Hybrid Wastewater Operator Technician chez City of Lancaster (PA)

About the Department

Operates wastewater treatment equipment and all phases of sludge treatment.

Position Duties

• Follows safe practices in the performance of duties.

• Operates wastewater treatment and plant equipment, including raw sewage pumps, motors, grit chambers, mechanical and manual screens, clarifiers, valves and oxygen generation system.
• Regulates and adjusts motors, flow meters, chlorinators, pumps and valves.
• Takes samples and performs calculations according to regulations set forth by the Department of Environmental Protection.
• Takes various readings from equipment and makes appropriate entries in plant logs.
• Operates the computer system to monitor and control the plant sludge process.
• Operates all phases of sludge treatment, including the use of pumps, thickening, belt presses, and lime stabilization process equipment and chemical conditioning 
• Assists with all maintenance repairs in the mechanical and electrical fields as required.
• Performs shift maintenance of all sludge handling and operations.    
• Performs custodial duties as assigned.                         

Minimum Qualifications

Education, Training and Experience

• A High School diploma, completion of vocational school or a GED accompanied with at least three (3) years experience as a wastewater plant operator or sludge technician is preferred; a Bachelor’s Degree in biology, chemistry or related field is highly desirable.

• Possession of a current, valid motor vehicle operator’s license as issued by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania is required.
• Possession of a valid, current Class A1 subclass wastewater operators certification as issued by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection or pass test of such certification no later than 3 years 

Other Qualifications

• Knowledge of safe practices related to Public Works.
• Considerable knowledge of the principles, practices and methods used in the treatment and sludge processes of a wastewater treatment plant is preferred.
• Considerable knowledge of the operation of mechanical and electrical equipment and the operational and safety hazards associated with this equipment is preferred.
• Some knowledge of chemistry and biology as applied to wastewater and sludge treatment is preferred.
• Working knowledge of all plant computer monitoring and control systems including lime stabilization areas is preferred.
• Proven ability to take readings, check records and make mathematical computations is preferred.
• Successful completion of a work-related plant operator test administered by the Bureau of Human Resources is required.
• Ability to operate a vehicle on private and public streets is required.
• Proven ability to read, write, speak and comprehend English is required.
• Ability to read and write legibly.
• Proven ability to work as part of a team and to collaborate successfully with others is required.
• Proven ability to adapt to new or changed situations and to show flexibility in making improvements in work processes and operations is required.
• Proven ability to exhibit customer-centered behaviors and to focus on customer needs is required.
• Proven ability to commit to excellence in service and to continuous improvement is required.

• Indoors, environmentally controlled. 
• Outdoor, exposed to inclement weather and extreme temperature.
• Exposure to noise, pollution.

• Personal Protective Equipment such as hardhats, gloves, safety glasses, ear protection, rain gear, steel toed safety shoes, rain boots and respirators. 

• Requires standing, bending, walking, sitting and climbing in the performance of duties up to eight (8) or more hours a day.

• Works around motorized or moving equipment and machinery.
• Requires occasional lifting up to 50 lbs.
• Requires the operation of automotive vehicles and other power equipment.
• Requires walking, standing, kneeling and climbing stairs.
• Requires working under adverse conditions, which may involve unpleasant odors.
• Requires working long hours and must be available to handle emergency situations after hours, weekends and holidays.

• This description was prepared to indicate the kinds of activities and levels of work difficulty required of positions in this class. It is not intended as a complete list of specific duties and responsibilities.