Job Summary:
Under general supervision, the Operator Apprentice, I, II, III, IV performs various mechanical and operational maintenance activities in the Water Reclamation facility, Effluent Reuse Facility (ERF) and/or their corresponding lift station facilities. Incumbents are responsible for monitoring operating conditions of equipment within these facilities, determining and executing appropriate operational changes, assisting the supervisor in planning, and coordinating routine maintenance and repairs to equipment. Incumbent also performs maintenance and repairs and/or notifies supervisor of conditions warranting attention to ensure the facilities proper operation. Rotating day, evening, night, weekend, and holiday shifts may occur.
Scope of Responsibility:
The Water Reclamation Apprentice Operator I, II, III, IV is responsible for the quality and accuracy of his/her own work in ensuring the Water Reclamation Facility meets Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) , and the North Dakota Pollution Discharge Elimination System Permit (NDPDES) water quality regulations and other operational targets The position provides training to other Operators and water utility staff, depending on experience and expertise. The position is responsible for the operation and maintenance of state of the art equipment having a high dollar value.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
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Assists supervisor in organizing work unit activities such as prioritizing and delegating work and performing other administrative tasks such as completing reports, recommending equipment, ordering supplies, scheduling, coordinating activities with other work units, etc.
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Assists in developing and documenting standard operating procedures for all activities;
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Meets with supervisors at shift change to coordinate any follow-up work related to prior shift;
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Maintains records and prepares periodic reports regarding work unit activities, equipment operation, completes work orders and service requests, and constructively participates in various softwares including, Antero, Viper, Cityworks, Ignition, Wonderware, WIMS, and GIS systems. Provide supervisor with information and to ensure compliance with department rules and state and federal regulations
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Assists Utility Supervisor with major repairs as assigned.
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Identifies equipment malfunctions, troubleshoots, and diagnoses.
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Observes and listens to equipment to determine malfunctions or parts in need of replacement;
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Operates equipment;
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Performs minor and major repairs such as cleaning out a clogged pump, replacing parts, cleaning chemical feed equipment, HVAC, plumbing, electrical, and generators
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Conducts assessments and troubleshooting of membrane and reverse osmosis equipment;
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Performs fiber repairs in the Ultrafiltration system of the Effluent Reuse Facility;
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Cleans and replace filters in the treatment processes as directed by Supervisor.
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Diagnose, repair, O&M of Ultraviolet Disinfection System
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Performs operating duties using automated and manual processes; operates pumps, engines, and other process equipment to control flow of sewage and/or water through various processes to ensure plant targets are met as well as compliance with state and federal mandates.
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Performs lab analyses and tests on an ongoing basis, according to operating procedures for different processes in the plant;
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Collects samples and analyzes results;
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Determine and implement appropriate adjustments for chemicals, mixers, valves, switches, actuators, and various equipment;
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Adjusts chemical feed rates, regulates equipment;
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Operates pumps, monitors and determines level and flow.
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While performing the same or similar work as employees under the line of authority, serves as a team leader, using informed and independent judgment ensuring the employees know and follow department and city rules as well as sound work and safety practices;
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Collaborates with the responsible supervisor and recommends performance review content for assigned employees.
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Communicates courteously and professionally and maintains working relationships with others in carrying out job functions.
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Receives calls from the public; some of which may be emotionally charged.
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Maintain respectful relationships and conveys basic information to the public when approached with questions;
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Frequently interacts with others in the work unit to exchange detailed and/or technical information.
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Supervises the unloading and storage of chemicals delivered.
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Performs all job duties in compliance with safety guidelines and with an ongoing awareness of safety practices.
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Knows and follows department and city rules as well as sound work and safety practices in order to accomplish the job objectives and avoid injury or loss;
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Wears proper protective equipment when policy requires or conditions indicate a need exists and utilizes proper body mechanics and ergonomics while performing work;
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When potentially unsafe conditions are observed makes efforts to avoid or correct them if they are controllable and draws them to the attention of the responsible supervisor or safety representative in a timely manner.
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Performs other duties and activities as assigned.
Minimum Qualifications:
Operator – Apprentice:
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Completion of high school or equivalent
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No possession of a North Dakota Collection or Wastewater Treatment System Operator Certificate.
Operator I: (pass North Dakota Grade 1 Collection or Wastewater Treatment System exam – eligibility as follows):
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Completion of high school or equivalent, and a minimum one year acceptable operation of a facility or system class I or higher or a combination of education and experience that will be satisfactory to the NDDH.
Operator II: (pass North Dakota Grade 2 Collection or Wastewater Treatment System exam – eligibility as follows):
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A four year college degree and a minimum one year acceptable operation of a facility or system class I or higher one year of which must have been in a position of direct responsible charge.
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2 years post high school education and minimum of two years acceptable operation of a facility or system of class I or higher, one year of which must have been in a position of direct responsible charge.
