Wastewater Plant Operator- INTERNAL CANDIDATES ONLY

The City of Louisville invites motivated individuals to apply for our Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator position. The successful candidate will be hired based on the level of their Wastewater license, (A/B/C/D or Wastewater Operator Trainee), and other qualifications. Wastewater Operators progress through a career ladder with increasing responsibilities and compensation as they obtain additional experience and Wastewater licenses.

Come work in our state of the art Wastewater Plant which completed construction of a BNR facility in 2017 and utilizes sophisticated Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition systems (SCADA)and LIMS platforms to monitor and modify plant processes.

The Wastewater Operator performs skilled work in the operation and maintenance of a wastewater treatment plant. Work is performed independently within established guidelines and procedures. The incumbent is expected to make appropriate, routine changes to the operations of the plant. Assignments are received in either written or oral form, usually in daily or weekly schedules or special assignments. Work is evaluated by inspection, review of reports, conferences, by condition of facilities, adherence to standards, and efficiency of operations. Performs other task as required.

***OPEN FOR INTERNAL CANDIDATES ONLY TO APPLY***

• Operates, monitors and inspects a wastewater treatment plant and related facilities and makes operating process changes based upon data collected from routine tests and gauge/meter readings; operates and calibrates plant process controls, ultraviolet light disinfection system, sludge dewatering/thickening equipment, polymer systems, reclaim water treatment facility, and chlorine disinfection system.

• Collects, records, evaluates and maintains plant data and records. Maintains plant inventory of parts and supplies orders replacements as needed.

• Collects samples of sewage, effluent and sludge at various stages of processing and runs routine laboratory tests.
• Inspects plant and related facilities; starts and stops pumps; regulates valves and observes flow dials; reads gauges and records information shown.
• Diagnoses and corrects mechanical and electrical problems; performs preventive maintenance and makes repairs; assists in disassembling, repairing, and reassembling pumps and equipment as required; maintains and calibrates meters and testing equipment.
• Utilizes SCADA automated controlled system to assist with monitoring the plant and to identify problems; Also uses system for troubleshooting and operating.
• Utilizes database programs to analyze and recognize trends and various forms of data that aid in overall plant process improvement, data driven process changes and optimization efforts.
• Assists in optimizing plant operations, energy, and chemical usage.
• Uses proper PPE when necessary and maintains vigilant focus on safety hazards. Alerts Supervisor of safety concerns in a timely manner. Actively participates in the development of a safety oriented team environment.
• Conducts visual inspections of working apparatus and grounds
• Performs housekeeping duties such as sweeping and mopping floors, washing windows, painting, light building maintenance and grounds keeping.
• Senior Level operators may serve in the capacity as the Plant Manager during absences.
• Exemplify the City's ICARE values of Innovation, Collaboration, Accountability, Respect, and Excellence on a daily basis to provide a vibrant, healthy community with the best small town atmosphere.
• Other duties as assigned

EDUCATION, TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE:

• Completion of a high school diploma or equivalent, prefer experience in technical training, or college courses in biology, chemistry, and/or mathematics.
• Prefer strong mechanical and/or electrical background in addition to one year experience.
• Demonstrated mechanical aptitude including ability to operate machinery and equipment.

• Must possess and maintain a valid State of Colorado Driver's License with an acceptable driving record (no major violations within last 3 years)

• State of Colorado Water Treatment Operator Certification License is preferred but will consider a Trainee:

• Trainee Ability to obtain Class D within 6 months of hire.

• Level D: Class D Wastewater Operator License.
• Level C: Class C Wastewater Operator License .
• Level B: Class B Wastewater Operator License .

• Level A: Class A Wastewater Operator License.

• Note: Wastewater Operator License not required for Trainee position.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

• Knowledge of the operation and maintenance of wastewater processing equipment.
• Knowledge of federal, state, and local laws as they affect the operation and management of wastewater treatment facilities.
• Knowledge of the operation and maintenance of wastewater processing equipment.
• Knowledge of equipment, such as pumps and controls, motors, gears, diesel generators, chlorinators, and other equipment.
• Knowledge of basic chemistry, biology and laboratory procedures as applied to wastewater processing.
• Skill in operating a variety of assigned equipment and tools.
• Skill in operating motor vehicles and snow plows.
• Skill in reading and interpreting the data on meters, gauges, and flow charts.
• Skill in the use of a personal computer and Microsoft Office, including but not limited to Microsoft Word, Outlook and Excel. Proficient in data entry.
• Skilled in electrical, plumbing, pipe fitting, welding, pump repair and other mechanical repairs.
• Ability to communicate effectively verbally and in writing; demonstrated ability to function as part of team
• Ability to follow complex processes and procedures;
• Ability to use computers and computer software;
• Ability to detect flaws in operations and solve operating problems.
• Ability to perform preventive maintenance, make repairs to equipment and buildings, and to perform grounds maintenance.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with coworkers and supervisors.
• Ability to accurately read meters, gauges, and flow charts, record them on the proper forms, and to record test results.
• Ability to be on call, work nights, weekends, holidays, and shift work.
• Ability to efficiently achieve thoroughness and accuracy when performing tasks.
• Ability to accurately and consistently follow safety protocols
• Ability to perform accurate mathematical calculations as part of process control and adjustments

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS OF THE JOB:

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is required to use hands, fingers, handle, or feel tools or controls; read, speak and hear; and taste or smell. The employee frequently is required to stand; walk, sit; reach with hands and arms; climb or balance; and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. Ability to stand, walk, and/or climb for approximately 90% of the shift. The remaining 10% of the shift is typically sitting and working at a computer. The employee must frequently lift and/or move 50 pounds and on occasion as much as 100 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus. The employee is frequently exposed to wet and/or humid conditions, moving mechanical parts, fumes or airborne particles, toxic or caustic chemicals, and risk of electrical shock. The employee is exposed to outside weather conditions and vibration. The noise level in the work environment is normally moderate but on occasion can be loud. Hearing protection may be required in some areas. The employee is required to climb stairs and ladders to reach the top of, and drop into wastewater storage tanks of up to 30 feet while performing their job.

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

The employee is frequently exposed to wet and/or humid conditions, moving mechanical parts, fumes or airborne particles, toxic or caustic chemicals, and risk of electrical shock. The employee is occasionally exposed to outside weather conditions and vibration. The noise level in the work environment is normally moderate but on occasion can be loud. The employee may be required to climb stairs to reach the top of, and drop into, water storage tanks in performing their job.

OTHER NECESSARY REQUIREMENTS:

Candidates will be required to complete and pass a pre-placement physical, and a background investigation prior to employment.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER:

The City of Louisville offers Equal Opportunity for employment and advancement to all qualified applicants and employees. It is the City's policy not to discriminate on the basis of race, religion, creed, sex, age, national origin, ancestry or disability unless related to a bona fide occupation qualification. This policy applies to all aspects of employment and the provision of municipal services. The Human Resources Director has been designated as the compliance coordinator for persons with disabilities seeking employment and will provide reasonable accommodations for testing and employment to qualified applicants.