Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator

WASTEWATER TREATMENT PLANT OPERATOR

• One (1) Full-time Vacancy: 40 Hours per week
• Monday through Friday from 7:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
• Grade 5G; Hourly Pay Rate Range: $33.37 - $38.90
• Anticipated Hiring Hourly Rate Range: $33.37 - $36.42
• Additional Stipend available: $2.50 per hour for 6C license

DEFINITION:

This position is responsible for skilled technical work in the operation, maintenance and repair of the City’s Wastewater Treatment Plant and its ancillary sewer, leachate and flood control pumping facilities and equipment.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Operates and maintains the Wastewater Treatment Plant and its ancillary pumping facilities and equipment.
• Checks equipment and inspects recording instrumentation to ensure all systems are operating normally; makes control adjustments to the Plant processes as needed.
• Assists in operation of Flood Control pumping facilities as needed.
• Responsible for maintaining inventory of chemicals and supplies.
• Operates and maintains all aeration tanks, grit tanks, digesters, clarifiers and other Plant equipment.
• Obtains wastewater samples and performs laboratory analyses as directed; maintains operational records.
• Collects, records and interprets readings of instruments monitoring treatment processes; maintains operational records.
• Performs preventive and corrective maintenance on Wastewater Treatment Plant equipment and systems.
• Assists in training new operators.
• Understands and follows all safety regulations.
• May be required to perform responsibilities of subordinate positions.
• Performs similar or related work as required.

ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS:

Education and Experience:

Associate’s Degree in science or related field; one to three years of experience in the operation, maintenance and repair of a wastewater treatment plant or similar industrial facility; equivalent combination of education and experience. Massachusetts Grade V Wastewater Treatment Operator's certificate, or eligibility to obtain certification, required; Massachusetts Class D Driver’s license required. Other licenses, if any, are required after date of hire and are defined in the Local 98 Union Collective Bargaining Agreement Contract.

Residency within 15 miles of the physical boundaries of the City of Northampton is desirable.

KNOWLEDGE, ABILITY, AND SKILLS

Knowledge: Knowledge of wastewater treatment process; knowledge of federal and state regulations concerning wastewater treatment; knowledge of the methods and techniques for conducting wastewater treatment analysis.

Abilities: Ability to read and interpret plans, drawings, gauges and recording devices; ability to use tools and equipment; ability to perform laboratory analysis.

Skills: Mechanical skills; computer skills; recordkeeping skills.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

Physical Skills: Work requires moderate physical strength and effort daily, such as lifting heavy objects, carrying the object(s) and stacking them or moving them. In addition, pulling, pushing, standing or walking for the full work day may also be involved.

Motor Skills: The work may involve assignments requiring application of hand and eye coordination with finger dexterity and motor coordination. The work requires the ability to perform laboratory tests.

Visual Skills: Essential position functions require the ability to operate a motor vehicle and to use hand and power tools. In addition, essential position functions require good close, distant, color and peripheral vision and depth perception at correctable ranges.

BENEFITS:

Full benefits and privileges are consistent with Local #98 DPW Collective Bargaining Agreement Contract.

~ Equal Opportunity Employer ~