Primary Role

Works under the direction of the Chief Plant Operator, Plant Operator, Production Supervisor, Maintenance Supervisor and Production Superintendent and is subject to any specific direction to help with all control decisions associated with the operation and maintenance of wastewater systems to optimize operational performance and assure regulatory compliance.

Key Accountabilities

• Monitors, reads, and calculates the flow of sewage through the plant by meters, gauges, and usual inspection; operates pumps and valves to regulate flow and adjust chemical feeding according to established standards.
• Performs any combination of the following tasks in sewage disposal under the direction of the plant operator.
• Tends pumps, conveyors, blowers, chlorinators, chemical feed equipment and other equipment used to decontaminate waste by settling, aeration, sludge thickening.
• Removes coarse material and other obstructions from bar screens to accelerate Influent through initial screening process Adjusts valves controlling flow velocity through settling tanks to separate sludge by sedimentation.
• Determines need for lubrication and fills lubricant containers and greases equipment as needed.
• Reads and interprets charts, flowmeters and other gauges to determine operating efficiency of equipment.
• Extracts samples, makes process reports, and performs other duties as directed by plant operator.
• Performs routine lab analysis.
• Required to perform routine maintenance repairs, such as, but not limited to, shear pins, belts, chains, minor electrical, minor plumbing, flush lines, repair hoses, change filters, and similar jobs Collects samples and makes routine and more complex chemical and physical tests monitoring for changing conditions and chemical feed requirements.
• Logs test results, meter and feed readings, flow rates, maintenance and other data; prepares daily and periodic reports on plant operations.
• Inspects pumps, motors, chemical feeders, level controls and other equipment to ensure proper operations; makes adjustments and emergency repairs on plant equipment.
• Performs routine and more complex plant cleaning and maintenance such as cleaning clarifiers; cleaning lines; hosing clarifiers and basins; disposing of sludge; cleaning sludge beds; painting structures, equipment and piping; performing routine carpentry.
• Maintains plant grounds and facilities.
• Maintains and Operates the sludge thickening equipment, to include but not limited to polymer system and storage tank.
• Performs preventative maintenance and minor repairs to the sludge dewatering/thickening facility treatment equipment.
• Determines need for lubrication and fills lubricant containers and greases equipment, as well as maintaining the correct hydraulic fluid levels in all sludge handling equipment.
• Responsible to inspect and report any unusual conditions of sludge equipment, including but not limited to, condition of the sludge presses, rollers, belts, wash boxes, polymer feed pumps, pugmill, Serpentex belt and sludge cake loading area.
• Follows written Standard Operating Procedures created for the operation of the sludge handling equipment.
• Completes Sludge Handler Daily task sheet as well as assigned work orders.
• Change out chemical totes and maintains chemical feed system to ensure proper operation, Collects samples, runs process control testing such as but not limited to sludge cake pH, % solids testing.
• Records test results on daily benchsheet. Perform these tests several times per shift to monitor for changing conditions and chemical feed requirements.
• Logs test results, meter and feed readings, flow rates, maintenance and other data; prepares daily and periodic reports on plant operations.
• Makes adjustments on chemical feed systems and presses to maintain optimal sludge handling operation Performs the cleaning and upkeep of the sludge handling equipment and facility. 

Knowledge/Skills

• Communicate in an effective manner both oral and written with the general public and Company personnel.
• Read and understand instructions, safety rules, etc.
• Mathematical skills sufficient to be able to calculate dosages, surface areas, volumes, weights, measures and algebraic formulas.
• Mechanical ability sufficient to operate and maintain pumps, valves, motors and other mechanical equipment related to plant processes. 

Experience/Education

• High School graduate or state recognized education equivalency certificate.
• Valid PA Drivers License 
• PA DEP Wastewater Operator certificate (Class A E, subclass 1) preferable
• Basic computer skills. 
• College course work and/or degree in biology, chemistry, environmental science or engineering curriculum are preferred.
• Attend continuing education as needed for Operator certification renewal. 

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.
• The noise level in the work environment is usually moderately quiet with exception of usage of certain machinery.
• Individual may be required both indoors and out. 

Other

• Must remain on until properly relieved from shift.
• Physical fitness- capable of lifting and/or carrying 50 lbs. or more on a frequent basis. Walking up and down stairs. Working in confined areas. Ability to wear a respirator.
• Environmental conditions including contact with water, chemicals, fumes, odors and dust as a result of working with and handling potentially hazardous water treatment and laboratory chemicals. Minimum exposure to inclement weather mostly of short duration. 

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. 

Competencies