsible for learning all aspects of the operation and maintenance of the city's wastewater treatment facilities; responsible for assisting certified wastewater control operators with duties and maintenance of the plant after successfully completing orientation and trainee instruction. This position is designed and set up for the progressive movement into a Certified Shift Operator position. Therefore, the candidate hired for this position will be the next staff member to fill the open shift when it becomes available.NOTE:Â Employee may be required to respond to a disaster, either natural or man-made, to serve the citizens of Statesville. Service to the citizens during a disaster may result in the assignment of other duties, which will take precedence over duties described in this job description. This job description is not intended to be all-inclusive. Employees may perform other related duties as needed to meet the needs of the organization.

• Learns to properly operate and maintain all aspects of the wastewater treatment facility under the instruction and oversight of a certified operator.
• Learns the fundamentals of proper wastewater treatment by participating in a wide variety of on-the-job tasks and through classes, correspondence courses, and general reading.
• Learns to make necessary adjustments to the treatment process to ensure compliance with all rules, regulations, and the facility's standard operating procedures.
• Learns to perform minor repairs and preventative maintenance on plant equipment and structures; assists the maintenance staff as necessary with major or unusual maintenance tasks.
• Takes readings and measurements concerning unit processes, collects samples, records measurements, and helps maintain accurate records of plant operational and maintenance functions.
• Learns to perform basic physical and chemical analysis to monitor treatment efficiency.
• Informs the Wastewater Treatment Plant Lead Operator of any observed or suspected problems, then proceeds with corrective or preventative action, as instructed.
• Learns and demonstrates appropriate safety precautions and procedures for all tasks.
• Assists in grounds and building maintenance.
• Performs other duties as assigned.
  
  

Minimum Education And/or Experience

• High School Diploma or GED.
  
  

Special Requirements

• Possession of a valid N.C. driver's license or ability to obtain within 60 days of establishing a permanent residence in North Carolina.Â
• Ability to obtain a Wastewater 1 License within one (1) year.
• Ability to obtain a Wastewater 2 License within two (2) years.
• The City of Statesville requires no less than a State of North Carolina grade 2 Wastewater Certification to remain employed as a WWTP Operator.
  
  

Pay Rate/Career Development

• Starting Pay as a Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator Trainee is a grade 13. Â
  
  

 After Obtaining Level I Certification will receive 5% increase.  Each certification level will be eligible for a 5% pay increase, as applicable, per City policies. * A Wastewater Level II will be the maximum grade to be obtained while in this position.  Once this staff member moves into an open shift operator position, they can move onto a Levell III and IV certification. * A Wastewater Level I & II certification must be able to demonstrate the basics of Wastewater Treatment operations and process control lab work with the minimal number of errors. * A Wastewater Level III & IV Certified Operator must demonstrate advanced knowledge of the Wastewater Treatment operations and process control lab work with few to no errors.

Knowledge, Skills, And AbilitiesÂ

• Knowledge of the operating characteristics, maintenance requirements, tools, and equipment required of wastewater treatment plant operations.
• Knowledge of the state and federal water and wastewater treatment quality regulations.
• Knowledge of hydraulic, chemical, and mechanical principles pertinent to wastewater treatment plant operations.
• Knowledge of the occupational hazards and the necessary safety precautions for this work.
• Ability to detect defects in the operation of mechanical equipment and to determine proper remedial measures.
• Ability to conduct routine water quality tests, read meters and charts accurately, and then correctly record results.
• Ability to operate, maintain, and repair a variety of wastewater collection and treatment equipment.
• Ability to maintain accurate records and create detailed reports.
• Ability to communicate ideas clearly, concisely, and effectively, both orally and in writing.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with colleagues, other departments, supervisors, and the general public.
  
  

Job Related Physical Activity Requirements

This position involves heavy work requiring the exertion of 100 pounds of force occasionally, up to 50 pounds of force frequently, and up to 20 pounds of force constantly to move objects. Physical activity related to this position may require the use of fingers and hands, climbing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, crawling, reaching, pushing, pulling, lifting, grasping, and repetitive motions; vocal communication is required to express or exchange ideas by means of the spoken word and to convey detailed or important instructions to others; hearing is required to respond to spoken words and to receive and understand information; visual acuity is required for visual inspection involving small defects and/or small parts, use of measuring or testing devices, operation of machines or equipment, determining the accuracy and thoroughness of work, and observing general surroundings and activities.

Working Conditions

The employee is subject to both indoor and outdoor environmental conditions including extreme heat and cold, rain, snow, fumes, odors, dust, gases, oils, vibration, poor ventilation, wastewater, and hazards including exposure to chemicals, moving mechanical parts, electrical currents, work in narrow or confined spaces, and may be exposed to blood and other potentially infectious materials. Employees are required to be "on-call," and may work nights, weekends, or during emergency situations. After instruction and orientation, quality, and speed of work on routine duties should steadily become comparable to that of a certified operator. The employee typically works shifts in combination with certified Wastewater Plant Operators yet may, after an appropriate training period and demonstration of competency, be assigned to work certain shifts alone. The employee is directly supervised by, and work is evaluated by the Wastewater Treatment Plant Lead Operator on shift. This position is designed and set up for the progressive movement into a Certified Shift Operator position. Therefore, the candidate hired for this position will be the next staff member to fill the open shift when it becomes available.