Water & Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator

• Must have 2A, 1B, 1C Licenses to be a certified water/wastewater operator

MCA 37-42-303

Department: Public Works

Date: 04/25/2024

GENERAL PURPOSE

Position is responsible for all aspects of the operation of water and wastewater plants and all of the associated infrastructures, and assist in all other tasks of Public Works, roads, parks, sidewalks, trees, cemeteries, repairs, heavy equipment etc. Position performs a variety of technical tasks relative to assigned areas of responsibility.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED

Works under the supervision of the Public Works Supervisor.

SUPERVISION EXERCISED

None.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Performs skilled maintenance work, and operates specialized automotive and/or maintenance equipment, in addition to a wide variety of other equipment. Performs a variety of departmental maintenance duties and performs skilled work in the operation of specialized equipment and vehicles in the operations and maintenance of the Town’s cemeteries, parks, streets, water and wastewater systems.

Assist in the implementation of goals and objectives; identify maintenance problems and areas; provide park, tree, weed, cemetery, road maintenance, water and wastewater services; implement policies and procedures.

Perform park, cemetery, road repair and maintenance, water and wastewater repair and maintenance projects; select appropriate equipment and materials to complete the work according to specifications, written and/or verbal instructions, and established procedures; adapt equipment and materials to meet specific requirements of the work to be accomplished; use hand and power tools; communicate; operate some heavy equipment; drive trucks; have good depth perception; walk distances on uneven ground; visually inspect areas for safety; lift 50 pounds or more and climb ladders.

Conduct appropriate wastewater tests, take wastewater and water samples, and file reports as required.

DESIRED MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Education and Experience:

This position requires wastewater treatment Class 1 and water treatment and distribution certifications. Within 18 months of employment, this position is required to take and pass the Montana State Certification Exam for wastewater treatment Class 1 and begin studying for the Montana State Certification Exam for water treatment and distribution. Water treatment and distribution certification must be attained within 12 months of completing the wastewater treatment certification.

Necessary Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

Knowledge:

This position is required to possess knowledge of wastewater/water treatment, operation of heavy equipment and maintenance, materials, methods and the tools involved in the maintenance and/or repairs of structures such as street and alleys.

An understanding of wastewater treatment process involving Biological Nutrient Removal.

Have a working knowledge of Nitrification and phosphorus removal in a bioreactor basin, employing anoxic and anaerobic zones.

Be familiar with high volume blowers involving air diffusers and aeration of digestive basins.

Knowledge of chemical application in disinfection of drinking water, its benefits and dangers as a toxic additive.

Calculating feed rates of orthophosphate and chlorine using peristatic pumps in milligrams per liter.

Understand and practice safety procedures of handling these and other caustic and poisonous chemicals on a regular basis.

A working knowledge of drafted blueprints of a water and wastewater distribution system, valves, meters, and thrust blocks where they are needed.

Skill to:

Operate pertinent equipment, and perform routine maintenance tasks, using a variety of hand and power tools;

Watch gauges, dials or other indicators to make sure machines are working properly.

Familiar with the operation, maintenance, and rebuilding of submersible, centrifugal, positive displacement, diaphragm, booster, sump, chopper and trash pumps.

Ability to:

Obtain or possess a Montana Commercial Driver’s License within six months.

Communicate and work with engineering firs in developing distribution expansion projects.

Understanding of a SCADA computer system in the progression of our water and wastewater treatment process.

Be able to operate heavy equipment, machinery, such as backhoes, skid steers, jet truck, vac trailer and dump trucks.

Operate chainsaws, hammer drills, concrete cutting saws, and circular hand saws.

Able to climb a step ladder up to 2 feet tall.

Ability to communicate well with our public customers in addressing their concerns and problems, both water and street issues.

Work as a team player and team builder, teaching less experienced and potential future water and wastewater operators from your experience and knowledge.

Use a variety of hand and power tools.

Perform the variety of skills needed to perform major duties.

Establish and maintain positive working relationships with Town employees, supervisors, and the general public.

Operate a computer.

Perform strenuous manual labor under adverse conditions when necessary.

Quickly and repeatedly adjust the controls of a machine or a vehicle to exact positions.

Communicate effectively both verbally and in writing.

Maintain certifications and ongoing education.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

Ability to sit, stand, walk, kneel, crouch, stoop, squat, crawl, twist, climb, push, pull, lift 50 – 75 lbs., distinguish color, and wear protective apparel; exposure to cold, heat, outdoors, vibration, mechanical hazards, electrical hazards, and traffic hazards.

REQUIREMENTS

Town of Stevensville