JOB TITLE: WASTEWATER TREATMENT PLANT OPERATOR

JOB CODE: 97310

SERIES NATURE OF WORK: The Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator series describes work in the operation and maintenance of wastewater treatment plants and associated collection and conveyance systems.

DEFINITION: This is skilled work in the operation and maintenance of wastewater treatment plants.

An employee in this job maintains plant operations to process wastewater in an environmentally safe and efficient manner according to standard operating procedures and regulatory requirements. Positions at this level have responsible charge for assigned facilities or support the responsible charge operator of a complex facility. Work involves operating and maintaining motors, pumps, aerators, filters, digestors, chlorinators, flow meters, and related equipment to control the flow and processing of wastewater; sustaining biological processes by adding air and nutrients to achieve natural self-purification processes, including coagulation of solids, oxidation, and nitrification; performing chemical tests of plant influent and effluent; and documenting and maintaining data regarding plant operations for quality assurance purposes and required submission to regulatory officials. Duties may include assigning and demonstrating operation and maintenance tasks to other staff assigned to wastewater treatment plants. Work is assigned by a Wastewater Treatment Plant Supervisor or an administrative supervisor and is reviewed upon completion for compliance with standard operating procedures and regulatory requirements.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS:

• Positions appropriate to this job serve in the following capacities:

o Functions as the responsible charge operator for up to two wastewater treatment plants with an authorized design capacity of less than 200,000 gallons per day or utilizing wastewater processing techniques other than activated sludge.

o Works under the direction of a chief operator or plant supervisor who has responsible charge for the operation and maintenance of a large and complex wastewater treatment plant with an authorized design capacity of greater than 200,000 gallons per day and utilizing complex activated sludge wastewater processing techniques.

o Works under the direction of a chief operator or plant supervisor who has responsible charge for the operation and maintenance of wastewater treatment plants that supply community wastewater treatment services.

EXAMPLES OF WORK: (NOTE: The examples of work are representative of the work, but every position classified to this job may not perform all examples of work listed. Conversely, this is not an all-inclusive list of work examples.)

• Serves as responsible charge operator for wastewater treatment plants that are not large and complex.

• Makes process control decisions regarding plant operation when in responsible charge.

• Develops standard operating procedures to be used by others to implement process control decisions.

• Performs duties in support of large and complex wastewater treatment plant operations under the direction of an operator with responsible charge.

• Operates and maintains wastewater treatment, sludge processing, and disposal equipment, along with collection and conveyance systems to control flow and processing of wastewater.

• Observes variations in operating conditions and reads meters, gauges, and test results to determine load requirements.

• Collects water samples and performs chemical tests to determine pH level, chlorine residual, settleable solids in the influent and effluent, and dissolved oxygen levels of the effluent.

• Adds chemicals, such as ammonia, chlorine, or lime to disinfect and deodorize water and other liquids.

• Records data on plant operations, equipment maintenance, personnel attendance, and meter and gauge readings and reports required information to regulatory officials.

• Inspects plant equipment and performs repairs, adjustments, and routine preventive maintenance.

• Interacts with Department of Environmental Protection staff on permit issues.

• Travels to various field sites to operate and maintain wastewater treatment plants.

• Operates and maintains circulation pumps and sanitary equipment at a public swimming pool.

• Operates motor vehicles.

• Performs related work as required.

ENTRY LEVEL KNOWLEDGES, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

• Knowledge of processes and techniques used in the operation of wastewater treatment plants, including wastewater collection and conveyance systems, chemical treatment and testing of influent and effluent, and the associated hazards and safety precautions.

• Knowledge of the equipment and tools used in operating and maintaining wastewater treatment plants.

• Knowledge of the use and functionality of Microsoft Office Suite software.

• Ability to perform mathematical computations including addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, area, volume, and ratios.

• Ability to read and interpret digital and analog charts, graphs, meters, and other measuring devices used in wastewater treatment plants.

• Ability to read and interpret wastewater treatment plant data from various sources used to monitor and control plant operations.

• Ability to read and interpret wastewater treatment plant blueprints and equipment schematic diagrams.

• Ability to communicate effectively orally.

• Ability to communicate effectively in writing.

• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships.

MINIMUM EXPERIENCE AND TRAINING: (NOTE: Based on the Entry Level Knowledges, Skills, and Abilities)

• Successful completion of the Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator Trainee (commonwealth title) program and certification as a wastewater treatment plant operator for any class and type of plant;

or

• Possession of a valid certification issued by the Pennsylvania State Board for Certification of Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant Operators as a wastewater treatment plant operator for any class and type of plant.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Certain positions require possession of a valid certification issued by the Pennsylvania State Board for Certification of Water and Wastewater System Operators as a wastewater treatment plant operator that is equal to or greater than the classification and subclassification of the wastewater system to be operated or maintained.

• Certain positions require possession of a valid certification issued by the Pennsylvania State Board for Certification of Water and Wastewater System Operators as a water treatment plant operator that is equal to or greater than the classification and subclassification of the water system to be operated or maintained.

• Certain positions require possession of an active Pennsylvania non-commercial Class C driver's license or equivalent.

• Certain positions require possession of an active pesticide application certification issued by the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture for category 24, Swimming Pools.