Primary Role

Will work under direction of Chief Plant Operator, Production Supervisor, and Maintenance Supervisor having active involvement in and making process control decisions associated with the operation and maintenance of water and wastewater purification systems to optimize operational performance and assure regulatory compliance.

Key Accountabilities

• Work with Chief Operator, take a lead role in the operation of WW plant, and associated facilities. Maintain process control through the wastewater processes including the establishment, maintenance, calibration and adjustment of process parameters/chemical feed rates necessary to optimize the process operation.
• Assist in scheduling and prioritizing plant maintenance. Perform routine repair of plant equipment including preventive maintenance duties. Insure required maintenance is completed on schedule.
• Monitor, establish, maintain and control flow through the treatment process and within the collection system to include CSOs and pump stations.
• Assist in the development of Standard Operating Procedures and provide training/oversight to other operations staff to assure SOP’s are followed.
• Monitor the wastewater treatment plant and collection system and make adjustments as necessary to control their operation and maintain compliance with regulations.
• Assist in the preparation of data collection for Monthly Operating reports and maintain all necessary records.
• Monitor and conduct analytical tests. Perform water quality sampling, testing and analysis to determine compliance with federal, state and PAWC’s standards.
• Coordinate and perform chemical deliveries and inventory. Loading, unloading, handling, placing into storage and batching wastewater treatment plant chemicals.
• Operate and maintain plant facilities including plant flow adjustments throughout the process, chemical adjustments, and pump adjustments including but not limited to primary sludge pumps, secondary sludge pumps, return sludge pumps and waste sludge pumps.
• Perform general maintenance duties at wastewater treatment plant and related facilities and other assigned duties.
• Position is subject to 24 hour call-out and overtime.
• Assist in the budgeting and implementation of capital projects. Coordinate activities of outside contractors as directed by Production or Maintenance Supervisor or Chief Operator.
• Facilitate safety training/tailgate talks/ Prejob briefs/ Site Inspections. Promote safety involving plant operations through employee training and monitoring workplace practices. Report near misses as necessary. 

Knowledge/Skills

• Knowledge of wastewater treatment processes, basic scientific concepts and water quality standards and regulations and Company procedures.
• Working knowledge of basic mechanical and automated control systems.

Experience/Education

• High School graduate or state recognized education equivalency certificate.
• College course work and/or degree in biology, chemistry, environmental science or engineering curriculum are preferred.
• Must possess a valid PA driver’s license.
• Attend continuing education as needed for Operator certification renewal. 
• Wastewater Operator certificate (Class “A, E” subclass 1) or ability to obtain in the time required by the PAWC Personnel Policy.
• Basic computer skills.

Specific expertise required

• 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 pumps, valves, motors and other mechanical equipment related to plant operation and maintenance.

Work Environment

• Environmental conditions including contact with water, chemicals, fumes, odors and dust as a result of working with and handling potentially hazardous wastewater treatment and laboratory chemicals. Minimum exposure to inclement weather mostly of short duration.
• 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

Competencies