Wastewater Lead Operator

Description

Wastewater Lead Operator Hourly Pay: $25.34

Schedule:

Days and Hours Vary

Definition:  Responsible supervisory work in the operation of a wastewater treatment plant.  Work will involve coordinating and supervising the treatment plant operators as well as primary responsibility for coordinating the repair of plant equipment with Maintenance Tech.  Work is performed in accordance with the established operating procedures, laboratory and wastewater plant standards.  The Lead Operator shall have considerable latitude in developing ways to solve a variety of operating problems. The operator in this class makes decisions based upon his observation and laboratory results; however the more serious operating problems are referred to the plant supervisor for final decision. The Lead Operator will have full supervision responsibility over subordinate operators. This position is immediately subordinate to the Wastewater Supervisor; an employee in this class assumes the duties and responsibilities of the Wastewater Supervisor in his absence.

Essential Functions:    (Essential functions, as defined under the Americans with Disabilities Act, may vary among positions, but may include the following tasks, knowledge, abilities, skills and other characteristics.  This list of tasks is ILLUSTRATIVE ONLY and not intended to be a comprehensive listing of tasks performed by all positions in the classification.)

Tasks:

• Coordinate the work of all plant operators.
• Develops new operating instructions in coordination with wastewater supervisor, passes on new instructions and trains all operators in their implementation and reviews operating reports.
• Perform preventive maintenance of plant equipment and overhaul same if required.
• Create and maintain preventive maintenance schedules for all plant equipment and systems.
• Maintain operating schedules and expected to be able to recognize malfunctions and other operating problems and to take corrective action based on experience.
• Cleaning and general maintenance of facilities.
• Monitor the rate of flow throughout plant.
• Read and record a variety of meters, flow charts and keep log sheets.
• Operate bar screens, grit chambers and other related equipment.
• Take scheduled laboratory samples throughout the plant and perform simple lab tests in the field.
• Will be required to operate light equipment.
• Responsible for materials and equipment necessary for day-to-day operation of the plant.
• Prepares daily and monthly reports of wastewater treatment plant, operating conditions, analyzes all operational standards and safety requirements.
• Will be required to wear self-contained breathing apparatus.
• Will be required to drive a City vehicle.
• Will be required to work the rotating on call schedule and weekend plant checks.

Knowledge, Abilities, Skills and Other Characteristics:

• Thorough knowledge of plant operating principles of a wastewater treatment plant.
• Knowledge of operation of pumps, motors, electrical and mechanical control mechanisms and related wastewater treatment equipment.

• Knowledge of occupational hazards and safety precautions necessary in a wastewater plant.
• Knowledge of different mechanical and electrical tools and how they work.
• Knowledge of laboratory tests used to control the operational aspects of a wastewater plant.
• Knowledge in operating a computer.
• Ability to read wastewater plant diagrams and operating manuals.
• Ability to read charts, meters and keep accurate operating records.
• Ability to lead and direct subordinate operators.

Qualifications:

• Five years increasing experience in the operation of a wastewater treatment plant, 2 years of which must be in an activated sludge, batch reaction or similar type plant. 
• One (1) year experience as a supervisor, foreman or similar.
• Must possess and maintain a class 4 wastewater facilities certification issued by the State of New Mexico.
• Must be able to respond to emergencies when on call within the requirements of the wastewater policy. Includes rotating on call schedule and weekend plant checks
• Must possess and maintain a solid waste composting certificate or acquire within one (1) year of hire.
• High school diploma/GED.
• Valid New Mexico driver’s license. 
• No beards allowed, mustaches are permitted if trimmed and do not interfere with the use of a SCBA.
• Hair length must not interfere with use of an SCBA.
• Must have successfully completed a training course in confined space rescue.
• Must participate in continuing safety education to include, but not limited to chlorine safety and confined space rescue.  

Physical Functions:

• Must be able to lift up to 75 pounds occasionally (i.e. up to one third of work day), from ground to waist level.
• Ability to lift up to 30 lbs. Frequently to constantly (i.e., from one-third up to entire work day), from ground to shoulder level.
• Ability to sit up to four hours at one time, and up to eight hours total per day.
• Ability to stand and/or walk for up to four hours at one time, and up to eight hours total per day.
• Ability to climb in and out of equipment cabs when needed to assist crew in performance of duties.
• Must be able to crouch, kneel, and remain in a prone position for up to 30 minutes at one time.
• Must be able to bend at the waist, and twist/rotate as necessary, in excess of 50 times total per day.
• Must be able to work with arms bent or extended for up to four hours at one time, and up to eight hours total per day.
• Must be able to push/pull with arms, with a force up to five pounds for up to four hours at one time, and up to eight hours total per day.
• Must be able to maintain balance while climbing in and out of equipment cabs, and while lifting and/or carrying heavy objects.
• Must be able to push with legs with up to 40 pounds of force, to operate foot controls of heavy equipment for up to four hours at one time, and up to eight hours total per day.  Must be able to twist/rotate legs and feet at times in order to operate foot controls.
• Must be able to use hands and fingers to grasp/manipulate levers and steering wheel in a bilaterally coordinated manner.  Must also be able to use hands and fingers to grasp/manipulate writing utensils and other materials used in the performance of administrative duties.
• Must be able to coordinate use of hands and eyes in operation of heavy equipment, as needed. 
• Must be able to coordinate use of hands and eyes in operation of vehicle and various pieces of office equipment.

Working Conditions:

• Performs work both indoors and outdoors.
• Temperature depends on weather conditions.
• Worker is exposed to noise and vibration factors.
• Worker is exposed to exhaust fumes, dust, and mists.
• Work is performed on even or uneven terrain.  Surface may be wet or dry, on hard surfaces or dirt roads.  Grease or oil may be found on working surfaces.  Work may be performed on inclines.
• Work hazards include and exposure of skin to gasses and fumes.
• Exposure to unpleasant odors.
• In required areas wear a respirator as necessary.

Equipment, Tools, and Materials:

• Composting equipment.
• Tractor.
• City vehicle.
• Compost trailer.
• Hand tools.
• Plumbing tools.
• Welder

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