Plant Operator - Wastewater Treatment Plant

(Regular, Non-Exempt)

Starting Salary Range:

Depends on Qualifications/Certification Closing Date: Open Until Filled

• Operator $18.62 - $22.34/hour
• Operator I $19.54 - 23.45/hour
• Operator II $22.80 - 27.36/hour
• Operator III $24.63 - $29.55/hour
• Operator IV $26.59 - $31.91/hour

Workdays/Shifts and Hours: Sunday - Thursday, 8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.

How to apply: Using the “apply” button on this page, please complete the required online application, upload a resume and a list of three professional references with full contact information. For general questions about the position, contact Unique Hiram at (785) 587-2447 or hr@cityofmhk.com

The City of Manhattan values diversity and draws strength from the diversity of the team. The City is committed to providing opportunities for all employees to succeed by creating a diverse and inclusive work environment. The City is always seeking qualified Minority, Veteran, Women and Disabled applicants to fill available employment vacancies. The City of Manhattan is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Summary/Objective

To assist in the treatment of wastewater in order to return the water to the environment in an acceptable condition which meets all Kansas Department of Health and Environment and Environment Protection Agency clean water regulations by operating and maintaining one (1) biological nutrient removal activated sludge Wastewater Treatment Plant with a rated capacity of 10.7 million gallons per day and other operating support equipment, working on a shift-work basis with some holidays and weekends required.

Essential Functions

• Ensure successful plant operation by collecting samples, performing routine analysis on those samples, settleability testing of solids, dissolved oxygen (DO) readings, decanting digesters, and other equipment process adjustments.
• Read, record, and interpret information on spreadsheets and operational logs which is provided from flow meters and the Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition computer (SCADA).
• Conduct routine visual inspections and observation of Treatment Plant equipment functions, initiating corrective actions when problems are found.
• Perform process control tests and record data, using test results to ascertain needed changes in Wastewater Treatment.
• Respond quickly to citizen’s complaints, calls from Customer Service, or lift station alarms by dispatching appropriate personnel to address calls about broken water lines, sewer backups, or other general complaints.
• Communicate orally and in writing, including using telephone, cell phone, and two-way radio.
• Provide security and control access at the Wastewater Treatment Plant by locking/unlocking of the front access gate outside of normal business hours and contacting law enforcement as necessary.
• Ensure a clean and safe facility by performing interior janitorial duties, exterior grounds maintenance, and controlling access to the Wastewater Treatment Plant after hours, which includes but is not limited to mowing, trimming, hosing secondary clarifiers, cleaning water filters, painting equipment, dusting equipment and floors.

Other Duties

• Load chemicals into chemical feed equipment, occasionally lifting weights of up to seventy-five (75) pounds.
• Assist Plant Mechanic’s with maintenance of plant equipment, lift stations, and other supporting equipment when required.
• Receive telephone and radio calls, passing information and requests on to the appropriate entity, including emergency calls from the public, in a timely manner.
• Attend required operational training and monthly safety meetings.
• Provide snow and ice removal at the Wastewater Treatment Plant and the entrance road off of Highway 24.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Required Education and Experience

Operator

• High School Diploma, GED, or equivalent.
• Valid driver's license.

Operator I

• High School Diploma, GED, or equivalent.
• Valid driver's license.
• At least one (1) year of experience in water/Wastewater Treatment.
• Certification as Water/Wastewater Treatment Facility Operator, Class I, issued by KDHE.

Operator II

• Same as Operator I and to include:
• Certification as Water/Wastewater Treatment Facility Operator, Class II, issued by the KDHE.

Operator III

• High School Diploma, GED, or equivalent.
• Valid driver's license.
• At least two (2) years of experience in water/Wastewater Treatment.
• Certification as Water/Wastewater Treatment Facility Operator, Class III, issued by KDHE.

Operator IV

• Same as Operator III and to include:
• Certification as Water/Wastewater Treatment Facility Operator, Class IV, issued by KDHE.

Preferred Education and Experience

Operator

• One (1) year of experience working within the water or wastewater utility environment.
• Completion of 16-Week Water/Wastewater Treatment Course or other specialized training.
• Safety and Emergency Training: Hazardous Communication, Lockout/Tagout, and CPR/First Aid.

Operator I

• Same as Operator and to include:
• Two (2) years of experience working within the water or wastewater utility environment.

Operator II

• Same as Operator I.

Operator III

• Same as Operator II and to include:
• More than two (2) years of experience working within the water or wastewater utility environment.

Operator IV

• Same as Operator III.