Optimization Specialist presso City of Northglenn, CO

About the Department

The City of Northglenn, a dynamic municipality located just north of Denver, is looking for an energetic and outgoing individual to fill an Optimization Specialist position at our Water/Wastewater Treatment Facility.  This is a full-time position in the Utilities Division of the Public Works Department.

This is skilled and technical work in the operation and maintenance of a water or wastewater treatment plant.

An employee in this class is responsible for assisting the Utilities Manager, Lab Supervisor and both Chief Plant Operators for the Water and Wastewater Treatment Facilities, with daily activities to ensure a safe and efficient operation of the facility. Serves as a technical expert for facility treatment performance and assists in monitoring treatment processes to determine if the process is operating per design, regulatory requirements, and treatment goals. Work follows established procedures and is performed closely with and reports directly to the Lab Supervisor. Work is reviewed through inspection and observation of the effectiveness of plant operation through the analysis of reports and chemical laboratory tests.

Position Duties

(Any one position may not include all of the duties listed nor do the listed examples include all duties which may be found in positions of this class.)

• Utilize optimization tools that include SCADA, WIMS, Jar Testing, various field probes and meters, and comprehend plant drawings and O&M manuals

• Utilize WIMS (Water Information Management System) system to create reports, graphs, trends and advanced spreadsheets to assist in decision making of treatment plant efficiency.

• Advanced Microsoft program skills, especially with Excel, to analyze multiple forms of data to make crucial decisions based off data trends.

• Identifies and consults with Chief Plant Operators in treatment quality issues.

• Design and implement jar tests and pilot studies to optimize chemical dosage for various stages of treatment.

• Assists both Chief Plant Operators in setting division goals and objectives for water quality.

• Monitor and understand State and Federal regulatory requirements; apply said requirements to daily treatment plant operations and make recommendations for plant optimization.

• Evaluates and interprets data results, notifies appropriate staff of any abnormalities.

• Prepares professional reports or memorandums, assists in interpretation and preparation of other technical documents.

• Diligently monitors and reviews State and Federal water quality-related regulations, ensuring that the City remains in regulatory compliance. Monitors for upcoming revisions or new regulations and provides updates to Utility Manager.

• Assists in training plant operation staff.

• Make recommendations to supervisors for the division’s annual budget, CIP Projects and possible future optimization tools.

• Demonstrates a high level of customer service to residents, clients and City staff while also representing the treatment facility at City events.

• Assists with new plant process startups.

• Demonstrates a high level of customer service while performing public relations duties and conducting public plant tours.

• Takes an active role in training and mentoring of all plant operations staff.

• Collaborates with operations staff to develop and maintain plant Standard Operating Procedures for both Treatment Plants and the Lab.

• Work closely with laboratory staff to test and analyze data, apply results to optimize treatment processes.

• Collects samples from throughout the water or wastewater treatment process and conducts laboratory analysis on same to determine proper treatment requirements using established and approved standard operating procedures; makes recommendations for chemical and additive feeder adjustments as needed. 

• Maintains legible and defensible bench sheets (paper and/or electronic) and accurately inputs data into Laboratory Information Management System. Records information from laboratory tests and instrument readings; keeps accurate and detailed record of plant operations. 

• Guide operators to set-point changes in SCADA or on instruments to ensure the correct operation of treatment equipment at the water or wastewater facility.

• Maintain effective working relationships with other City employees and the public.

• Coordinates internal plant projects.

• Cross-trains in water and wastewater operations and in the laboratory.

• Responds to emergency calls as necessary. 

• Performs other related duties as assigned (i.e. production reports, monitor work by contractors)

WORKING ENVIRONMENT/PHYSICAL ACTIVITIES:

Must be able to lift a minimum of 50 lbs.

Ability to work in confined spaces

May be required to work in extreme weather conditions

Minimum Qualifications

• Possession of a valid Colorado Driver’s License.

• Knowledge of State and Federal water and/or wastewater regulations.

• Colorado Water &/or Wastewater Operator License Level D or higher required.

• Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with major course work in chemistry, biology, or a related field
• Three years of experience in chemical analysis and operations of water and waste water or any equivalent combination of education and experience which provides the following knowledges, abilities, and skills:

EXPERIENCE:

• Considerable knowledge of the principles, practices, and methods used in the chemical and bacteriological analyses of water and wastewater. 

• Ability to perform complex laboratory examinations and mathematical computations as applies to the position.
   Advanced knowledge of treatment plant techniques and analytical procedures.

• Considerable knowledge of the hazards and safety precautions required in a laboratory.
   Ability to gather and record data, maintain records, compile and evaluate reports.

• Working knowledge of the methods, operating principles and equipment used in water/wastewater treatment systems. 

• Working knowledge of the characteristics of local water/wastewater. 

• Working knowledge of laboratory sampling techniques. 

• Ability to troubleshoot and assist with issues on treatment plant equipment. 

• Ability to read instruments and maintain accurate records. 

• Ability to perform routine maintenance, calibrations and repair on equipment.

• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with employees and the general public.

• Equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered.
  

Other Qualifications

MATERIAL/EQUIPMENT USED:

Hazardous substances including acids, bases, solvents, and wastewater. Analytical instruments, field meters, computers, spectrophotometer, and other equipment used on a regular basis.

Use of personal protective equipment in accordance with operations, laboratory and City policy.

ADDITIONAL POSITION INFORMATION:

This is a non-exempt position (eligible for overtime).

Any one position may not include all of the duties listed nor do the listed examples include all duties which may be found in positions of this class.

Performs work using recommended and required personal protective equipment (PPE) as described in the Job Safety Analysis (JSA) for each task.

Attendance and punctuality are an essential function of the job.