Operator I

Job Description

Position Purpose:

The Operator I maintains water/wastewater treatment, processing, disposal and testing equipment in water/wastewater treatment facilities to purify water to meet permit and operational requirements.

Primary Duties/Responsibilities:

• Tends automatic and semi-automatic machines and related equipment related to potable water or wastewater treatment.
• Must demonstrate ability to learn and independently operate equipment such as pumps, engines, centrifuge, generators, valves, gates, mixers, conveyors, blowers, dryers, chemical feed, odor control, disinfection equipment, sludge processing filters, belt presses and measuring/control devices, testing equipment and material handling equipment.
• Monitors control panels and adjusts valves and gates manually or by remote control to regulate flow.
• Monitors flow meters, gauges, flow ratios, pressures and related controls through instrument panels, computer terminals and programmable logic control units in assigned area.
• Monitors and records operating conditions observations and data in area shift log.
• Ensures conformance to process specifications. Troubleshoots and diagnoses operational problems and takes corrective action per procedure. Verifies and reports suspected malfunctions and variances to supervisor. Performs routine and preventative maintenance and maintenance related items as assigned.
• Performs field tests (chemical, physical and biological) in order to pace chemical dosages for process and odor control units or alter unit processes.
• Samples potable water or wastewater, sludge and gases (odor control, digester, etc.) according to schedule.
• Prepares chemical solutions and services automatic samplers.
• Monitors process chemical supplies and recommends reorder.
• Performs lab tests applicable to permit testing and related reports per procedure.
• Performs manual labor including but not limited to filling and emptying of machine bins, cleaning equipment, cleaning facilities, cleaning grounds, digging, using hand tools etc. as required.
• Performs minor maintenance including, but not limited to, routine preventive maintenance, lubrication and minor adjustments.
• Practices good housekeeping in assigned area and properly disposes of waste according to safety and environmental policies.
• Assists in other areas of plant as needed.
• Operates vehicles for plant operational purposes.
• Must demonstrate ability to work in a team environment and willingness to assume additional or new responsibilities readily.
• Must follow established operational, process control, safety and emergency response procedures. Must adhere to specifications and production schedule.
• Other duties as assigned.

Work Environment:

• Spends 100% of the time in an operations environment.
• May need to work outside in inclement weather conditions and drive company vehicles to perform duties.
• Possible Work Hazards: May be exposed to possible operations hazards including fumes, toxic and caustic chemicals, heavy machinery, high pressure, hot or cold work environment temperatures, slippery surfaces, water hazards and electrical equipment.