Operator I

Position Purpose: Operates and maintains water/wastewater treatment including Filter press and Centrifuges, processing, disposal and testing equipment in water/wastewater treatment facility to purify water to meet permit and operational requirements.Primary Duties/Responsibilities: Tends automatic and semi-automatic machines and related equipment including pumps, engines, generators, valves, gates, mixers, conveyors, blowers, chemical feed and odor control and vacuum filters used to decontaminate wastewater by settling, aeration and sludge digestion.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.  Diagnoses basic operational problems and takes corrective action per procedure. Verifies and reports suspected malfunctions and variances to supervisor and takes corrective actions.Performs routine and preventative maintenance and maintenance related items as assigned.Performs manual labor including filling and emptying of machine bins and cleaning equipment, facilities and grounds as required. Performs minor maintenance including, but not limited to, routine preventive maintenance, lubrication and minor adjustments.Operates vehicles for plant operational purposes.Practices good housekeeping in assigned area and properly disposes of waste according to safety and environmental policies.Performs field tests (chemical, physical and biological) in order to pace chemical dosages for process and odor control units or alter unit processes. Samples 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 routine lab tests.Performs routine instrument calibration for portable meters including, but not limited to, dissolved oxygen, pH, H2S, percent oxygen, lower explosive limit.Assists in other areas as needed. Work Environment: Spends 100% of the time in operations environment. May need to work outside in inclement weather conditions and drive company vehicle 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.