Nature of Work

This is technical work assisting with and learning all aspects of the operation and maintenance of the City’s wastewater treatment facilities. After instruction and orientation, quality, and speed of work on routine duties should steadily become comparable to that of a certified operator. The employee typically works shifts in combination with certified Wastewater Plant Operators yet may, after an appropriate training period and demonstration of competency, be assigned to work certain shifts alone. The employee is directly supervised by, and work is evaluated by the Wastewater Treatment Plant Lead Operator on shift.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

• Operates front end deck mowers, zero turn mowers, turf tractors; maintains and repairs departmental equipment.
• Assists in grounds and building maintenance.
• Performs a variety of heavy manual work tasks in connection with the repair, maintenance and construction of City infrastructure.
• With instruction and oversight from a certified operator, learns to properly operate and maintain all aspects of the wastewater treatment facility.
• Learns the fundamentals of proper wastewater treatment by participating in a wide variety of on-the-job tasks as well as through classes, correspondence courses, and general reading.
• Learns to make necessary adjustments to the treatment process to assure compliance with all rules, regulations, and the facility's standard operating procedures.
• Learns to perform minor repairs and preventative maintenance on plant equipment and structures and assists the maintenance staff as necessary with major or unusual maintenance tasks.
• Takes readings and measurements concerning unit processes, collects samples, records measurements and helps maintain accurate records of plant operational and maintenance functions.
• Learns to perform basic physical and chemical analysis to monitor treatment efficiency.
• Informs the Wastewater Treatment Plant Lead Operator of any observed or suspected problems and proceeds with corrective or preventative action, as instructed.
• Learns and demonstrates appropriate safety precautions and procedures for all tasks.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

JOB RELATED PHYSICAL ACTIVITY REQUIREMENTS:
This position involves heavy work requiring the employee to exert up to 100 pounds of force occasionally and less force frequently to move objects.  Physical activity related to this position may include climbing, balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, crawling, reaching, walking, pushing, pulling, lifting, grasping, feeling, talking, hearing, and repetitive motions.  Sufficient visual acuity is required to determine the accuracy, neatness and thoroughness of work assigned. An employee in this position will be primarily exposed to outdoor environmental conditions including extreme cold and heat, vibration and noise; subject to fumes, odors, dusts, mists, gases, or poor ventilation; subject to hazards including working around operating machinery and uneven surfaces; subject to coming in contact with cutting fluids and oils; subject to working in narrow or confined spaces and may be occasionally required to wear a respirator or mask.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

• Must have good interpersonal and communication skills to deal with public.
• Outstanding project management and organizational skills.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Ability to work weekends and holidays, be on call and respond to calls during non-scheduled work hours.
• Ability to learn and implement proper operation and maintenance procedures for wastewater treatment systems in order to meet or exceed permit requirements and standard operating procedures.
• Ability to learn and understand the function and mechanics of pumps, valves, compressors, motors and other plant equipment.
• Ability to learn to monitor the operation of mechanical and electrical equipment in the treatment process, detect flaws and repair same.
• Ability to read meters and charts accurately, to maintain comprehensive records of operation and maintenance tasks, and to perform required physical and chemical analysis accurately.
• Ability to read and comprehend technical information related to the job and to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.
• Ability to understand plant operations and basic algebra math formulas which would lead to a Wastewater 1 License.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE: Graduation from high school and experience in maintenance, repair and/or construction work; or any equivalent combination of experience and training which provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:

-Possession of a valid N.C. Driver’s license. May require possession of an appropriate valid commercial driver’s license or ability to obtain within (6) months of employment.

-Ability to obtain a Wastewater 1 License within 1 year.

-Ability to obtain a Wastewater 2 License within 2 years.

-The City of Statesville requires no less than a State of North Carolina grade 2 Wastewater Certification to remain employed as a WWTP Operator.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:

-The City of Statesville requires that a WWTP Operator achieve a State Certified grade 2 Wastewater License to work as a shift operator within 2 years from hire date.

-The 2 higher certifications is up to the employee’s discretion if they so choose, however they are not required.

-The City of Statesville will pay for the State approved school for each Wastewater certification level with a grade 1 being the entry level and a grade 4 being the highest.

-The City of Statesville will pay for one passing exam for each level of Certification.

PAY RATE AND CAREER DEVELOPMENT:

-Starting Pay as a Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator Trainee: $29,714.50
-After Obtaining Level I Certification: $31,200.00
-Each certification level will be eligible for a 5% pay increase, as applicable, per City policies.

-A Wastewater grade 1 & 2 certification must be able to demonstrate the basics of Wastewater Treatment operations and process control lab work with the minimal number of errors.

-A Wastewater grade 3 & 4 Certified Operator must demonstrate advanced knowledge of the Wastewater Treatment operations and process control lab work with few to no errors.

This position is “non-exempt” and is eligible for overtime pay.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER