Wastewater Collection System Operator

GENERAL PURPOSE

Performs a variety of "restricted", entry level duties related the construction and maintenance of the City's wastewater collection infrastructure and wastewater treatment facility and equipment.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED

Works under the broad policy guidance and direction of the Wastewater System Supervisor/Operator IV.

SUPERVISION EXERCISED:

None.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Main Duties:

Collection & Field Operations: Performs daily operation and maintenance of the city wastewater collection system, including lift stations, manholes, yard, backup generators, and various pumps and motors; oversees and performs ongoing preventative maintenance, including, greasing, changing oil on pumps, adjusting belts and pulleys, changing out pumps and motors, unclogging pumps, etc. as needed to ensure efficient and effective delivery of raw sewage to treatment facilities.

Performs collection system inspections; correct structural deficiencies, eliminating infiltration and stoppages of wastewater mains. Performs daily maintenance and repair of equipment used; operate jet truck, power rodder, root cutter and other equipment; operates jackhammer; repairs and rebuilds manholes, and the repair of wastewater mains, replacement of covers; operate metal detector and/or SOND locaters to locate concealed manholes and raise to grade. Document and maps collection system, records pipe size, direction of flow and congestion status, determines need for cleaning or other maintenance; prepares and files inspection and cleaning reports.

Performs confined space entry to access collection system lines; performs maintenance and cleaning as needed while supported by specialized safety equipment; ensures proper set up and application of safety equipment, including davit arm hoist, tripod and with self-retracting lifeline (SRL); calibrates, setup, and operate gas detectors for confined space entry; prepares confined space entry permit as required; assesses overhead, atmosphere and tripping hazards; ensures effective use of support harness and related equipment.

Operates a high velocity jet truck; cleans and maintains existing wastewater lines. Also provides vac truck operation to resolve water leaks in the system operates television inspection truck used to inspect main sewer lines and lift station pumping systems.

Operates television viewing and inspection equipment to detect wastewater line leaks obstructions; sets up power equipment; performs maintenance and repairs of specialty equipment; operates jet cleaning unit to clean ditches and culverts; performs dye testing to deter origins of problems; performs maintenance and repairs of electrical parts on TV truck.

Responds to sewer emergencies; performs emergency repair services dealing with breaks, backups and other issues; organizes and utilizes necessary resources, including staff and equipment; such as combo jet/vac trucks, CCTV inspection equipment, crane trucks and trash pumps as needed; coordinates with TSSD if additional resources and help are needed.

Performs related duties as required.

Cross train with wastewater treatment facility personnel. Help with wastewater treatment plant operations when required.

Secondary Duties:

Treatment Facility: Performs daily operation and maintenance of the city wastewater treatment facility; maintains clarifiers, buildings, yard, backup generator, blowers and chlorine disinfection equipment; ensures proper application of effluent water and operation of rapid infiltration basin; ensures proper operation of various pumps and motors.

Monitors and performs ongoing preventative maintenance, including greasing, adjusting belts and pulleys, changing out pumps and motors and unclogging pumps; operates machinery to ensure readiness and effectiveness of service, including skid steers, backhoes, trackhoes, loaders, tractors, crane trucks, jet/vac trucks, forklifts, trash pumps, weed whips, and a variety of hand tools as needed to keep the wastewater treatment facility and the discharge of effluent product running in an efficient manner.

Collects daily and monthly lab samples from various phases of the treatment process as required by the Division of Water Quality (DWQ) and for process control; gathers "grab" samples and from a composite sampler; creates "chain of custody" reports and delivers samples to analytical laboratories; based upon lab results, assists to adjust process rates for activated sludge (RAS) and waste activated sludge (WAS).

Performs daily and weekly tests to verify proper operation and control of the wastewater treatment systems; evaluates concentrations of solids and bacteria for "flocking" and settling in the treatment process; determines additional influence of results and effect upon return activated sludge (RAS) and waste activated sludge (WAS) rates; adjusts rates as needed to prevent disruption of "bug" colonies.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

1. Education and Experience:

1. Graduation from high school or equivalent;

AND

1. No experience necessary

OR

1. An equivalent combination of education and experience.

1. Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

Some knowledge of general trench work and pipefitting; pumping systems; hazards and precautions associated with trench work line construction; interpersonal communication skills; basic hand and power tools required to install and maintain pipe line; pipe classifications and type; the occupational hazards and safety precautions of trench work construction and pipeline maintenance work; hazards common to heavy equipment operation; drain system construction methods etc.; construction requirements for wastewater collections and pumping stations; hazards associated with wastewater collections and treatment chemicals; wastewater line chemical cleaning procedures and associated hazards; state or federal regulations governing installation and maintenance of wastewater systems; water quality laws; interpersonal communication skills; traffic control and diversion; use of respirators; OSHA safety standards.

Skill in the operation of heavy mechanized equipment as required by the position, i.e., computer, backhoe, skidsteer, air compressor, saws, jack hammer, chipping hammer, paint sprayer, dump truck, pumps, chain saw, torches, etc.

Ability to adapt to emergency or unusual situations; tolerate weather extremes in the work place; analyze wastewater system(s), identify problems and determine optimum solutions; make accurate decisions in emergency situations where consequences of error could be costly; develop and maintain effective working relationships with supervisors co-workers, elected officials, local agencies and the general public; communicate effectively verbally and in writing; perform strenuous manual labor. Ability to lift 100 lbs.

1. Special Qualifications:

Must possess a class "A" commercial driver's license (CDL).

Must work on a twenty-four (24) hour stand-by or on call.

Must become a certified Waste Water Collection Systems Operator I within 12 months of date of hire.

Must become a certified flagger.

Must become confined space certified.

Must become forklift certified.

1. Work Environment:

Employees in this position normally work in an outdoor environment, subject to changing and seasonal weather extremes. Frequently, tasks require a variety of physical activities, generally involving muscular strain, related to walking, standing, stooping, sitting, reaching, and lifting; daily potential for hazardous exposure to electrical shock, industrial wastes and raw sewage (containing pathogens such as typhoid, paratyphoid, dysentery, polio, tetanus, etc.); daily exposure to moving parts and equipment such as pumps, motors, heavy equipment, etc.; daily or regular exposure to traffic hazards working in the public right-of-way; daily or regular exposure to hazards associated with confined space operations. Talking, hearing and seeing essential to performing required job functions. Common eye, hand, finger dexterity exist. Mental application utilizes memory for details, verbal instructions, emotional stability, discriminating thinking and creative problem solving.