Job Information
City of Hutchinson Wastewater Plant Operator in Hutchinson, Minnesota
- Performs wastewater plant operations, including: a. Primarily responsible for operating the wastewater treatment plant through the use of general knowledge and skills associated with activated sludge mechanical wastewater treatment processes. b. Uses the SCADA computer for operational control and monitoring of the plant; which may include interpreting treatment status, changing operating parameters, use trending for troubleshooting and process adjustment to gain efficiency and optimization. c. Collects and interprets operational data performing daily rounds at the wastewater plant and completing the daily log sheets. Routine use of a computer to enter data, analyze trends, spot inaccuracies or issues, track maintenance, and intra/interdepartmental communications. d. Enter and chart essential plant meter readings and information ensuring that it accurately reflects plant operations. e. Visually inspects screens, biofilters, aerators, electronic controls, samplers, analyzers, compressors, chemical feed systems and any other process equipment. f. Responsible for daily inspection of all plant and lift station process, control and monitoring equipment. g. Completes work orders hand tools, testing and monitoring devices, and small power tools and documents all procedures performed on all equipment. Enters completed work orders into a computerized maintenance management system. h. Follows all sampling and testing protocol required by federal, state and local operational testing. Assists with recording, filing and interpreting sample data. Performs lab work on weekends/holidays as assigned, and respective duties in the absence of the Laboratory Specialist. i. Perform operations required for biosolids management program, including efficiently operating and monitoring the biosolids dewatering presses and digestion equipment, hauling and systematically applying biosolids, and conducting field sampling as required to maintain acreage certification. j. Hauls, loads, unloads, packs, and transfers materials by hand or with light or heavy equipment and vehicles. k. Operates pumps, generators, heaters, saws, and other portable power equipment. l. Researches product supply, repair parts, and maintains personal knowledge of the latest innovative equipment and troubleshooting techniques. m. Operates communications equipment. 2. Performs wastewater plant maintenance, in coordination with the Wastewater Maintenance Operators, including: a. Assists with coordinating and scheduling repairs and performs preventative maintenance on plant equipment components including electrical system components and controls, mechanical system components, plumbing system components, small engines, pumps, panels, and gauges. b. Helps plan and execute process tank and vessel outages, cleaning, inspection and maintenance. c. Makes appropriate, approved equipment modifications and fabricates items as directed. d. Reads operations, equipment and maintenance manuals to discern methods, tools and supplies required to complete operational and maintenance tasks. e. Completes work orders and documents tasks and procedures performed. f. Enters work order completion into a computerized maintenance management system. g. Performs routine and operator-level maintenance on fleet vehicles assigned to the wastewater plant. h. Performs metalwork: drilling, cutting, grinding, and welding. 3. Performs customer service functions, responds to requests for service. a. Reviews service issue reports and assists customers with resolving questions about wastewater service quality problems. b. Troubleshoots and identifies likely wastewater service issues that customers are experiencing. c. Uses equipment and analysis to investigate and confirm problems with service lines. 4. Maintain plant instrumentation, including calibration of DO meter, pH meter, flow meters, automatic samplers, and other automated devices. 5. Plan, schedule, coordinate, and manage the execution of annual/seasonal plant p ocess inspection and maintenance projects in cooperation with maintenance operators, Sr WW Operator and WW Manager. 6. Assist contractors and vendors as needed to address operational issues related to areas of responsibility. May collaborate with other Wastewater or city staff, as needed. 7. Assists Public Works department with emergency management functions and emergency maintenance responses as directed. 8. May assist water department personnel with monthly delinquent water shutoffs. 9. Performs snow removal on City streets, alleys, parking lots, and facilities as assigned. 10. Follows all related safety rules and regulations, including confined space entry and lockout/tagout, and operates all equipment and vehicles in a safe manner. Attends required safety trainings. 11. Attend process and equipment trainings for continued education credits to maintain and advance water/wastewater license certifications, and to increase knowledge and skill base of current and revolutionary treatment methods. 12. Engage with others, including but not limited to Public Works Managers, Operators and Sr. Operators, utility customers/general public, maintenance service contractors, personnel from other city, county, or state departments or agencies, and City Administrative personnel, in order to ensure operational needs are met for the treatment facility. 13. Participates in the rotating weekend/holiday schedule with the water and wastewater personnel. Responds to after-hours call outs for all water and wastewater emergencies. 14. Performs light building maintenance and housekeeping/custodial duties at the wastewater plant. 15. Performs other duties and responsibilities as required and as directed. EQUIPMENT Primary equipment includes: All related wastewater treatment/collection equipment; portable pumps and generators; laboratory equipment; testing and monitoring devices; hand and power tools; communications equipment including two-way radios, cellular telephones, personal computers and related software. Operate City-owned vehicles and equipment; including jetter/vac truck, commercial vehicles, front-end loaders, agricultural tractors and implements. Operate facility maintenance and janitorial equipment; such as snow blowers, mowers, utility vehicles, power industrial trucks, power hand tools, and cleaning equipment. WORKING CONDITIONS Indoor and outdoor work in all weather. Exposure to temperature extremes, wet/or humid conditions and unpleasant odors. Physical health hazards possible from moving vehicles and equipment, chemicals and toxic gases, electrical shock and exposure to sharps and infectious materials. Work from high places, confined spaces, or while being suspended. Normal workday is Monday-Friday day shift with some variable hours as needed and for emergency call-outs. Rotating weekend/holiday duty involves shifts at water and wastewater plants and being on call. Will be required to respond physically or verbally, as necessary, to alarms or emergency conditions within 30 minutes when available.