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Completion of high school or equivalent and a minimum of three years acceptable operation of a facility or system class I or higher. One year of which must have been in a position of direct responsible charge
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Combination of education qualifications and experience that will be satisfactory to the NDDH.
Operator III: (pass North Dakota Grade 3 Collection or Wastewater Treatment System exam – eligibility as follows):
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A four-year degree and a minimum two years of acceptable operation of a facility or system of class II or higher, two years of which must be in direct responsible charge.
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Two years post high school education and a minimum of three years of acceptable operation of a facility or a system of class II or higher, two years of which must have been in direct responsible charge
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Completion of high school or equivalent, and a minimum 4 years acceptable operation of a facility or system of class II or higher, two years of which must have been in a position of direct responsible charge.
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A combination of education qualifications and experience that will be satisfactory to the NDDH
Operator IV: (pass North Dakota Grade 4 Collection or Wastewater Treatment System exam – eligibility as follows):
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A four year college degree and a minimum three years of acceptable operation of a facility or system of Class III or higher, two years of which must have been in a position of direct responsible charge.
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Two years of post-high school education and a minimum four years of acceptable operation of a facility or system of class III or higher, two years of which must be in direction responsible charge.
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Completion of high school or equivalent and a minimum of five years acceptable operation of a facility or system of class III or higher, two years of which must be in a position of direct responsible charge
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A combination of education qualifications and experience that will be satisfactory to the NDDH.
The job accredited technical training in the operation of water/wastewater treatment processes and previous experience in the operation and maintenance of pumps, motors and related machinery; or an equivalent combination of education and experience sufficient to successfully perform the essential duties of the job such as those listed above. A valid driver’s license is required and a North Dakota Grade I-IV Wastewater Collection or a North Dakota Grade I-IV Wastewater Facility Operator Certificate are also required according to Operator pay grade
Knowledge, skills and abilities include:
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Knowledge of local, state and federal laws, rules and regulations concerning collection system and/or treatment plant operations;
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Knowledge of the proper operation and maintenance of sophisticated and sensitive equipment used in the treatment process including pumps,motors, drum screens, grit vortex, centrifuge, in plant reuse, spiral heat exchangers, belt press dewatering, boilers, biological and chemical odor control, blowers, UV disinfection, pneumatic, electric, and hydraulic meters, valves, actuators
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Knowledge of confined space entry and hazardous materials handling as related to treatment process;
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Knowledge of procedures of sampling and sample testing of chemical and microbiological systems;
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Skill in providing instruction and training to other workers;
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Skill in performing mechanical maintenance and repair to equipment;
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Skill in performing basic mathematical computation such as addition, subtraction, multiplication and division;
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Skill in reading and writing English sufficient to read and write logs and records;
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Skill in observation and interpretation of changes in process control to sufficiently determine and implement necessary adjustments;
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Skill in operation of lift station and/or plant equipment and in the performance of all operating activities;
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Intermediate level skills in computer use;
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Ability to communicate effectively in both verbal and written forms;
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Ability to learn wastewater control computer system;
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Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with others.
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Knowledge and skill with O&M of heavy equipment including loaders, vactors, hoists, tractors, steamers, trucks, and jetters.
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Additional and new requirements associated with the expansion of the Effluent Reuse Facility (ERF), Ultraviolet (UV) disinfection and the new Integrated Fixed Film Activated Sludge (IFAS) treatment process include:
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Additional/different treatment technology
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Additional/different training requirements
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Additional/different operation and maintenance
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Additional/different sampling/testing and internal process control
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Additional/different exposure to hazardous chemicals and contaminants
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Additional/different facilities and equipment that require training and maintenance (HVAC, blowers, Centrifuges etc)
Physical Demands & Working Conditions:
Most work is performed at a lift station or in a plant environment. Work is generally heavy and involves moving equipment and bags of chemicals, climbing into basins to clean, climbing ladders up to 25 feet, and moving between buildings and rooms. There is exposure to hazardous chemicals, wet, cold, biological, and slippery conditions. Local driving is required.
Climbing, balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, crawling, reaching, standing, walking, pushing, pulling, lifting, fingering, grasping, feeling, talking, hearing/listening, seeing/observing, repetitive motions.
Heavy Work: Exerting up to 100 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 50 pounds of force frequently, and/or up to 20 pounds of force constantly to move objects.
Some requirements in this job description may exclude individuals who pose a direct threat or significant risk to the health and safety of themselves or other employees. All requirements are subject to modification to reasonably accommodate individuals with disabilities.
Requirements are representative of minimum levels of knowledge, skills, and experience required. To perform this job successfully, the worker must possess the abilities and aptitudes to perform each duty proficiently.
This document does not create an employment contract, implied or otherwise, other than an "at will" employment relationship. The City Administrator retains the discretion to add duties or change the duties of this position at any time.
