Plant Operator

Job Description

Job Description

Plant Operator

Summary :

The Plant Operator will apply acquired knowledge of wastewater treatment to successfully manage the overall plant operations. Operators also apply their skills to routine troubleshoot plant processes and perform preventative maintenance of plant equipment.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities : (Other duties may be assigned.)

• Understand all plant equipment operations and its relationship on the successful processing of influent wastewater. Operators will analyze process conditions and determine the optimal plant operating requirements. This analysis will be based on visual observations of plant conditions as well as mathematical calculations to determine process adjustments.
• Display the ability to comprehend and apply complex equipment operation and processing regimens for the plant treatment process. This would include sampling techniques; monitoring sludge depths; reading meters, gauges, and automated recording devices; and the ability to adjust manual controls to override automatic systems when adjustments are needed.
• Perform physical tasks in maintaining the plant process, such as : flow sampling, grit and sludge removal, tank cleaning, adjusting flow feed rates, equipment maintenance, valve control, mixing of chemical additives, plant clean-up, and vehicle operation for hopper moving.
• Display the ability to properly maintain equipment and complete processes through troubleshooting and performing basic maintenance of plant equipment as needed.
• Proficiently utilize mobile data recording devices (tablets) to capture process and equipment performance information.
• Performs any combination of (but not limited to) the following duties according to specific departmental guidelines :
• Operate air compressors.
• Collects process and compliance data via mobile data entry.
• Inspects equipment and interpret gauges, charts, and meters.
• Adjusts valves, fans, engine speeds, fuel supply, pump pressures and steam pressures as required to maintain proper operating levels.
• Lubricates equipment and checks bearing temperatures, fluid levels and operating pressures.
• Packs pumps, replaces bushings, bearings, motor brushes and drive belts.
• Orders required parts, supplies and equipment as needed.
• Keeps operating log of equipment in service and records temperatures, pressures and reservoir elevations and other operating data.
• Performs clean-up and painting of equipment and work area. Always maintains a neat and orderly work environment.
• Observe safe work practices.
• Performs other duties of a similar nature may be required.

Competencies :

Core Competencies (6) :

Functional Competencies (4) :

Qualifications :

Education / Experience / Licensing :

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities :

Physical Demands :

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Items Used

% of time used

Handheld tools (hammers, shovels, sledgehammer, etc.)

50%

Equipment (quickie saw, drills, jackhammer, etc.)

5%

Heavy equipment (backhoes, skid steers, etc.)

10%

Machinery (pumps, motors, mounted saws, etc.)

10%

Computer or Laptop

25%

Please list the items that are used in this position and the associated % of time :

Positions

% of time in position

Up to how much weight

Standing

35%

Walking

40%

Lifting or moving

10%

50 lbs

Climbing or balancing

5%

Pulling

10%

50 lbs

Pushing

10%

50 lbs

Cramped or confined spaces

5%

Sitting

10%

Stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl

35%

Other positions and the associated % of time :

Work Environment and Conditions :

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Exposure to conditions

% of time exposed

Dirt / Mud

25%

Significant heat

5%

Significant cold

5%

Smoke or fumes

2%

Harmful chemicals

15%

Water or wastewater

15%

Moderate or louder noise

5%

Vibration

2%

Grease or oil

20%

Electric shock risk

5%

Dust / Shavings

25%

Office Environment

10%