Acceptance Testing, Analysis Skills, Bacteria, Budget Management, Calibration, Coaching, Customer Support/Service, Driver's License, Electrical Wiring, Electricity, Equipment Maintenance/Repair, Equipment Specification, Establish Priorities, Explosives, Federal Laws and Regulations, Field Trials, Heavy Equipment/Vehicles, Identify Issues, Intravenous Therapies, Inventory Management, Lift/Move 50 Pounds, Maintain Compliance, Multitasking, OSHA, Operational Improvement, Operations, Operations Management, Order Picking/Packing, People Management, Performance Reviews, Problem Solving Skills, Process Control Engineering, Process Development, Project Tracking, Pumps, Regulations, Regulatory Compliance, Request for Information (RFI), Safety Training, Staff Policies, Staff Training, State Laws and Regulations, Time Management, Vehicle Fleets
Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator
Plans, organizes and supervises the daily operations and staff during an assigned shift in the running of wastewater treatment plant and ensures operations are compliant with local, state and federal regulations.
Position functions 25% indoors with no notable adverse environmental conditions and 75% outdoors in all weather conditions. Position is exposed to mechanical and electrical hazards, explosives, burns, large pumps and motors; works with chemicals, gas burners, acids and bases and hydrogen sulfide. Position is exposed to odors and sewage mists high in bacteria and odor. All protective clothing is required, including SCBA, face shields, eye protectors, hard hat, steel toe shoes, chemical protection aprons, hearing protection and any others deemed necessary by the Plant Manager or Safety Officer.
Moderate physical work, including extensive walking, climbing, crawling, kneeling, stooping and using a SCBA when handling chemicals. Visual acuity for fine motor/pump alignment and working in proximity to live electrical wiring; visual acuity to determine residuals for field testing; hearing of engine/motor sounds to identify problems; lifting and carrying items weighing up to 50 pounds; pushing/pulling items 30 feet several times a week.
Position involves competing demands such as occasionally working alone on weekends, evening and swing shifts and holidays; occasionally assuming the duties of a 12-hour day operator shift; adhering to strict deadlines; performing multiple tasks; and responding to public inquiries and complaints. Regular attendance is an essential function of this job to ensure continuity of services. Position is subject to drug testing in accordance with applicable State and Federal regulations and City of Las Cruces policies.
Duties and Responsibilities
- Supervises, organizes and coordinates the daily operations with staff to meet work goals; ensures activities are in compliance with all laws, policies, regulations and goals; demonstrates continuous effort to improve operations, decrease turnaround times, streamline work processes, and work cooperatively and jointly to provide quality seamless customer service; responds to requests for information, and provides technical information within scope of authority.
- Supervises the staff of the assigned shift; meets regularly with staff to resolve workload and technical issues; prioritizes and assigns tasks and projects; trains, cross-trains and evaluates staff; counsels, coaches and instructs employees as required; monitors work and evaluates performance; ensures staff adhere to policies and procedures in compliance with local, state and federal regulations.
- Works with the Plant Manager in the development of the operations budget; maintains data on supplies used and provides input into plans and projects for plant improvement; meets with engineers and contractors to review drawings and prints; reads and reviews prints and plans for new installations.
- Orders and maintains parts and supply inventories; participates in writing equipment specifications; orders parts, equipment and supplies.
- Inspects plant processes, equipment, analysis of instrument readings and laboratory data; turns equipment on and off for treatment process control; assures proper operation of ponds; prepares operations records and reports.
- Ensures the odor control program is operating properly; assigns staff to conduct site monitoring; compiles results to determine chemical dosages to be used; informs plant supervisor when chemicals are needed.
- Responds to customer odor complaints, determines cause, assists customer in rectifying problem and reports findings to supervisor.
- Ensures plant compost program adheres to sludge regulations.
- Serves as the plant safety/training officer; ensures OSHA compliance and safe practices are being followed by staff.
- Submits work orders to maintenance staff; ensures equipment needing repair remains isolated until repaired.
- Participates in the maintenance and calibration of gas monitors; participates in the scheduling of heavy equipment and fleet maintenance.
- Conducts tours of the treatment plant and other facilities.
Minimum Qualifications
Associate Degree in Water Technology or a directly related field PLUS two (2) years of experience in an activated sludge wastewater treatment facility treating at least five MGD, with some supervisory or lead worker experience. A combination of education, experience, and training may be applied in accordance with City of Las Cruces policy.
LICENSES/CERTIFICATIONS
Valid driver's license and NM Level IV Wastewater Certification required. Position requires an acceptable driving record in accordance with City policy.