Water/Wastewater Treatment Operator in Training (OIT), Operator I, II, or III

The City of Kodiak is recruiting for a full-time Water/Wastewater Treatment Operator in Training (OIT), Operator I, II, or III. The Department is looking for an experienced team player that has a desire to be a part of a progressive Public Works Department working hard to serve the needs of our community.

Under general supervision, a Water/Wastewater Treatment Operator in Training (OIT), Operator I, Operator II, and Operator III, perform a variety of skilled technical duties and semi-skilled labor in the operation and maintenance of the City’s water and wastewater treatment plants and the sewage collection system. Specific responsibilities will vary depending on the operator level of the individual, and will generally include, but is not limited to: operating, maintaining, and repairing collection system, pump stations, and wastewater treatment plant equipment in order to ensure the safe, effective, and efficient day-to-day operations and maintenance of these facilities; operates a variety of maintenance and construction equipment; and maintains a variety of logs and records.

This is a broad classification that encompasses four levels based on the certification levels held by the individual. Advancement to a higher operator level occurs when acquiring and maintaining higher level certifications. The City of Kodiak owns and operates water and wastewater treatment facilities and sewer pump stations. The Water/Wastewater Treatment Operator must frequently make independent, sound decisions on system operations and must perform these duties in a manner that reflects positively on the City and the Department

• Monitors, operates, services, and maintains plant equipment, systems, and processes to ensure proper operations. Duties include, but is not limited to: inspecting pump valves, motors, filters, meters, and computerized controls; taking readings and entering into a database; reviewing chemical levels; adding and mixing chemicals to ensure adequate chemical application according to regulations and guidelines; checking chemical feed pump settings and alarm point settings; repairing and/or replacing equipment; and handling hazardous and toxic chemicals and materials.
• Performs routine cleaning, inspection, troubleshooting, repairing, and maintenance of operations machinery, equipment and controls, facilities, and grounds, which may include, but not limited to: maintaining pumps and electric motors; ensuring belts, bearings, drives, and oil levels are properly adjusted; maintenance and repair of electrical wiring in motors; painting pumps and various structures; clearing stoppages from pipes and valves; pumping sludge; washing down chlorine contact chambers; maintaining lift stations; and/or operating a belt press, centrifuge an UV system.
• Collects water samples and performs applicable laboratory analyses and testing; performs on-site analysis and adjusts processes to achieve proper levels; prepares related bench sheets; enters information into applicable database(s).
• Operate, maintain and repair sewage pump stations. Includes weekly checks, cleaning floats, unplugging pumps, troubleshooting, and occasionally working with Vactor crew to clean wet wells.
• Performs confined space entry duties as required.
• Assists with maintaining supplies, materials, and inventory, ensuring adequate levels available for efficient and effective operations; recommends and orders parts, inventory, supplies, and materials as necessary.
• Maintain, compile and update records and logs of systems operation and maintenance activities.
• Operate a variety of heavy equipment including backhoes, manlifts, forklifts, dump trucks, truck-mounted sludge haulers; assist in unloading chemicals as necessary.
• Performs general plant facility maintenance such as cleaning, painting and repairing plant facilities; performs various grounds maintenance duties as required.
• Conduct tours for the general public, schools, and City staff as necessary.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:
Positions in this class typically require: climbing, balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, reaching, standing, walking, lifting, pushing, pulling, grasping, finger dexterity, feeling, talking, hearing, smelling, seeing and repetitive motions. Specific vision abilities required include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus.

Medium Work: Exerting up to 50 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 20 pounds of force frequently, and/or up to 10 pounds of force constantly, and/or a negligible amount of force frequently or constantly to lift, carry, push, pull or otherwise move objects.

Primary functions require ability to work inside and outside setting; walk, stand, or sit for prolonged periods of time; occasionally stoop, bend, kneel, crouch, reach, and twist; occasionally climb and balance; regularly push, pull, lift, and/or carry light to moderate weights; frequently lift and/or move light to moderate weights; operate office equipment including use of computer keyboard; requires a sense of touch, finger dexterity, and gripping with hands and fingers; ability to speak and hear to exchange information; ability to operate a vehicle and other equipment and specialized tools and equipment.

WORKING CONDITIONS:
Most work is performed at the water and wastewater treatment plant buildings and lift stations. Exposure to inclement weather. Handles hazardous materials and chemicals. Must work with and safely handle hazardous materials and chemicals. Personal protective equipment is provided and must be used in accordance with federal and state laws, and City/Department policies and operating procedures. Exposure to moving mechanical parts, electrical energy, fumes, odors, dusts, gases, poor ventilation, oils, bodily fluids, extreme temperatures, inadequate lighting, workspace restrictions, and noise.

Non-traditional work hours may be required. Rotating weekend schedule for routine checks. Required to respond to emergencies if needed.