Wastewater Collections Operator I - Full-Time

SUMMARY

The employee is responsible for the operation and maintenance of the sewer collection system and related components, including the operation of equipment and machinery required to accomplish this task. This position is normally day shift but responding to after-hours/weekend/holiday emergency calls is a mandatory requirement.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS: This is the entry level class in the two-level Wastewater Collection System Operator job series. Employees in this position are required to obtain a temporary Maryland Wastewater Operator License, (either Collections Class 2 or Treatment Plant Class 5) within the first year of employment.

This position is distinguished from the Wastewater Collections Operator II by the performance of the more routine tasks and duties assigned. Assignments are generally limited in scope, contain fairly routine tasks, and are performed within a procedural framework established by higher level employees.

As experience is acquired, employees perform with less immediate supervision and continue to learn the full scope of duties and responsibilities. Advancement to the Wastewater Collections Operator II level is based on demonstrated proficiency in performing the assigned functions, possession of required licenses and certifications, completing the progression criteria established by the department, and upon approval of the department head.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES include the following. Other duties may be assigned.

• Operates trucks, high pressure jet and vacuum truck, closed circuit television truck, and other power equipment of comparable size and complexity as a major assignment in performing sewer maintenance activities. Assures all equipment is ready, operable, and inspected prior to day's activities.
• Operates laptop computer, utilizes GIS mapping tools, and software to aid in location of sewer lines.
• Performs maintenance activities and inspections, including maintaining sewer mains, manholes, and laterals and daily maintenance on all sewer lines, trunk lines, pump and lift stations and manholes. Reports results to the Wastewater Collections Crew Leader or Wastewater Collections Supervisor.
• Does confined space entry, hazardous gas testing and all other duties and responsibilities of the competent person on confined spaces at job site and in emergency response situations.
• Has functional knowledge of the appropriate use of Lock Out/Tag Out safety procedures, relevant occupational hazards, and standard safety procedures.
• Responds to emergency sewer problems; responds to afterhours/weekend/holiday calls as scheduled.
• Properly mitigates actual and potential sewage overflows to minimize the impact on receiving waters; assists in the proper reporting to the MDE.
• Assists in the implementation of the CMOM program, including manhole inspections and routine line maintenance.
• Provides the Wastewater Department with jobsite as built change orders and blueprint updates for the municipal sewer system.
• Responds to on-call sewer service requests.
• Does sewer locating and properly uses detection equipment.
• Assists in clean out of storm drains, catch basins, culverts and curbs.
• Performs proper traffic management at job sites.
• Plows snow, salts, and sands roads in inclement weather.
• Participates in the annual citywide trash cleanup as needed.

QUALIFICATIONS - To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Operation and maintenance of technical equipment used for sewer collection work including JetVac truck, TV video equipment for sewer line inspection, and ground penetrating radar equipment for sewer location. Though not required, possession of a Class A CDL license and ability to operate a tractor trailer with a dump body would be considered a strong asset.
• Demonstrated proficiency and/or training in sewer line maintenance and repair.
• Skill in documenting sewer line irregularities identified through use of television inspection equipment.
• Ability to read sewer construction plans and sketches.
• Ability to maintain records and prepare concise reports.
• Use of proper confined space entry procedures required to comply with MOSH standards, including proper use of tripods, fall arrest equipment, harnesses, gas detectors, and ladders. Ability to properly set up barricades, safety cones, flag stands, signs and arrow boards for directing traffic.
• Ability to work independently or in a crew situation to investigate and resolve sewer or storm drain complaints.

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE

High school diploma or general education degree (GED).

CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS:

• Must possess a Class B commercial driver's license with tanker and air brake endorsements.
• Must be able to acquire a temporary Maryland Wastewater Operator's license, Class 2 Collection System or Class 5 Plant Operator license within one year of employment.

OTHER SKILLS AND ABILITIES: Ability to pass a physical examination.

LANGUAGE SKILLS: Ability to read and comprehend simple instructions, short correspondence, and memos. Ability to write simple correspondence. Ability to effectively present information in one-on-one and small group situations to customers, clients, and other employees of the organization.

MATHEMATICAL SKILLS: Ability to add, subtract, multiply, and divide in all units of measure, using whole numbers, common fractions, and decimals. Ability to compute rate, ratio, and percent, and to draw and interpret bar graphs.

REASONING ABILITY: Ability to apply commonsense understanding to carry out detailed but uninvolved written or oral instructions. Ability to deal with problems involving a few concrete variables in standardized situations.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS: The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to walk, talk, and hear. The employee is frequently required to stand; use hands to finger, handle, or feel objects, tools, or controls; reach with hands or arms; climb or balance; and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. The employee is occasionally required to sit and taste or smell. The employee must regularly lift and/or move up to 50 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.

WORK ENVIRONMENT: The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee regularly works near moving mechanical parts. The employee frequently works in outside weather conditions and is frequently exposed to wet and/or humid conditions. The employee occasionally works in high, precarious places and is occasionally exposed to fumes or airborne particles.

The noise level in the work environment is usually loud.
Employment Type: Full-Time