Wastewater Compliance/Operator Iii

Under the general direction of the Water Reclamation Facility Lead Operator, the Wastewater Compliance Operator III is responsible for waste water sample collection, and laboratory analysis and coordination with outside entities. This position is responsible for wastewater quality control/quality assurance, and data documentation for the Lighthouse Point Water Reclamation Facility ("facility"). Performs difficult and complex, as well as regular, preventative and recurring operation, maintenance, troubleshooting, modifications and repair work of the facility and its equipment to enhance the purification of sewage into Class "A" Reclaimed water for public contact. Work requires a high degree of accuracy since error or negligence may have serious consequences to the health of citizens and the environment and would affect the city financially and legally. May serve as the Responsible Operator-in-Charge of the facility during absences of the Lead Operator. Works independently under the general supervision of the Water Reclamation Facility Lead Operator and Public Works Director in compliance with Washington State regulations and procedures speci?c to a class III water reclamation facility producing Class "A" reclaimed water for resale.

1. Monitors, controls and performs routine and non-routine facility maintenance duties such as calibration of instrumentation integral to the plant SCADA operations, lubricating bearings, equipment and facilities. Repairs or replaces sensors, blowers, pumps, valves, switches, motors and related equipment as required or assigned.
2. Performs preventative, predictive and corrective maintenance to various unit process equipment used at the water reclamation facility. This includes Visual inspections of equipment, reading gauges, calibrating in line sensors, test equipment, lab analysis, instrument calibration and repair.
3. Collects influent, effluent, reclaimed, and process water samples; performs analysis and records results of analytical laboratory tests such as temperature, suspended solids, free and total chlorine residuals, pH, BOD, turbidity, various nutrient concentrations, total and volatile solids analysis in accordance with established procedures and records results. Participates in laboratory performance evaluation analysis as required. Perform quality assurance/quality control checks and calibrations of laboratory instruments and solutions.
4. Participates in an "On Call" (Standby) status as part of a weekly rotational schedule for responding to after normal working hour emergencies at the facility. Carries a mobile phone, pager or other communication device and able to respond within short notice. Responds to SCADA generated call-out alarms. Attempts to restore the facilities functionality and has the capability to call-out others to effect and document emergency repairs.
5. Maintain log of daily operations; record meter and gauge readings, weather conditions, equipment malfunctions, operational changes, and related information. Record treatment facility laboratory process control data on laboratory bench sheets and enter data into the reclamation facilities computerized database. Analyze data, graphs and reports and take appropriate actions on matters requiring attention. Prepares various state and federal reports for review and approval of supervisor.
6. Is responsible for carrying out the Industrial/pretreatment Compliance Monitoring Program. Performs inspections of dischargers to the sanitary sewer collection system. Collects and analyzes samples. Documents findings and meets with dischargers to discuss results.
7. Coordinates and plans for wastewater sampling. Maintains sampling equipment. Purchase, track inventory, and organize the storage of sampling and analytical supplies within delegated scope of responsibility.
8. Responds to public inquiries in courteous manner, provide information within scope of knowledge or refer to supervisor.
9. Responds to system operations, draws logical conclusions before making operational changes to maximize plant efficiencies and permit compliance using such methods as modifying process control parameters, troubleshooting, and SCADA.
10. Maintains a working relationship with the Department of Ecology, and the Department of Health enforcement officers. Provides liaison coordination within the Public Works Department on monitoring matters.
11. Assists in training interns and volunteers with the goal of them becoming certified operators.
12. Serves as designated City representative on various committees and groups related to primary job responsibilities Plans and conducts tours of treatment plant facilities for visitors.
13. Researches, reviews, evaluates, reports, and implements updated information regarding monitoring practices and procedures. Studies and recommend means to cost effectively improve monitoring and compliance performance.
14. Participates in training programs to assure up to date technical competence and understanding of the total monitoring process.
15. Completes all work in accordance with sound safety practices. Assures that assigned employees conform to established safety procedures.
16. Completes continuing education and on the job training assignments for State certification renewal and testing, and helps train employees.
17. Performs other duties and responsibilities as assigned.

Necessary Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Requires working knowledge of computer based SCADA systems, Device Net, and Ethernet as in use at the Water Reclamation Facility. Proficiency in computing including word processing, spreadsheet calculations, and data base maintenance and updates.
• Requires skill in troubleshooting and correcting system and equipment malfunctions. Requires skill in using hand tools and a detailed knowledge of safety procedures as related to sewage and monitoring operations and ability to identify and resolve problems on a variety of mechanical and electrical equipment.
• Requires ability to communicate effectively, orally and in writing. Ability to read and work from blueprints, ?ow schematics and shop diagrams, understand general business periodicals, professional journals, technical procedures, and governmental regulations. Ability to write reports, business correspondence, and procedure manuals.
• Requires ability to correctly add, subtract, multiply, divide and perform basic algebraic calculations.- Requires knowledge of the principles and practices of activated sludge process, tertiary wastewater purification utilizing proprietary membrane bio-reactors, and reclaimed water production.
• Requires ability to monitor multiple activities, interpret operating data, prioritize tasks, conduct operations simultaneously and complete quality control checks.
• Requires ability to provide fast, friendly and effective customer service, maintain a close working relationship with Public Works staff and other City departments. Effectively resolve conflicts and maintain harmonious relationships with City staff and with the general public while effectively achieving departmental goals.
• Requires thorough knowledge of the principles and practices of activated sludge process, tertiary wastewater purification utilizing proprietary membrane bio-reactors, reclaimed water production and of pertinent federal, state and local laws, codes and regulations specific to all facets of assigned tasks.

Education and/or Experience

• Requires an AAS or equivalent supplemented by course work in chemistry, biology, engineering, environmental studies and/or a related field.
• Minimum Three (3) years of increasing responsible experience in wastewater treatment facility.

License and Certificates

• Valid State of Washington Waste Water Treatment Plant Operator Group III Certification.
• Valid State of Washington Driver's License and a driving record free of any significant moving violations.
• Pass appropriate background checks.
• First Aid and CPR certification.
• Ability to pass pulmonary function testing required for SCBA use.
• Confined Space Entry Training or Certification.

The statements contained herein reflect general details to describe the principal functions of this job, the level of knowledge and skill typically required and the scope of responsibility. This should not be considered an all-inclusive listing of work requirements. Individuals may perform other duties as assigned, including work in other functional areas to cover absences or relief, to equalize peak work periods or otherwise to balance the workload.