Wastewater Operator - City of Liberal

The fundamental reason this classification exists is to provide assistance in the maintenance of a Wastewater Treatment Plant and Collection System.   The Wastewater Services Maintenance Operator I performs a wide variety skilled and semi-skilled functions in order to meet Federal, State, and local discharge requirements. Work is performed under the general supervision of the Wastewater Services Maintenance Forman and/or Wastewater Services Director on the basis of results achieved.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Maintains wastewater treatment and sludge processing equipment to control flow and processing of wastewater, sludge, and effluent such as pumps, motors, air compressors, blowers, thickeners, valves and gates;
• Maintains machinery and mechanical equipment in operation and detects and reports deficiencies in the operational process;
• Performs a variety of activities related to wastewater treatment facility operations including monitoring and adjusting plant control systems, monitoring of treatment processes and maintenance of plant grounds.
• Cleans equipment and facilities;
• Unloads, stores, and uses various chemicals such as chlorine;
• Maintains legible, accurate records of maintenance operations;
• Responds to chemical emergency alarms wearing appropriate personal protective equipment such as respirators and Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA);
• Inspects, repairs, and maintains machinery and mechanical equipment in operation and detects deficiencies in the operational process.
• Demonstrates continuous effort to improve operations, decrease turnaround times, streamline work processes, and work cooperatively and jointly to provide quality customer service.

Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:
Knowledge of:

• Basic construction and maintenance methods, procedures, tools, equipment, supplies and materials.
• Operation of a variety of light or heavy construction equipment.
• Safety practices in the operation of electrical and mechanical equipment used in wastewater treatment plants.
• Basic mathematics.
• Wastewater treatment plant processes.

Skill in:

• The methods, practices, and techniques used in the operation of the equipment utilized in wastewater treatment.
• The use of a variety of hand tools.
• The operation of light equipment

Ability to:

• Learn basic principles and practices of wastewater treatment.
• Learn basic chemistry
• Perform a variety of construction, repair and maintenance tasks.
• Maintain annual Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA) certification through quarterly refresher training and annual physical examination per Occupational Safety and Health Administration standards.
• Understand and follow oral and written instructions in the English language.
• Enter data or information into a terminal, PC or other keyboard device.
• Work cooperatively with other City employees.
• Work safely without presenting a direct threat to self or others and comply with Confined Space Entry and chemical emergency procedures.
• Observe or monitor data, machinery, and equipment to determine compliance with prescribed operating or safety standards.
• Work rotating shifts, including holidays and weekends.
• Work with and around chemicals, effluent or similar solutions using only normal protective equipment.
• Some positions will require the performance of other essential and marginal functions depending upon work location, assignment or shift.

Work Environment:

• Enter data or information into a terminal, PC or other keyboard device.

• Move heavy objects (50 pounds or more) short distances (20 feet or less).
• Move light objects (less than 20 pounds) long distances (more than 20 feet).
• Travel across rough, uneven, or rocky surfaces.
• Bend or stoop repeatedly or continually over time.
• Work in a variety of weather conditions with exposure to the elements.
• Lift arms above shoulder level.
• Climb ladders or steps to reach objects.

Requirements:

• Possession of, or ability to obtain, a Class B CDL license by the end of the probationary period.
• Participation in on-call rotation and callback emergency response.

• Work rotating shifts, including holidays and weekends.

• Individuals must be physically capable of operating the vehicles safely, possess a valid driver's license and have an acceptable driving record. Use of a personal vehicle for City business will be prohibited if the employee is not authorized by the City designated physician to drive a City vehicle or if the employee does not have personal insurance coverage.
• This position is subject to the City of Liberal’s Drug and Alcohol Testing Policy which includes one or more of the following: pre-employment testing, post-accident testing, Reasonable suspicion testing, and follow-up testing.
• Must pass a criminal background check.

ACCEPTABLE EXPERIENCE AND TRAINING:

One year of experience in the operation and maintenance of mechanical equipment. Incumbent should be in possession of, or have the ability to obtain, a Class I or II Wastewater Treatment Operator certificate from the State of Kansas. Other combinations of experience and education that meet the minimum requirements may be substituted.