Starting Salary for the Treatment Operator I-V is commensurate base on certification and experience as follows:

Treatment Operator I & II -$37,803-$47,254

Treatment Operator III & IV - $41,697-$52,122

Treatment Operator V - $46,055-$57,568

SUMMARY:

Operates assigned wastewater facilities according to the rules and regulations set forth by state and federal agencies. Operates such equipment and performs such labor as is necessary to accomplish the work of the Utilities Operations Division.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES include the following:

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  Responsible for maintaining Wastewater Treatment Plant’s (WWTP) systems and ensuring compliance with permit parameters set by state and federal agencies.
• Operates equipment and performs preventive maintenance and repairs on WWTP equipment.
• Provides the physical force required to operate and maintain WWTPs.
• Removes stoppages and clears refuse from WWTP.
• Collects wastewater samples for D.O., pH, cl2 residuals, Fecal, TSS, VSS, NH3, NO3, Settle able Solids, Sludge Cakes, and Sludge Feed and records tests results for reporting to state and federal agencies.
• Records/Calculates flows, time sludge wasted, pounds, daily sample results, chemical usage, Cl2, SO2 bottle changeovers, and ultraviolet bulb usage.
• Composites final effluent samples and complete required paperwork.
• Performs routine visual checks on equipment and listens for unusual noises or vibrations.
• Monitors the proper operations of WWTP and lift stations at night, weekends, and holidays; reporting the operating conditions to Utilities Management as needed
• Assists in the calibration of flow measuring meters.
• Keeps treatment plants in compliance by back flushing filter systems, making necessary adjustments to chemical dosages, maintaining disinfection systems by checking for proper operation, changing U.V. bulbs, fuses, quartz sleeves, and maintaining CL2 systems
• Assists in operation of Sludge Facility equipment.
• Dependent upon license level, may operate WWTPs on weekends with no supervision.
• Operates River Authority vehicles, tractors, power tools, hand tools, other equipment, gasoline mowers, and conducts daily checks of fluid levels as required.
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• Responds to all owned and contracted WWTP emergencies when on call.
• Provides support to collections and maintenance personnel on after hours calls.
• Keeps grounds clean by picking up trash and debris.
• Supervises and performs general maintenance and cleaning of facilities and vehicles.
• Assists other entities with water and wastewater maintenance as needed.
• Takes advantage of education and training opportunities to expand primary duty knowledge.
• All other duties as assigned.

The absence of specific statements of duties does not exclude those tasks from the position if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment of the position.

QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS:

The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill and/or ability required to successfully perform the essential functions of this position.

SUPERVISORY REQUIREMENT:

This position does not directly supervise any employees, higher level technicians may occasionally supervise lower-level technicians.

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE:

A High School Diploma or G.E.D. and one (1) year progressively responsible experience in wastewater treatment or collections, inspections, plumbing, equipment, or facility maintenance; must obtain a Class “D” Wastewater Operator License within one (1) year of employment; or a combination of experience and education that results in the required knowledge, skills, and abilities is required.

Qualified candidates that possess a valid Class “D” Wastewater Operator License at time of hire and have one (1) year of relevant experience, may qualify for Treatment Technician II.

Qualified candidates that possess a valid Class “C” Wastewater Operator License at time of hire and have two (2) years of relevant experience, may qualify for Treatment Technician III.

Qualified candidates that possess a valid Class “B” Wastewater Operator License at time of hire and have three (3) years of relevant experience, may qualify for Treatment Technician IV.

Qualified candidates that possess a valid Class “A” Wastewater Operator License at time of hire and have five (5) years of relevant experience, may qualify for Treatment Technician V.

SPECIAL QUALIFICATIONS:

A thorough knowledge of principle and practices of the EPA and TCEQ regulations and requirements of Wastewater plants; able to pass a national agency check within (6) six months of employment for access to job related work on federal installations; good mechanical aptitude; the ability to properly fill out Department of Transportation logbook; able to read and understand Safety Data Sheets; the ability to swim; and computer proficiency in the current Microsoft Office packages is required.

LANGUAGE AND REASONING SKILLS:

Ability to understand written or oral instructions; read, analyze and interpret documents, instruction manuals, policies, and procedures is essential. Excellent communication skills (both oral and written) are required to effectively present information in a one-on-one, small or large group setting. Strong interpersonal skills are essential to maintain effective working relationships with elected officials, agency representatives, civic groups, employees, and members of the general public. The ability to work effectively and efficiently, under sometimes stressful conditions, to ensure deadlines are met is essential.

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.

Regularly and safely lifts, carries, and handles supplies and equipment weighing at least 60 pounds. Occasionally lifts and carries up to 70 pounds approximately 15 feet. Must be able to maintain effective audio-visual discrimination and perception needed for making observations, communicating with others, reading, writing, and operating office/field equipment. Work requires the ability to traverse uneven terrain, and intermittently walk, stand, climb, balance, bend, crouch and reach while performing work duties.

WORKING ENVIRONMENT:

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job.

Works is typically performed outdoors the majority of the time, sometimes in adverse weather, and is exposed to such typical hazards of outdoor work as poison ivy, wasps, snakes, and other natural and mechanical hazards.

The stress level for this position is low and the workload may require this position to work non-traditional hours including nights, weekends, and holidays. Must be willing and available to work rotating on-call shifts. Must be able to perform in a small but highly professional team-oriented environment.

Must be able to function in a principle-based organization that has a culture built on character and SARA Core Values of Stewardship, Integrity, and Excellence.