Treatment Operator
Department of Public Works - Wastewater Division
FLSA – Non-Exempt
DPW Association - Level: PW 6
JOB SUMMARY:
The Town is willing to train the right candidate and will cover the cost to obtain the required licenses within in the first year of hire. On rotating work shifts, operates a variety of semi-skilled and skilled technical and maintenance work in the operation, process control, maintenance, and repairs of the wastewater treatment facilities and pumping stations. Regular schedule includes a weekend day (Sunday – Thursday or Tuesday – Saturday), depending on staffing needs. Designated as essential personnel.
SUPERVISION RECEIVED:
Works under the general supervision of a Crew Supervisor who assigns and reviews completed work.
SUPERVISION EXERCISED:
The employee is responsible for their own work but may provide occasional assistance to lower level or new employees.
MAJOR DUTIES:
1. Assists Shift Supervisor in the general operation of the treatment facilities.
2. Operates sludge processing equipment, loads tankers with processed sludge. Collects screenings, grit and trash to be disposed of at the Town’s Transfer Station.
3. Monitors the performance of all equipment, gauges, charts and controllers in the treatment plant and pump stations; records data concerning plant operations; maintains, operates, repairs and replaces equipment as necessary.
4. Operates and maintains wastewater treatment facility, pump stations, sludge processing equipment and insures proper operation and supply of chemical feed systems.
5. Collects samples and tests chemical, physical, or biological characteristics of wastewater required in accordance with local, state and federal agencies.
6. Performs preventative and breakdown maintenance, landscaping, snow removal, cleaning, painting, and building maintenance duties at the treatment facility and pump stations. Fills, drains, and hoses outdoor tanks.
7. Drives truck for hauling sludge, grit and trash. Operates hydraulic tractor for moving pallets, equipment hoppers, etc.
8. Maintains safe work environment by keeping the workplace clean and by maintaining knowledge of all physical, chemical, and biological safety hazards in the workplace. Maintains safe work habits including ensuring that all safety equipment is worn and used properly.
9. Performs all other related duties as required.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
- High School degree or equivalent OR any combination of experience and specialized training demonstrating the ability to perform the above duties safely and efficiently.
- Valid State Commercial Driver's License (CDL) with tanker and airbrake endorsement OR ability to obtain License within one year of hire;
- 2B Hydraulic License for front end loader *OR ability to obtain License within one year of hire;
- Commonwealth of Massachusetts Grade 4 Wastewater Treatment Plant Operators License; or as established by Section 257 Code of Massachusetts Regulations *OR ability to obtain License within one year of hire.
- Ability to work a regular schedule that includes a weekend day (Sunday – Thursday or Tuesday – Saturday), and participate in On Call Program. Overtime is required.
- Knowledge of equipment, chemicals, materials, processes and laboratory procedures used in wastewater treatment plant maintenance and operations.
- Skill in operation of listed tools and equipment.
- Ability to use math in performing calculations;
- Ability to work safely;
- Ability to communicate effectively verbally and in writing;
- Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with employees, other departments and the public;
- Ability to understand and carry out written and oral instructions.
*Note that candidates who do not have the proper Treatment Plant Operator License and Hydraulic licenses at hire will be designated Operators-in-Training until licenses are obtained. Continued employment is contingent upon obtaining all required licenses within one (1) year of hire.
SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:
- Ability to successfully pass pre-employment physical and drug test.
- Ability to successfully pass a CORI background check and driver’s license check.
TOOLS AND EQUIPMENT USED:
Motor vehicle, sewer jet/vacuum, tractor, dump truck, riding mowers, video sewer camera, monorail hoists, trailers, floor maintainers, compressor, jack hammers, generators, pumps, gauges, common hand and power tools, shovels, wrenches, detection devices, computer, mobile radio, phone, calculator, and a variety of lab equipment.
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.
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to use hands to finger, handle, feel or operate objects, tools, or controls and reach with hands and arms. The employee frequently is required to stand. The employee is occasionally required to walk; talk or hear; sit; climb or balance; stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl; and smell.
The employee must frequently lift and/or move up to 50 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 100 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.
WORK ENVIRONMENT:
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.
While performing the duties of this job, the employee occasionally works in outside weather conditions. The employee occasionally works near moving mechanical parts and is occasionally exposed to wet and/or humid conditions. The employee occasionally works in high, precarious places and is occasionally exposed to fumes or airborne particles, risk of electrical shock, and vibration. The employee is frequently exposed to toxic or caustic chemicals.
Samples wastewater and works with equipment that comes in contact with wastewater. Employee must practice excellent hygiene and safety precautions. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderately loud.
SELECTION GUIDELINES:
Formal application, rating of education and experience; oral interview and reference check; job related tests may be required.
The duties listed above are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related or a logical assignment to the position.
The job description does not constitute an employment agreement between the employer and employee and is subject to change by the employer as the needs of the employer and requirements of the job change.
