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CITY OF GIG HARBOR
WASTEWATER TREATMENT PLANT OPERATOR

Nature of Work

This is skilled technical work in the operation and maintenance of the Wastewater Treatment Plant. Employees occupying positions of this class are responsible for the operation and general maintenance of a wastewater treatment and disposal system utilizing wastewater lift stations, pressure mains and biological treatment in a single plant. Work involves operating, inspecting, and maintaining plant and systems equipment; making required chemical tests and analysis; and monitoring control and alarm equipment. Employees may work overtime and are subject to 24-hour call during scheduled duty periods and emergencies.

Controls Over the Work

Under general supervisory control of the Public Works Director, and direct control of the WWTP Supervisor, incumbents operate with relative independence of action in planning and carrying out day-to-day activities. Technical guidance in the form of operating procedures and processes has been established by equipment manufacturers, design engineers, and the Department of Ecology. As the city's technical authority in wastewater treatment and disposal, incumbents will be confronted with problems for which these guidelines are inadequate, requiring the exercise of sound judgment in modifying or extending traditional methods with the approval of the WWTP Supervisor and the Public Works Director. In the resolution of serious operational problems, the incumbents may consult with the manufacturer's local representatives as well as the Public Works Director, City Engineer, and WWTP Supervisor. Supervision may be exercised over one or two maintenance workers or laborers. Work is reviewed mainly for effectiveness in meeting the established processes and procedures, conformance with Federal and State laws, department rules, regulations and policies, and resolution of problems as they occur.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Operates a wastewater treatment and disposal plant which provides treatment of wastewater through stages. Operates gate valves to hold or discharge wastewater in fluids. Provides secondary treatment of wastewater through oxidation tanks where nonsettling solids are disposed of by biological growths. Discharges treated effluent through the outfall for disposal into harbor.
• In the absence of the Supervisor, periodically collects samples from the incoming wastewater, recirculated sludge, discharges effluent, aeration chamber, and digester to determine such things as biochemical oxygen demand; temperatures, PH, suspended and dissolved solids; food to micro-organism rates; recirculation rates, chlorine residual; etc. Test results are correlated and the treatment process is adjusted to maintain the best possible treatment of wastewater at the lowest reasonable cost.
• Maintains operator log to record daily flow of wastewater; reads flow meters, records readings and replaces meter charts; records daily maintenance performed on equipment; records amount of chemicals used and chlorine residual. Maintains chlorination system and connects full cylinders as needed.
• Stores, and accounts for chemicals and other materials.
• Inspects and maintains plant and system equipment which includes assuring proper operation of wastewater lift stations by checking operation of pumps, valves and ventilators; cleaning and servicing equipment; and checking telemetry alarm system which detects malfunctioning equipment.
• Operates auxiliary diesel power generators to maintain plant and system operations during commercial power failure.
• Oversees the general maintenance of plant buildings and grounds.
• Works with toxic and dangerous chemicals and follows all safety requirements directed by the State of Washington Department of Labor & Industries and related safety program initiated by the Director and Supervisor and the Public Works Director.
• Performs other duties as required by designated supervisors.

Knowledge, Abilities, and Skills

• Thorough knowledge of secondary wastewater treatment processes and the operation of plant and wastewater system equipment.
• Thorough knowledge of Federal, State, and local laws, regulations and procedures.
• Thorough knowledge of attendant laboratory test equipment and procedures for collecting and testing wastewater samples.
• Working knowledge of the principals and application of electrical motors and hydraulic equipment and mechanical equipment troubleshooting and repair.
• Ability to analyze wastewater test results and determine adjustments needed to increase, decrease, or stabilize treatment processes -and- gain accurate and necessary information for required records and reports.
• Ability to operate and maintain plant and wastewater system equipment and facilities.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with city employees and officials, manufacturer's representatives, and other municipal technicians and officials. Ability to effectively communicate orally and in writing.

Physical Demands and Work Environment

Work is normally out-of-doors. Plant operation, inspection, and systems maintenance exposes the incumbents to discomforts such as adverse weather conditions, noxious and toxic fumes and gasses, and infection and disease carried by raw wastewater. A considerable amount of activity is required involving walking, bending, stooping, reaching, lifting items of considerable amount of activity is required involving walking, bending, stooping, reaching, lifting items of considerable weight, and climbing stairs. Work requires average physical agility and dexterity.

Qualifications Required

Minimum: Graduation from a two year college of University with major course work in Public Health, engineering or related field and one or more years experience in work related to the position;

OR

three years experience in general maintenance and trades-related work including one year in work related to the position;

AND

have or be able to acquire within six months a Washington state Operator's License for Class I plants.